In 1850 Prince Charles Gonthier enrolled at the University of Bonn to begin his studies in law and literature.

[2][3] During his reign, he made advancements to the education system of the principality, opening a state school and teacher-training facility.

The princely house of Schwarzburg consisted of two branches, Sondershausen being the senior line and Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt the junior.

According to a family pact from 7 September 1713, upon the extinction of one of the branches, the principality would pass to the surviving one.

He spent the remaining years of his life confined to a hospital bed and died in a sanatorium in Dresden.