Frederick V, known as the Winter King 1596-1632
Elector Palatine and King of Bohemia

The son of Elector Frederick IV, he was born in Amberg, Upper Palatinate, and educated at the Huguenot academy at Sedan. He became Elector Palatine (1610-23) and in 1613 married Elizabeth, daughter of James VI and I of Scotland and England. Their daughter Sophia became the mother of George I of Great Britain. Under the refined young couple, Heidelberg, the capital of the Palatinate, became known for its artistic and cultural life. During his father's reign, the Protestant Union had been formed under Palatine leadership (1608), and when in 1619 the crown of Bohemia was offered to Frederick his Calvinist ministers urged him to accept. His regal power lasted only one winter (1619-20), hence his nickname, and the Bohemian Protestants were routed by imperial forces at the White Mountain, near Prague (1620). He also lost his hereditary lands, which passed to his Catholic cousin, Maximilian I of Bavaria. Frederick died while in exile in The Hague with his wife and young family, dependent on English and Dutch aid. His son, Charles Louis, recovered his electorate at the Peace of Westphalia (1648).