 Gunilla Bielke was the daughter of the cousin of John III, the former governor of Östergötland Johan Axelsson Bielke, and Margareta Axelsdotter Posse.Orphaned early, she was raised at the royal court since she was ten years old as a playmate of the King's daughter, Anna.In 1582, she was made maid of honour to the Queen, Catherine Jagellon.