# Johann Friedrich Struensee

_De facto regent of Denmark (1737-1772)_

Canonical: https://diginpl.com/people/johann-friedrich-struensee
Last updated: 2026-11-09

> Lensgreve Johann Friedrich Struensee was a German-Danish physician, philosopher and statesman. He became royal physician to the mentally ill King Christian VII of Denmark-Norway and a minister in the Danish government. He rose in power to a position of de facto regent of the country, and 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, and he contributed to the intrigues and power play that led to his downfall and execution.

## Quick facts

- **Born:** 5 August 1737 ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61879#P569))
- **Place of birth:** Halle (Saale) ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61879#P19))
- **Died:** 28 April 1772 ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61879#P570))
- **Place of death:** Copenhagen ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61879#P20))
- **Citizenship:** Kingdom of Prussia; Kingdom of Denmark ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61879#P27))
- **Occupation:** politician; physician; minister ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61879#P106))
- **Education:** Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Latina August Hermann Francke ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61879#P69))
- **Positions held:** regent ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61879#P39))
- **Awards:** Mathildeordenen ([Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61879#P166))

## Questions

**When was Johann Friedrich Struensee born?**  
Johann Friedrich Struensee was born on 5 August 1737 in Halle (Saale).

**What positions has Johann Friedrich Struensee held?**  
Positions held by Johann Friedrich Struensee include: regent.

**Where did Johann Friedrich Struensee study?**  
Johann Friedrich Struensee was educated at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Latina August Hermann Francke.

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## Sources

- [Wikipedia (English): Johann Friedrich Struensee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Friedrich_Struensee) — [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
- [Wikidata item Q61879](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61879) — [CC0 1.0](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)
- [Image: Struensee Juel.jpg by Jens Juel (Public domain)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Struensee_Juel.jpg)

## Licence and attribution

Text from the Wikipedia article Johann Friedrich Struensee, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page's text is shared under the same licence. Facts from Wikidata (CC0). Image: Struensee Juel.jpg — Jens Juel, Public domain.

## Cite this page

"Johann Friedrich Struensee". DigiNepal. Last updated 9 November 2026. https://diginpl.com/people/johann-friedrich-struensee. Retrieved 9 November 2026.