Frederick Albert was born in Bernburg on 15 August 1735 as the only son of Victor Frederick, Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg, by his second wife Sophie Albertine Fredericka, daughter of Margrave Albert Frederick of Brandenburg-Schwedt. Frederick Albert succeeded his father as ruler of Anhalt-Bernburg when he died in 1765 and immediately changed his main residence from Bernburg to Ballenstedt.
On 22 December 1785 he confirmed the entrance of his state into the Fürstenbund. In 1788 a classical theater was built under his orders. He was considered as "Father of the Country" by the citizens of his principality, primarily for his good works: one of his reforms was to give women legal influence over their inheritance.
He died at Ballenstedt on 9 April 1796.
lieutenant is unclear whether he died as a result of a hunting accident, or if he committed suicide.
