Biography of Frederick III King Denmark 1609-1670

Paternal Family Tree: Oldenburg

On 04 Apr 1588 [his grandfather] Frederick II King Denmark (age 53) died. His son [his father] Christian IV King Denmark (age 10) succeeded IV King Denmark.

On 18 Mar 1609 Frederick III King Denmark was born to Christian IV King Denmark (age 31).

In 1643 Frederick III King Denmark (age 33) and Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 14) were married. She the daughter of George Hanover Duke Brunswick-Lüneburg and Anne Eleonore Hesse Darmstadt Duchess Brunswick-Lüneburg (age 41). He the son of Christian IV King Denmark (age 65).

On 15 Apr 1646 [his son] Christian V King Denmark and Norway was born to Frederick III King Denmark (age 37) and [his wife] Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 18).

On 01 Sep 1647 [his daughter] Anna Sophie Oldenburg was born to Frederick III King Denmark (age 38) and [his wife] Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 19).

On 28 Feb 1648 [his father] Christian IV King Denmark (age 70) died. His son Frederick III King Denmark (age 38) succeeded III King Denmark. [his wife] Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 19) by marriage Queen Consort Denmark.

On 11 Apr 1649 [his daughter] Frederica Amalia Oldenburg was born to Frederick III King Denmark (age 40) and [his wife] Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 21).

On 21 Jun 1650 [his daughter] Wilhelmina Ernestina Oldenburg was born to Frederick III King Denmark (age 41) and [his wife] Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 22).

On 11 Oct 1651 [his son] Frederick Oldenburg was born to Frederick III King Denmark (age 42) and [his wife] Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 23).

On 14 Mar 1652 [his son] Frederick Oldenburg died.

On 02 Apr 1653 [his son] Prince George of Denmark 1st Duke Cumberland was born to Frederick III King Denmark (age 44) and [his wife] Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 25) at Copenhagen Castle.

On 11 Sep 1656 [his daughter] Ulrika Eleonora Oldenburg was born to Frederick III King Denmark (age 47) and [his wife] Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 28).

On 16 Nov 1657 [his daughter] Dorothea Oldenburg was born to Frederick III King Denmark (age 48) and [his wife] Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 29).

On 15 May 1658 [his daughter] Dorothea Oldenburg died.

On 17 Nov 1660 [his sister-in-law] Dorothea Magdalene Hanover (age 31) died.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Sep 1665. By break of day we come to within sight of the fleete, which was a very fine thing to behold, being above 100 ships, great and small; with the flag-ships of each squadron, distinguished by their several flags on their main, fore, or mizen masts. Among others, the Soveraigne, Charles, and Prince; in the last of which my Lord Sandwich (age 40) was. When we called by her side his Lordshipp was not stirring, so we come to anchor a little below his ship, thinking to have rowed on board him, but the wind and tide was so strong against us that we could not get up to him, no, though rowed by a boat of the Prince's that come to us to tow us up; at last however he brought us within a little way, and then they flung out a rope to us from the Prince and so come on board, but with great trouble and tune and patience, it being very cold; we find my Lord newly up in his night-gown very well. He received us kindly; telling us the state of the fleet, lacking provisions, having no beer at all, nor have had most of them these three weeks or month, and but few days' dry provisions. And indeed he tells us that he believes no fleete was ever set to sea in so ill condition of provision, as this was when it went out last. He did inform us in the business of Bergen1, so as to let us see how the judgment of the world is not to be depended on in things they know not; it being a place just wide enough, and not so much hardly, for ships to go through to it, the yardarmes sticking in the very rocks. He do not, upon his best enquiry, find reason to except against any part of the management of the business by Teddiman; he having staid treating no longer than during the night, whiles he was fitting himself to fight, bringing his ship a-breast, and not a quarter of an hour longer (as is said); nor could more ships have been brought to play, as is thought. Nor could men be landed, there being 10,000 men effectively always in armes of the Danes; nor, says he, could we expect more from the Dane than he did, it being impossible to set fire on the ships but it must burn the towne. But that wherein the Dane did amisse is, that he did assist them, the Dutch, all the while, while he was treating with us, while he should have been neutrall to us both. But, however, he did demand but the treaty of us; which is, that we should not come with more than five ships. A flag of truce is said, and confessed by my Lord, that he believes it was hung out; but while they did hang it out, they did shoot at us; so that it was not either seen perhaps, or fit to cease upon sight of it, while they continued actually in action against us. But the main thing my Lord wonders at, and condemns the Dane for, is, that the blockhead (age 56), who is so much in debt to the Hollander, having now a treasure more by much than all his Crowne was worth, and that which would for ever have beggared the Hollanders, should not take this time to break with the Hollander, and, thereby paid his debt which must have been forgiven him, and got the greatest treasure into his hands that ever was together in the world.

