He succeeded to the throne in 1802, and in 1820 he assumed control of the government from his mother, who had been acting as regent due to his youth at accession.

As he was just six years old, his mother Princess Pauline acted as regent until 3 July 1820, when he assumed control of the government.

Among those to perform at the theatre were Albert Lortzing and Ludwig Devrient, who were employed there from 1826 to 1833.

Following his death in Detmold, he was succeeded on the throne by his eldest son Leopold III.

[4] Prince Leopold was married in Arnstadt on 23 April 1820 to Princess Emilie of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen (1800–1867), a daughter of Günther Friedrich Karl I, Prince of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen, and Princess Caroline of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt.