Cat's Historical Doodles

Anne (Danish: Anna) was born on 12 December 1574 at the castle of Skanderborg. She was the daughter of King Frederik II of Denmark and his wife, Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow. Her birth came as a blow to her father, who was desperately hoping for a son. Sophie would eventually give birth to a boy, the future Christian IV. Anne and her older sister, Elizabeth, were sent to Güstrow to be raised by their maternal grandparents, the Duke and Duchess of Mecklenburg. Güstrow provided Anne with a frugal and stable life during her childhood. Christian was also sent to Güstrow to be brought up but, in 1579, he returned to Denmark with Anne and Elizabeth. Anne enjoyed a close, happy family upbringing in Denmark. Suitors from all over Europe sought the hands of Anne and Elizabeth in marriage, including King James VI of Scotland, who favoured Denmark as a reformed Kingdom. Queen Sophie was a diligent a matchmaker Sophie and, in July 1589, the agreement for a marriage with the King of Sco...

Caroline Matilda (Danish: Caroline Mathilde) was born on 22 July 1751, in London. She was the ninth and youngest child of Frederick, Prince of Wales, and his wife, Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. Caroline Matilda was brought up by her strict mother away from the court; she was described as natural and informal and, as such, she was uninterested in politics and court intrigues as an adult. Despite the irregularities of her education, Caroline Matilda was musically gifted, an accomplished singer and could speak three languages: Italian, French and German. In 1764, a marriage was suggested between Christian, Crown Prince of Denmark, and herself. This marriage was considered suitable because both the British and Danish royal families were Protestant and of the same rank. Additionally, the British-born Queen Louise of Denmark had been very popular in her new country. The official betrothal was announced on 10 January 1765. On 14 January 1766, in the middle of the wedding prepa...