Princess Frederica Amalia Of Denmark

Princess Frederica Amalia of Denmark and Norway was born on 11 April 1649. She was the second daughter of King Frederick III of Denmark and his wife, Sophie Amalie of Brunswick-Lüneburg. Her father ascended to the Danish throne on 23 November 1648, five months prior to her birth.

Frederica Amalia married Duke Christian Albert of Holstein-Gottorp on 24 October 1667 at Glücksburg Castle. The marriage was arranged as part of a peace treaty between Denmark and Holstein-Gottorp. Despite this diplomatic intent, conflicts between Denmark and Holstein-Gottorp persisted after the marriage. The marriage was described as unhappy, with reports indicating that Frederica Amalia was often subjected to mistreatment by her husband. Meanwhile, the Danish royal family extended her personal privileges and expressions of affection during her lifetime.

Her brother was Christian V of Denmark. Frederica Amalia's visits to her sister, Queen Ulrika Eleonora of Sweden, were notable for occasions of celebration at the Swedish court, which was described as initially strict. Her visits were appreciated and led to festivities.

Frederica Amalia and Christian Albert had four children:

- Sophie Amalie, born 19 January 1670, died 27 February 1710. She married Duke Augustus William of Brunswick-Lüneburg on 7 July 1695, but they did not have children.

- Frederick, born 18 October 1671, died 19 July 1702. He succeeded his father as Duke Frederick IV of Holstein-Gottorp.

- Christian August, born 11 January 1673, died 24 April 1726. He succeeded his brother as Duke Christian August of Holstein-Gottorp. He was the grandfather of Catherine the Great.

- Marie Elisabeth, born 21 March 1678, died 17 July 1755. She became the Abbess of Quedlinburg.

Frederica Amalia became a widow in 1695. Her sons' anti-Danish sentiments continued to influence her position, given ongoing hostilities between Denmark and Holstein-Gottorp. She died in 1704 at her residence in Kiel.

Her death was notable for the controversy surrounding her funeral. A disagreement between Holstein-Gottorp and Denmark over the ringing of bells threatened to escalate into war between the two states.