Princess Louise Augusta of Denmark and Norway was a prominent figure of the Danish royal family in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Despite being officially recognized as the daughter of King Christian VII and Queen Caroline Matilda of Great Britain, her biological father was widely believed to be Johann Friedrich Struensee, the king’s physician and de facto ruler at the time of her birth.
In this article, we delve into the life of this fascinating royal figure and explore the key events that shaped her life and legacy.
Early Life and Court Life
Born on 7th July 1771 at Hirschholm Palace, Louise Augusta was raised at the Danish court in Copenhagen after her mother and Struensee was arrested and subsequently executed.
Along with her younger brother Crown Prince Frederick, Louise was placed under the care of Juliana Maria of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, where she developed a close relationship with her brother that lasted their entire lives.
Marriage and Family
In February 1779, Chief Minister Andreas Peter Bernstorff arranged a marriage between Louise Augusta and the Hereditary Prince of Augustenborg, a prince with a strong connection to the Danish royal family.
The marriage was announced in 1785 when Louise was just 14 years old, and the couple went on to have three children: Caroline Amalie, Christian August, and Frederik Emil August.
Louise Augusta and her husband lived in Copenhagen until the Christiansborg Palace fire of 1794, after which they moved to Als and Gråsten. She was known for being the centre of court activities and was often referred to as the “Venus of Denmark” due to her beauty and lively personality.
While Louise Augusta was extroverted and pleasure-loving, her husband was serious and interested in philosophy and politics. Despite their differences, the couple remained married until her husband’s death in 1814.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Image: Anton Graff, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Louise Augusta’s life and legacy have been celebrated in various forms throughout Danish history. She was the subject of several portraits by renowned artists, including Jens Juel and Anton Graff.
In recent years, her life has been the basis for the best-selling historical novel “Kærlighedsbarn” by Maria Helleberg, which inspired a biographical exhibition on the princess at Rosenborg Castle.
Additionally, Fort Augustaborg in Ghana was named after her, a testament to her historical significance and cultural impact.
Conclusion
Princess Louise Augusta of Denmark lived a life of royal intrigue, marked by the controversy surrounding her parentage and her marriage to the Hereditary Prince of Augustenborg.
Despite these challenges, she was known for her beauty, charisma, and lively personality, making her a beloved figure in Danish history. Her legacy lives on through her children and the various artistic and cultural tributes to her life and impact.
Image: Anton Graff, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons