Sophie Augusta of Holstein-Gottorp (5 December 1630 in Gottorp – 12 December 1680 in Coswig) was a regent of Anhalt-Zerbst during the minority of her eldest surviving son from 1667 until 1674.
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Life
She was a daughter of Frederick III, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp and Duchess Marie Elisabeth of Saxony.
On 16 September 1649 in Gottorp, she married John VI, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst. Sophie Augusta was constantly pregnant during her marriage, giving birth almost once a year, but most of her children went on to die in infancy.
After her husband died in 1667, she served as regent for her minor son Charles William until he came of age in 1674.
Issue
Only five of her fourteen children survived into adulthood:
John Frederick, Hereditary Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst (b. Zerbst, 11 October 1650 – d. Zerbst, 13 March 1651), died in infancy.
George Rudolph, Hereditary Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst (b. Zerbst, 8 September 1651 – d. Zerbst, 26 February 1652), died in infancy.
Karl William, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst (b. Zerbst, 16 October 1652 – d. Zerbst, 8 November 1718).