Note 1. Lord Sandwich (age 40) was not so successful in convincing other people as to the propriety of his conduct at Bergen as he was with Pepys.

Pepy's Diary. 01 Nov 1665. This night coming with Sir W. Batten (age 64) into Greenwich, Kent [Map] we called upon Coll. Cleggatt, who tells us for certaine that the King of Denmark (age 56) hath declared to stand for the King of England (age 35), but since I hear it is wholly false.

Calendars. 19 Sep 1666. Whitehall. 45. Order in Council for the printing and publishing a declaration of war against Denmark. [Printed.] Annexing: 45. 1. "A true deduction of all transactions between His Majesty of Great Britain and the King of Denmark (age 57), with a declaration of war against the said King, and the motives that obliged His Majesty thereunto." [22 pages, printed.]

On 09 Oct 1666 [his son-in-law] John George Wettin III Elector Saxony (age 19) and [his daughter] Anna Sophie Oldenburg (age 19) were married. She the daughter of Frederick III King Denmark (age 57) and Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 38). He the son of John George Wettin Elector Saxony (age 53). They were third cousin once removed.

Pepy's Diary. 19 Oct 1666. After a little more discourse, I left them, and to White Hall, where I met with Sir Robert Viner (age 35), who told me a little of what, in going home, I had seen; also a little of the disorder and mutiny among the seamen at the Treasurer's office, which did trouble me then and all day since, considering how many more seamen will come to towne every day, and no money for them. A Parliament sitting, and the Exchange [Map] close by, and an enemy to hear of, and laugh at it1. Viner (age 35) too, and Backewell, were sent for this afternoon; and was before the King (age 36) and his Cabinet about money; they declaring they would advance no more, it being discoursed of in the House of Parliament for the King (age 36) to issue out his privy-seals to them to command them to trust him, which gives them reason to decline trusting. But more money they are persuaded to lend, but so little that (with horrour I speake it), coming after the Council was up, with Sir G. Carteret (age 56), Sir W. Coventry (age 38), Lord Bruncker (age 46), and myself, I did lay the state of our condition before the Duke of York (age 33), that the fleete could not go out without several things it wanted, and we could not have without money, particularly rum and bread, which we have promised the man Swan to helpe him to £200 of his debt, and a few other small sums of £200 a piece to some others, and that I do foresee the Duke of York (age 33) would call us to an account why the fleete is not abroad, and we cannot answer otherwise than our want of money; and that indeed we do not do the King (age 36) any service now, but do rather abuse and betray his service by being there, and seeming to do something, while we do not. Sir G. Carteret (age 56) asked me (just in these words, for in this and all the rest I set down the very words for memory sake, if there should be occasion) whether £50 or £60 would do us any good; and when I told him the very rum man must have £200, he held up his eyes as if we had asked a million. Sir W. Coventry (age 38) told the Duke of York (age 33) plainly he did rather desire to have his commission called in than serve in so ill a place, where he cannot do the King (age 36) service, and I did concur in saying the same. This was all very plain, and the Duke of York (age 33) did confess that he did not see how we could do anything without a present supply of £20,000, and that he would speak to the King (age 36) next Council day, and I promised to wait on him to put him in mind of it. This I set down for my future justification, if need be, and so we broke up, and all parted, Sir W. Coventry (age 38) being not very well, but I believe made much worse by this night's sad discourse. So I home by coach, considering what the consequence of all this must be in a little time. Nothing but distraction and confusion; which makes me wish with all my heart that I were well and quietly settled with what little I have got at Brampton, where I might live peaceably, and study, and pray for the good of the King (age 36) and my country.

