Period

Kirsten Munk lived from 1598 to 1658.

Marriage

She was married to Christian IV in 1615 in what was known as a morganatic marriage, which meant that she did not receive the title of queen.

Interests

Kirsten rose in status and independence and was known for her strong will and temperament. She actively involved herself in court life, but also in power plays and alliances – not least through her many children.

Family

She came from a Danish noble family and had a total of 12 children. The children were not of royal blood, but many of them played prominent roles, and several became important pieces in the political games of the time.

When Kirsten Munk was chosen by Christian IV at just 17, she stepped straight into the royal spotlight - but without the crown. Coming from a noble yet non-princely family, the king couldn’t marry her officially. Instead, they entered into a morganatic marriage, which is a kind of royal love contract where she received castles and wealth but never the title of queen.

On paper, it may have seemed a practical arrangement, but in reality, their relationship was far from peaceful. Christian IV was jealous and controlling, known for violent mood swings, while Kirsten was no woman to quietly submit. Their life together was marked by constant arguments, distrust, and mutual suspicions of infidelity. Meanwhile, Kirsten spent much of the marriage heavily pregnant, giving birth to a remarkable twelve children in just ten years.

Though she never wore the crown, Kirsten held a central place in the king’s life and at court. Her children were closely connected to the heart of power, with several rising to important positions. But over time, the bond between her and Christian shattered beyond repair - ending in a scandal that shook the entire kingdom.

Kirsten Munk had reached her limit. After years of pregnancies, jealousy, and a marriage marked by inequality, she was simply exhausted. So when the young and charming Otto Ludwig, Rhinegrave of Salm, entered her life, he offered a welcome escape from royal control and constant suspicion - perhaps even something more.

In 1628, it all came to a head in one of the Renaissance’s most unforgettable moments: one evening, Kirsten flat-out refused King Christian IV entry to her bedroom. She slammed the door in his face and sparked a fire in the king that would never fade.

Christian IV, never one to handle rejection gracefully, was struck to the core of his pride. In response, he cast Kirsten Munk out, severed all contact and as a final, biting gesture, had a stone erected bearing the date of her refusal. This passive-aggressive monument in granite served as a permanent reminder to all that his honor and his access had been denied. Remarkably, the stone still stands today.

If you want to witness Christian IV’s pride carved in stone, you can find this enduring symbol at Frederiksborg Castle, a true testament to wounded love and royal fury.

The court must have buzzed with gossip about that fateful night, and rumors spread like wildfire. Indeed, this has remained one of the most talked-about scandal stories of the Renaissance.