Louise Charlotte of Brandenburg (13 September 1617 – 28 August 1676), was a Duchess consort of Courland by marriage to Duke Jacob Kettler of Courland.
She was born to George William, Elector of Brandenburg and Elizabeth Charlotte of the Palatinate.
Contents
Life
Nicknamed "Lisgen" as a child. Raised as a Calvinist, she practiced this faith all her life. In 1638 her family moved to Königsberg where she made contact with local group of poets led by Simon Dach.
After Louise Charlotte reached maturity she received first marriage proposals. In total she was proposed to eight times. Among others were King of Poland Władysław IV. However, Louise Charlotte and her parents decided in favour of prince of Courland Jacob Kettler, who was a second cousin of Louise Charlotte.
Courland
They married on 9 October 1645. A poem was composed for the wedding by Simon Dach. After the wedding the new couple moved to Goldingen and later to Mitau.
Louise Charlotte is attributed to have had a large influence over the policy of state during the reign of her consort. She worked with her brother in the interest of Brandenburg, but is also credited to have contributed to the greatness of Courland during her tenure.