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Christian after the death of his first wife married again (1615). Kirsten Munk was the only surviving daughter of Ludvig Munk (1537–1602) and Ellen Marsvin (1572–1649). They were wealthy and a member oft he nobility, but untitled. Her mother widowed a second time (1611), was the greatest landowner on Funen - .the third-largest Danish island after Zealand and Vendsyssel-Thy. Ellen Marsvin was one crafty lady. She was more than aware of how nobles including monarchs used and discarded young women. And Christian even though he was king, needed he approval for the marriage. Prior to providing approval to the apparent desires of the King there were real negotiations. Her mother had a strong negotiating position. Kirsten was a member of the nobility and not a commoner. Her mother rejected her becoming a mistress. She demanded that her daughter receive properties in her, described as tokens of the king's 'honorable intentions'. It was a morganatic marriage. This meant that Kirsten would not be queen. They were marries, but not in a church. She was ultimately given the title Countess of Schleswig-Holstein (1627). With his second wife, and family there were an impressive 12 children. This was a private marriage not meant to impact the succession. The children were styled counts an countesses of Schleswig-Holstein. We are not sure why this was, especially because much of the population was German speaking. It certainly suggests the importance the monarch attached to Schleswig-Holstein. The oldest boy was Count Valdemar Christian (1622-56). Valdemar would unsuccessfully contest the kingship with Frederick. There were also a number of illegitimate children.
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