Prince Charles of Denmark and Norway (26 October 1680 – 8 June 1729) was the fourth son of Christian V of Denmark and his consort Queen Charlotte Amalie, and thus a younger brother of King Frederick IV. He never married and had no children, nor did he ever engage in any political activities. Instead he maintained a withdrawn life on his estates. Early life and education Prince Charles was born on 26 October 1680 at Copenhagen Castle as the fourth son of Christian V and his consort Queen Charlotte Amalie. As was the tradition at the court, his upbringing was left to others, including Johan Georg Holstein, who was replaced by Carl Ahlefeldt as his hofmeister in 1696. In particular Christian Siegfried von Plessen was charged with his upbringing. Prince Charles suffered from weak health and was hard of hearing. In order to benefit from a milder climate he was sent to France and Italy on a study trip from 1696 to 1699, spending most of the time in Montpellier. On the journey he was accompanied by Carl Adolph von Plessen, the son of his mentor, and only three years his senior. Von Plessen would remain a close friend and companion of the prince for the rest of his life, with title of first hoffmeister and later chamberlain. Prince Charles was never married. Between 1697 and 1699, there was a Danish policy to create an alliance with Sweden through a double wedding between Charles XII of Sweden and Princess Sophia Hedwig of Denmark, and Prince Charles of Denmark and Hedvig Sophia of Sweden (after the marriage of Hedvig Sophia of Sweden in 1698, she was replaced by Ulrika Eleonora of Sweden). However, none of the marriages was materialized. Land owner and horse breeder Back in Denmark Prince Charles settled at Jægerspris Castle which he was given by his older brother, now King Frederick IV of Denmark since his ascent to the throne. He immediately embarked on a major extension of the castle and passionately fond of horses, an interest he shared with his father and brother, he also founded a stud farm on the estate. From his mother, who died in 1715, he inherited Vemmetofte Manor and Højstrup Manors on Zealand and Charlottenborg Palace in Copenhagen. His holdings also included a pleasure garden in Copenhagen located outside the city's Northern City Gate. It was known as Prinsens Have (English: The