Frederik Ahlefeldt

Ahlefeldt was born on Søgård Manor, east of Kliplev in the Southern Jutland. His father was Frederik Ahlefeldt, Count of Søgård in Sønderjylland. At age twenty, he was sent on an educational tour of Europe, where over a six-year period he studied at universities in Jena, Bologna, Paris and Amsterdam.[2]

In 1657, he was appointed to the Land Council as a commissioner. He also served in a diplomatic capacity to the state of Brandenburg on behalf of the Duke of Gottorp. In 1660, he was sent to England in a similar capacity, and there ended a trade and friendship treaty on behalf of Denmark which was signed February 1661. After his return, he was appointed as stadtholder for Copenhagen, then as a civil judge, and finally as a steward to the governor of Dithmarschen.

Ahlefeldt owned Gråsten Manor, as well as estates at Søgård, Ballegård, and Herningsholm in Herning. He spent most of his time at Gråsten.[3]

On October 11, 1663, he received the Order of the Elephant. In 1672, he became governor of the county of Langeland. During 1670s and up to the fall of Christoffer Gabel (1617–1673), Ahlefeldt was the leading minister of the government. In 1673, he was replaced by Peder Schumacher Griffenfeld (1635-1699). Following the arrest of Griffenfeld, Ahlefeldt was made chancellor again. He held that post until 1686.[3][4]

On 28 December 1656, Ahlefeldt married Margarethe Dorothea zu Rantzau (18 March 1642, Breitenburg – 26 August 1665, Itzehoe). The only daughter of Count Christian zu Rantzau (1614–1663), governor of the Duchy of Holstein and one of Denmark's richest men.[5] Ahlefeldt and Margarethe Dorothea had three children. Margarethe Dorothea died in 1656.

He married Marie Elisabeth zu Leiningen-Hartenburg-Dagsburg (10 March 1648, Hartenburg – 13 April 1724, Augustenburg) on 1 December 1668. Ahlefeldt and Marie Elisabeth had three children.