Karen Andersdatter

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Karen Andersdatter (died 1673) was King Christian IV of Denmark's lover, and the mother of one of his three acknowledged, illegitimate sons, Hans Ulrik Gyldenløve.

She was born to Anders Hansen and Bodil Knudsdatter.

Her relationship to the king lasted about three years.

She left the royal court ca. 1615, presumably on account of the King's marriage to Kirsten Munk. In 1616 she received Hven (then Denmark, now Sweden) as an entailed estate, and where she served as county administrator. She also received a lifelong pension, and later on a number of estate in Copenhagen.

Caretaking of Hven transferred to her son, Hans Ulrik, in 1642.

[edit] References

• Lars Bisgaard, Claus Bjørn, Michael Bregnsbo, Merete Harding, Kurt Villads Jensen, Knud J. V. Jespersen, Danmarks Konger og Dronninger (Copenhagen, 2004)