; 5 March 1574 – 19 September 1610), only surviving son of Louis VI, Elector Palatine and Elisabeth of Hesse,[1] called "Frederick the Righteous" (German: Friedrich Der Aufrichtige; French: Frédéric IV le juste).

Born in Amberg, his father died in October 1583 and Frederick came under the guardianship of his uncle, John Casimir, an ardent Calvinist, who ruled as regent until his death.

In January 1592, John Casimir died and the 17 year old Frederick assumed control of the government of the Electorate of the Palatinate.

He soon fell prey to alcoholism, leaving state matters largely to his chief minister Christian of Anhalt.

In 1593, Frederick married Louise Juliana of Nassau,[1] the daughter of William I of Orange and Charlotte de Bourbon-Monpensier.