Wilhelm Kettler

Wilhelm Kettler (20 June 1574 – 7 April 1640) was the Duke of Courland, a Baltic German region in today's Latvia. Wilhelm ruled the western Courland portion of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia, while his brother Friedrich ruled the eastern Semigallia portion.

Wilhelm Kettler
Duke of Courland and Semigallia
Duke of Courland
Reign1587–1617
PredecessorGotthard Kettler
SuccessorFriedrich Kettler
Born20 June 1574
Mitau, Duchy of Courland and Semigallia
Died7 April 1640(1640-04-07) (aged 65)
Kucklow, Duchy of Pomerania
Burial
Ducal crypt in the Jelgava Palace
Spouse
(m. 1609; died 1610)
IssueJacob, Duke of Courland
HouseKettler
FatherGotthard Kettler
MotherAnna of Mecklenburg
ReligionLutheranism

Life and family

Born in Mitau in 1574, Wilhelm Kettler was the youngest son of Gotthard Kettler and his wife, Anna of Mecklenburg. After their father's death in 1587, Friedrich inherited the title of Duke of Courland and Semigallia, but economic control was split between Wilhelm and Friedrich.[1] The brothers divided the duchy between themselves, and Wilhelm ruled the Courland portion, with the seat in Kuldīga.[2]

In 1609, William married Princess Sophia of Brandenburg-Prussia (1582–1610), daughter of Albert Frederick, Duke of Prussia, receiving as a dowry the territory of Grobiņa.

Due to conflicts with the local nobility, he lost control of the duchy in 1617 and emigrated.[3] Thereafter, his brother Friedrich became the sole ruler of the duchy.

He died in the Kucklow abbey in Pomerania on 7 April 1640. His son, Jacob Kettler, succeeded Friedrich as Duke of Courland and Semigallia in 1642.[3]

Wilhelm's remains were returned to Courland in 1642, and he was interred in the ducal tomb on 23 February 1643.

References


🔥 Top keywords: Main PageSpecial:SearchIndian Premier LeagueWikipedia:Featured picturesPornhubUEFA Champions League2024 Indian Premier LeagueFallout (American TV series)Jontay PorterXXXTentacionAmar Singh ChamkilaFallout (series)Cloud seedingReal Madrid CFCleopatraRama NavamiRichard GaddDeaths in 2024Civil War (film)Shōgun (2024 miniseries)2024 Indian general electionJennifer PanO. J. SimpsonElla PurnellBaby ReindeerCaitlin ClarkLaverne CoxXXX (film series)Facebook2023–24 UEFA Champions LeagueYouTubeCandidates Tournament 2024InstagramList of European Cup and UEFA Champions League finalsJude BellinghamMichael Porter Jr.Andriy LuninCarlo AncelottiBade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024 film)