Note 1. The King of Denmark (age 57) was induced to conclude a treaty with the United Provinces, a secret article of which bound him to declare war against England. The order in council for the printing and publishing a declaration of war against Denmark is dated "Whitehall, Sept. 19, 1666"; annexed is "A True Declaration of all transactions between his Majesty of Great Britain and the King of Denmark, with a declaration of war against the said king, and the motives that obliged his Majesty thereunto" (Calendar of State Papers, 1666-67, p. 140).

Pepy's Diary. 20 Oct 1666. Thence, with Sir G. Carteret (age 56), home to dinner, with him, my Lady and Mr. Ashburnham (age 62), the Cofferer. Here they talk that the Queene (age 56) hath a great mind to alter her fashion, and to have the feet seen, which she loves mightily; and they do believe that it [will] come into it in a little time. Here I met with the King's declaration about his proceedings with the King of Denmarke (age 57), and particularly the business of Bergen; but it is so well writ, that, if it be true, the King of Denmarke (age 57) is one of the most absolute wickednesse in the world for a person of his quality.

On 13 Nov 1666 [his brother-in-law] Anna Marie Eleonore Hanover (age 35) died.

On 15 Jun 1667 [his son] Christian V King Denmark and Norway (age 21) and [his daughter-in-law] Charlotte Amalie Hesse-Kassel Queen Consort Denmark and Norway (age 17) were married. She the daughter of Wilhelm "The Just" VI Hesse-Kassel and Hedwig Sophia Hohenzollern (age 43). He the son of Frederick III King Denmark (age 58) and Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 39). They were fourth cousins.

