Queen Ulrika Eleonora the Elder

Queen Ulrika Eleonora the Elder

Ulrika Eleonora the Elder was the daughter of Fredrik III of Denmark and Sofia Amalia of Braunschweig-Lüneburg. She was engaged to Karl XI in 1675 for political reasons, but the wedding did not take place until five years later. This confirmed the peace between Sweden and Denmark in 1679.

The couple had seven children in just eight years, three of whom reached adulthood. Two of them, Karl (XII) and Ulrika Eleonora the Younger, eventually ruled Sweden.

The queen exerted no political influence. Instead, she devoted herself to her children and to charitable causes, including establishing poorhouses and orphanages.

Ulrika Eleonora the Elder 1656–1693, Queen of Sweden and Princess of Denmark, painted by the French artist Jacques D'Agar (1640–1715). The portrait hangs at Gripsholm Castle, and is part of the Swedish State Portrait Collection. Photo: Nationalmuseum

Ulrika Eleonora Of DEnmark

Born 11 September 1656, died 26 July 1693
Queen 1680–1693

Coronation

1680 Stockholm Cathedral

Buried

1693 Riddarholmen Church

Predecessor

Hedvig Eleonora

Successor

Fredrik of Hesse

Spouse

Karl XI

Issue

Hedvig Sofia (1681–1708)
Karl XII (1682–1718), King of Sweden1697–1718
Gustav (1683–1685)
Ulrik (1684–1685)
Fredrik (1685–1685)
Karl Gustav (1686–1687)
Ulrika Eleonora the Younger (1688–1741), Queen 1719–1720

Ulrika Eleonora
of Denmark