Adalbert released William from active service for about a month until the Battle of Tres Forcas on 7 August 1856.

In April 1860, he asked his release from active service duty, and on 22 March 1864 was appointed Konteradmiral (counter admiral).

They had five children: William and Maria divorced on 18 March 1872, and she lost the right of use the title of Princess of Hesse.

Four years later, on 28 July 1876, she and her surviving children were styled Princes and Princesses of Ardeck by William I.

His widow lived another forty years until her death in Rotenburg an der Fulda on 16 September 1932.