 He was given a comprehensive education along with his younger brother Johann Wilhelm under the guidance of the legal scholar Basilius Monner.The two brothers were invited to take part in the Aulic Council, where they were able to develop their knowledge of diplomacy at a young age.After the Battle of Mühlberg (24 April 1547) and the capture of his father, John Frederick II, along with his brother John William, succeeded their father as the regents of the lands still retained by their family.