Gyldenløve (Danish: [kylənløːwə]; "Golden Lion") was a surname for several illegitimate children of Oldenburg kings of Denmark-Norway in the 17th century.

The Golden Lions (illegitimate children) had the right to bear an exclusive coronet different from those of counts, barons, and untitled nobles. Shown here second from the top, in the first column.

Kings

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The surname Gyldenløve was given to the sons of the following Dano-Norwegian kings:

Christian IV

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Christian IV had many illegitimate children by various mistresses. Three of his illegitimate sons were officially recognised and given the surname Gyldenløve:

Frederick III

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Frederick III fathered Ulrik Frederick (1638–1704) by Margrethe Pape, who was also acknowledged and given the surname Gyldenløve. Ulrik Frederick earned great respect[1][2] from Norwegians while serving as a Statholder in Norway.

Christian V

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Christian V fathered five children with Sophie Amalie Moth:

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Edvard Holm, Danmark-Norges indre Historie under Enevælden fra 1660 til 1720, vol. 2, 1886, p. 49ff.
  2. ^ Ludvig Daae, Det gamle Christiania 1624-1814, 1871, p. 125