Albert VI, Duke of Bavaria facts for kids
Albert VI of Bavaria (born February 26, 1584 – died July 5, 1666) was a German prince from the powerful Wittelsbach family. He was the son of Duke William V of Bavaria and Renata of Lorraine. Albert was born and died in Munich, a major city in Germany. He played an important role in the Bavarian government during his lifetime.
Albert VI's Role in Bavaria
Albert VI was a very important person in Bavaria. From 1651 to 1654, he served as a regent for his young nephew, Elector Ferdinand Maria. A regent is someone who rules a country when the rightful ruler is too young or unable to do so. So, Albert helped manage Bavaria while Ferdinand Maria was growing up.
Albert also gained control of a region called Leuchtenberg through his wife, Mechthilde. This area was known as a Landgraviate, which was a type of territory ruled by a count or prince. In 1650, Albert traded Leuchtenberg for another county called Haag.
After Albert's son, Maximilian Heinrich, passed away, the county of Haag returned to the main Bavarian state, known as the Electorate of Bavaria. Later, another member of the family, Maximilian Philipp Hieronymus, became the ruler of Leuchtenberg. After his death, Leuchtenberg also became part of Bavaria, bringing these territories together.
Albert VI's Family
In 1612, Albert VI married Princess Mechthilde of Leuchtenberg. She was born on October 24, 1588, and passed away on June 1, 1634. She was buried at the Wallfahrtkirche Altötting.
Albert and Mechthilde had five children:
- Maria Renata, Duchess of Bayern-Leuchtenberg (born August 3, 1616 – died March 1, 1630)
- Karl Johann Franz, Duke of Bayern-Leuchtenberg (born November 10, 1618 – died May 19, 1640)
- Ferdinand Wilhelm, Duke of Bayern-Leuchtenberg (born August 25, 1620 – died October 23, 1629)
- Maximilian Heinrich, who became an important church leader as the Archbishop and Elector of Cologne (born October 8, 1621 – died June 3, 1688)
- Sigmund Albrecht, who became a Bishop of Freising and Regensburg in 1668 (born August 5, 1623 – died November 4, 1685)
