He was the youngest son of Count Ulrich II of East Frisia and Landgravine Juliana of Hesse-Darmstadt.
After Enno Louis's sudden death in March 1660, Ferdinand Edzard demanded that power be shared between himself and his brother George Christian.
Ferdinand Edzard dropped his request for a share of power in return for an annual sum of money and an apanage consisting the town of Norden.
The sudden death of George Christian beginning in June 1665 revived the question of government power.
Ferdinand Edzard and Christine Charlotte then jointly took responsibility for the regency and guardianship of the newborn Prince.