Background
Hedwig was born on 5 August 1581 at Frederiksborg Palace in Denmark, the seventh child and fourth daughter of King Frederick II of Denmark and Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow.
Hedwig was born on 5 August 1581 at Frederiksborg Palace in Denmark, the seventh child and fourth daughter of King Frederick II of Denmark and Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow.
After Christian"s death in 1611, the Dowager Electress Hedwig held a powerful position in Saxony. The nine-year marriage was childless. Christian died in Dresden on 23 June 1611.
She shared her authority with the new Elector, but her subjects considered her their sovereign.
She was able to maintain her independence from her brother-in-law when it came to trade and commerce. She acted independently, granting letters of free passage et cetera, something that was normally the prerogative of the Elector.
Additionally, she founded churches and aided the poor, sick, and disabled. Because of her position and connections, her territories were hardly attacked during the Thirty Years" War.
She died on 26 November 1641 at Schloss Lichtenburg in Prettin.