Eventually, Daisy identified her husband's relative, Princess Benigna Karoline Elisabeth Charlotte Reuss of Köstritz (1892–1983) as a suitable bride.

[7] As Adolf Friedrich was agreeable to the match his Minister-President Heinrich Bossart (1857-1930) started negotiations with the future bride's family to bring about the marriage.

This left Mecklenburg-Strelitz facing a succession crisis, as the only surviving member of the Strelitz line, Duke Charles Michael of Mecklenburg, had served in the Russian military (in opposition to German and allied forces) and had indicated in 1914 that he wished to renounce his rights to the throne of Mecklenburg-Strelitz;[9] at Adolphus Frederick's request, Charles Michael later agreed to defer any renunciation until the matter arose.

[9] Friedrich Franz IV received confirmation from Charles Michael that he wished to renounce his succession rights, although this only arrived in 1919, after the abolition of the monarchies and the establishment of the Free State of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.

He did this on the condition that Christian agree to become Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and take up residence in Neustrelitz; otherwise the inheritance would be reduced to 3 million marks.