Vibeke Kruse

Vibeke Kruse (died 1648) was the official mistress of King Christian IV of Denmark between 1629 and 1648. They had two children: Ulrik Christian Gyldenløve(1630–1658) and Elisabeth Sophie Gyldenløve (1633–1654). Christian openly acknowledged Kruse as his mistress and gave both of their children the surname Gyldenløve (lit. 'Golden Lion'), a naming practice used by Danish kings to acknowledge their illegitimate children.

She had particular influence over the king and as a result was the target of great criticism. Her two children were routinely pitted against the children of his second wife, Kirsten Munk.