Pepy's Diary. 08 Sep 1667. I went to the King's Chapel to the closet, and there I hear Cresset sing a tenor part along with the Church musick very handsomely, but so loud that people did laugh at him, as a thing done for ostentation. Here I met Sir G. Downing (age 42), who would speak with me, and first to inquire what I paid for my kid's leather gloves I had on my hand, and shewed me others on his, as handsome, as good in all points, cost him but 12d. a pair, and mine me 2s. He told me he had been seven years finding out a man that could dress English sheepskin as it should be-and, indeed, it is now as good, in all respects, as kid, and he says will save £100,000 a-year, that goes out to France for kid's skins. Thus he labours very worthily to advance our own trade, but do it with mighty vanity and talking. But then he told me of our base condition, in the treaty with Holland and France, about our prisoners, that whereas before we did clear one another's prisoners, man for man, and we upon the publication of the peace did release all our's, 300 at Leith, and others in other places for nothing, the Dutch do keep theirs, and will not discharge them with[out] paying their debts according to the Treaty. That his instruments in Holland, writing to our Embassadors about this to Bredagh, they answer them that they do not know of any thing that they have done therein, but left it just as it was before. To which, when they answer, that by the treaty their Lordships had [not] bound our countrymen to pay their debts in prison, they answer they cannot help it, and we must get them off as cheap as we can. On this score, they demand £1100 for Sir G. Ascue (age 51), and £5000 for the one province of Zealand, for the prisoners that we have therein. He says that this is a piece of shame that never any nation committed, and that our very Lords here of the Council, when he related this matter to them, did not remember that they had agreed to this article; and swears that all their articles are alike, as the giving away Polleroon, and Surinam, and Nova Scotia, which hath a river 300 miles up the country, with copper mines more than Swedeland, and Newcastle [Map] coals, the only place in America that hath coals that we know of; and that Cromwell did value those places, and would for ever have made much of them; but we have given them away for nothing, besides a debt to the King of Denmarke (age 58). But, which is most of all, they have discharged those very particular demands of merchants of the Guinny company and others, which he, when he was there, had adjusted with the Dutch, and come to an agreement in writing, and they undertaken to satisfy, and that this was done in black and white under their hands; and yet we have forgiven all these, and not so much as sent to Sir G. Downing (age 42) to know what he had done, or to confer with him about any one point of the treaty, but signed to what they would have, and we here signed to whatever in grosse was brought over by Mr. Coventry (age 39). And [Sir G. Downing (age 42)] tells me, just in these words, "My Chancellor (age 58) had a mind to keep himself from being questioned by clapping up a peace upon any terms". When I answered that there was other privy-councillors to be advised with besides him, and that, therefore, this whole peace could not be laid to his charge, he answered that nobody durst say any thing at the council-table but himself, and that the King (age 37) was as much afeard of saying any thing there as the meanest privy-councillor; and says more, that at this day the King (age 37), in familiar talk, do call the Chancellor (age 58) "the insolent man", and says that he would not let him speak himself in Council: which is very high, and do shew that the Chancellor (age 58) is like to be in a bad state, unless he can defend himself better than people think. And yet Creed tells me that he do hear that my Lord Cornbury do say that his father do long for the coming of the Parliament, in order to his own vindication, more than any one of his enemies.

On 30 Nov 1668 [his brother-in-law] Johann Friedrich Hanover (age 43) and Benedicta Henrietta Palatinate Simmern (age 16) were married. The difference in their ages was 26 years. He the son of George Hanover Duke Brunswick-Lüneburg and Anne Eleonore Hesse Darmstadt Duchess Brunswick-Lüneburg. She a great granddaughter of King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland.

Frederick III King Denmark Dies Christian V King Denmark Succeeds

On 09 Feb 1670 Frederick III King Denmark (age 60) died. His son [his son] Christian V King Denmark and Norway (age 23) succeeded V King Denmark and Norway. [his daughter-in-law] Charlotte Amalie Hesse-Kassel Queen Consort Denmark and Norway (age 19) by marriage Queen Consort Denmark and Norway.

In 20 Feb 1685 [his former wife] Sophie Amalie Hanover Queen Consort Denmark (age 56) died.

Royal Ancestors of Frederick III King Denmark 1609-1670

Kings Wessex: Great x 18 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings England: Great x 13 Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 16 Grand Son of Malcolm III King Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 14 Grand Son of Louis VII King Franks

Kings France: Great x 11 Grand Son of Philip "Bold" III King France

Royal Descendants of Frederick III King Denmark 1609-1670

Christian V King Denmark and Norway x 1

John George Wettin IV Elector Saxony x 1

Ulrika Eleonora Palatinate Zweibrücken Queen Consort Sweden x 1

Louis XVI King France x 1

Louis XVIII King France x 1

King Charles X of France x 1

Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies Queen Consort Spain x 1

Constantine I King Greece x 1

Alexandrine Mecklenburg-Schwerin Queen Consort Denmark x 1

Philip Mountbatten Duke Edinburgh x 1

Ancestors of Frederick III King Denmark 1609-1670

Great x 1 Grandfather: Christian III King Denmark 10 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

GrandFather: Frederick II King Denmark 11 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Dorothea of Saxe Lauenburg Queen Consort Denmark and Norway

Father: Christian IV King Denmark 12 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: Ulrich Mecklenburg-Schwerin 11 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

GrandMother: Sophie Mecklenburg-Schwerin Queen Consort Denmark 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Frederick III King Denmark 13 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England