Paul Friedrich became heir-apparent to the throne of Mecklenburg-Schwerin in 1819, upon the death of his father, the Hereditary Grand Duke.

His reign saw improvements in the infrastructure and judicial system of the Grand Duchy, as well as a change in the government's seat of residence from Ludwigslust to Schwerin.

Nonetheless, Paul Friedrich was largely interested only in military matters and spent most of his time drilling his troops.

As Paul Friedrich reached his middle age, he adopted a more reclusive lifestyle, preferring only the company of his mistress.

They had two sons and one daughter: Paul Friedrich also had issue with his mistress, Countess Catharina von Hauke, daughter of Johann Mauritz Hauke and sister of Princess Julia of Battenberg: Media related to Paul Frederick, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin at Wikimedia Commons