Background
Sophia was the eldest daughter of Duke Adolph of Holstein-Gottorp and his wife Christine of Hesse.
Sophia was the eldest daughter of Duke Adolph of Holstein-Gottorp and his wife Christine of Hesse.
John was a weak ruler who was unable to rule his indebted and corrupt country. Sophia almost lived in poverty. Initially, Duke Ulrich of Mecklenburg took up the regency and Sophia retreated to her widow"s seat in Lübz.
The country visibly declined during the administration of governors sent by Duke Ulrich.
Sophia administered her wittum, the districts of Rehna and Wittenburg very cautiously, economincally and carefully. She took up the challenge and acted energetically against the abuses of the previous administration.
She managed to improve the Duchy"s financial situation. In 1608, Duke Charles I asked the emperor to declare Sophia"s eldest son an adult.
Her sons had been estranged from her for some time.
During their reign, the country descended into financial chaos again. Sophia returned to Lübz. However, he left her in peace.
Sophia died on 14 November 1634.
The later Grand Dukes of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz all descend from her. Adolf Frederick I, Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin from 1592 to 1628 and from 1631 to 1658
John Albert II, Duke of Mecklenburg-Güstrow from 1592 to 1628 and from 1631 to 1636
Anna Sophie (1591-1648).
