Sophie of Mecklenburg

On 4 September 1557, Sophie of Mecklenburg was born in Wismar (nowadays
located in Northern Germany). 

Family

Her parents were Ulrich III of Mecklenburg-Güstrow and Elizabeth of Denmark.

Her paternal grandparents were Albrecht VII, Duke of Mecklenburg and Anna of
Brandenburg.

Her maternal grandparents were King Frederick I of Denmark and Sophie of 
Pomerania. 

Sophie of Mecklenburg was a member of the House of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.

Love and Marriage

On 20 July 1572, Sophie of Mecklenburg married to Frederick II of Denmark.
She was only 14 years old, he was 38! They were half-cousins, through their
grandfather King Frederick I of Denmark and Norway. 

Despite the difference of age between Sophie and Frederick the marriage was
described as harmonious. The couple would have 7 children! Her daughter, 

Anne would marry King James VI of Scotland. 

Duty

In 1575, King Frederick II of Denmark became ill due to malaria. Sophie 
nursed her husband personally.

When he died in 1588, Sophie's son Christian IV was still underage. She
wasn't given a place in the regency council, however she ruled the duchies
Schleswig-Holstein for him.

Later Sophie had a conflict with the government and she went to 
Nykøbing Castle. There she spent her time with the study of chemistry,
astronomy and other sciences. She also renovated the castle.

Death

Sophie of Mecklenburg died on 14 October 1631 at the age of 74 in
Denmark. She was buried at the Roskilde Cathedral. 

Source pictures: Wikipedia