Born: 23 October 1636, Germany
Died: 24 November 1715
Country most active: Sweden
Also known as: NA
Although Hedwig Eleonora of Holstein-Gottorp was only queen of Sweden for six years as the wife of King Charles X Gustav, she ruled as regent until her son, King Charles XI, came of age, from 1660 to 1972, and then again for her grandson, King Charles XII, in 1697. She also served as Charles XII’s representative in his absence when he was away in the Great Northern War from 1700 until her granddaughter, Ulrika Eleonora, became regent in 1713. All told, she was considered the first lady of the royal court for over six decades, from when she and her husband ascended the throne in 1654 until her death in 1715.