Background
He was the eldest son of Frederick II, Duke of Legnica-Brzeg, by his second wife Sophie, daughter of Frederick I, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach. After the death of his father in 1547, Frederick III succeeded him in Legnica.
He was the eldest son of Frederick II, Duke of Legnica-Brzeg, by his second wife Sophie, daughter of Frederick I, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach. After the death of his father in 1547, Frederick III succeeded him in Legnica.
This behavior motivated the invasion of Charles V to the Duchy of Legnica and the formal deposition of Frederick III in 1551. The abdication of Charles V in 1556 changed Frederick III"s situation. The new Emperor, Ferdinand I, restored him in Legnica after his formal promise of obedience and loyalty to him.
Unfortunately, Frederick III"s conduct forced the Emperor to depose him for a second time (27 October 1559), this time for good.
Henry XI was placed again as a Duke of Legnica and Frederick III was placed under house arrest until his death in Legnica eleven years later.
