Kirsten Madsdatter was King Christian IV of Denmark

Christian IV of Denmark

Christian IV was the king of Denmark-Norway from 1588 until his death. With a reign of more than 59 years, he is the longest-reigning monarch of Denmark, and he is frequently remembered as one of the most popular, ambitious and proactive Danish kings, having initiated many reforms and projects...

's lover, and the mother of one of his three acknowledged, illegitimate sons, Christian Ulrik Gyldenløve

Christian Ulrik Gyldenløve

Christian Ulrik Gyldenløve was a Danish diplomat and military officer. He was one of three acknowledged illegitimate sons of Christian IV of Denmark— the only one by Kirsten Madsdatter. He died in a fight with troops from the Netherlands at the churchyard of Meinerzhagen and was buried in...

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Kirsten Madsdatter was likely the daughter of Copenhagen's mayor Mathias Hansen, though this is unconfirmed. She was originally a chambermaid to Queen Anna Catherine

Anne Catherine of Brandenburg

Anne Catherine of Brandenburg was queen-consort of Denmark and Norway from 1597 to 1612 as the first spouse of King Christian IV of Denmark.-Biography:...

. The relationship started before the death of the queen; their son was born in 1611. In 1612, the queen died. In 1613, Kirsten died and was replaced hy Karen Andersdatter

Karen Andersdatter

Karen Andersdatter was a Danish county administrator, a lover of King Christian IV of Denmark from 1613 until 1615/16, and the mother of one of his three acknowledged, illegitimate sons, Hans Ulrik Gyldenløve.- Biography :...

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