Elizabeth Charlotte was the daughter of Frederick IV, Elector Palatine, and Louise Juliana of Orange-Nassau.

Her brother Frederick became famous as the Elector-Palatine and "Winter King" of Bohemia.

In 1618, her brother's deposition from the throne of Bohemia caused the Thirty Years' War.

Her spouse was described as ambivalent and passive, but Charlotte ensured protection for her sibling when Brandenburg sided against Austria in the affairs of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire.

She influenced her son to sympathize with the Protestant cause, and he came to have a great affection for his mother, closer than what was usually common during that age.