1786–1848
Christian VIII
Charlotte Frederikke is Christian VIII's first consort.
✩ 4 December 1784 ✝ 13 July 1840 ♔ 1806
Princess Charlotte Frederikke
Princess Charlotte Frederikke is a colourful but not very well-known figure in Danish history. Her empty grave holds an inexplicable mystery. What happened to her remains?
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Married to Christian VIII
Charlotte Frederikke married Prince Christian (VIII) Frederik, in 1806, despite the scepticism of the Crown Prince Frederik (VI).
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Divorce and banishment
After Struensee and Caroline Mathilde's shocking affair, Frederik VI was strict with Charlotte Frederikke, who was divorced and banished to Horsens.
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Charlotte Frederikke had to give up her son
Charlotte Frederikke had to leave her son, Frederik (VII), at the royal court. She never saw him again but received a painting of him every year.
Charlotte Frederikke's history, from birth to death
Explore Charlotte Frederikke's life from birth to death – a fate shaped by love, scandals and mystery.
1784
Charlotte Frederikke is born
Charlotte Frederikke is born, on 4 December 1784, and grows up at the Ludwigslust palace in northern Germany.
1803
Charlotte Frederikke meets Prince Christian (VIII) Frederik
Charlotte Frederikke is 19 years old when she meets her 21-year-old cousin Prince Christian (VIII) Frederik at Ludwigslust.
1806
Charlotte Frederikke marries Prince Christian (VIII) Frederik
Despite the scepticism of the Danish Crown Prince Frederik (VI), Charlotte Frederikke marries Christian Frederik on 21 June 1806.
1807
Charlotte Frederikke gives birth to a son
A year after the wedding, Charlotte Frederikke gives birth to a son, who dies just after birth. Later that same year, she gives birth to a second son, Prince Frederik (VII).
1809
Frederik VI insists on divorce
It becomes widely known that Charlotte Frederikke, who is deeply upset over Christian Frederik's extramarital affairs, has herself taken a lover. Frederik VI insists on a divorce, and Charlotte Frederikke is banished to the Danish town of Horsens.
1829
Charlotte Frederikke receives permission to go to a spa in Europe
After numerous requests to Frederik VI, Charlotte Frederikke is finally allowed to go for spa treatments in Europe. Her health is frail after her exile in Horsens. She travels to Italy, where she is given permission to remain.
1839
Frederik VI dies
News of the death of Frederik VI reaches Charlotte Frederikke in Rome. With pride, she learns that her son has now become the crown prince. She would to return to Denmark, but her health is too frail.
1840
Charlotte Frederikke's condition deteriorates
Charlotte Frederikkes condition deteriorates further. She suffers from asthma, arthritis and a pathological build-up of liquid in her body.
1840
Charlotte Frederikke dør
Charlotte Frederikke dies, on 13 July 1840, aged 55. She is buried in the Germany cemetery next to St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
2019
Charlotte Frederikke's grave is opened
In 2019, Charlotte Frederikke's grave is opened as part of the investigation of a missing person's case. In a mysterious turn of events, the investigators find that her grave is empty!
