Kirsten Madsdatter

Kirsten Madsdatter (died 1613) was King Christian IV of Denmark's lover, and the mother of one of his three acknowledged, illegitimate sons, Christian Ulrik Gyldenløve.

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. 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 by Karen Andersdatter.

References

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