The Schleswig-Holstein family traces its roots to Earl Christian von Oldenburg (1421-1481), who was elected as King Christian I of Denmark in 1448. On the death of his Uncle, the last of the Schauenburger line, Christian I succeeded, in 1460, to the title Duke of Schleswig (Danish feoff) and Earl of Holstein (German feoff). It was at this time that the famous “Ripener Freiheitsbrief” decreed that Schleswig and Holstein should forever remain a geographical entity. In 1474, the German Emperor raised the earldom of Holstein which included Wagrien, Dithmarschen and Stormarn, to dukedom.

 

In the course of the following generations, the dukedoms were divided, resulting in the separation of the family into several branches.

 

Johann (Hans) the Younger, third son of King Christian III of Denmark (1504-1559) became Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg in 1582. It was he who had Glücksburg Castle built.

 

The Castle was transferred to one of his direct descendants, Duke Wilhelm of Schleswig-Holstein-Beck, by King Friedrich VI of Denmark. At the same time, “Beck” in the ducal title (named after an estate in Westfalia) was replaced by “Glücksburg.” Wilhelm, who grew up in Prussia and Denmark, was the progenitor of the younger Glücksburg branch of the Oldenburg House. The current Head of the House of Princes, Prince Christoph, is a direct descendant of his.