Sofie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
| Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow | |
|---|---|
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| Queen consort of Denmark and Norway | |
| Tenure | 1572–1588 |
| Born | 4 September 1557 Wismar |
| Died | 14 October 1631 (aged 74) Nyköping |
| Burial | Roskilde Cathedral |
| Spouse | Frederick II of Denmark |
| Issue |
Elizabeth, Duchess of Brunswick Anne, Queen of England Christian IV of Denmark Ulrich II, Prince-Bishop of Schwerin Augusta, Duchess Holstein-Gottorp Hedwig, Electress of Saxony John, Prince of Schleswig-Holstein |
| House | Mecklenburg-Schwerin |
| Father | Ulrich III of Mecklenburg-Güstrow |
| Mother | Elizabeth of Denmark |
| Religion | Lutheranism |
Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow (4 September 1557, Wismar – 14 October 1631, Nykøbing Falster) was a German noble and Queen of Denmark and Norway. She was the mother of King Christian IV of Denmark. She was Regent of Schleswig-Holstein 1590–94.
She was the daughter of Duke Ulrich III of Mecklenburg-Güstrow and Princess Elizabeth of Denmark (a daughter of Frederick I and Sophie of Pomerania). Through her father, a grandson of Elizabeth of Oldenburg, she descended from King John of Denmark. Like Ulrich, she had a great love of knowledge. Later, she would be known as one of the most learned Queens of the time.
At the age of fourteen Sophie, on July 20, 1572, married Frederick II of Denmark in Copenhagen; he was thirty-seven. They were first half-cousins, through their grandfather, Frederick I, King of Denmark and Norway. The marriage was arranged by the Danish Council, who wished the King to marry. King Frederick married her after being barred from marrying his mistress Anne of Hardenberg, the daughter of the Lord Chancellor.
Despite the age difference between Sophie and Frederick, the marriage was described as harmonious. Queen Sophie was a loving mother, nursing her children personally during their illnesses. Because her spouse was well known for vast meals, heavy drinking, and restless behavior which included unfaithfulness, she sent her three eldest children to live with her parents in Güstrow for their early years. She showed a keen interest in science and visited the astronomer Tycho Brahe. She was also interested in the old songs of folklore.
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