Johann Friedrich Struensee

Johann Friedrich Struensee, a count, was a German-Danish physician, philosopher and statesman who lived from 1737 to 1772. He became royal physician to the mentally ill King Christian VII of Denmark-Norway and then a minister in the Danish government, rising to the position of de facto regent of the country, where he initiated a number of widespread reforms. His affair with Queen Caroline Matilda caused a scandal, especially after the birth of a daughter, Princess Louise Augusta. Together with the intrigues and power play of others, it led to his downfall and his execution in 1772.