Gyldenløve (Danish: [kylənløːwə]; "Golden Lion") was a surname for several illegitimate children of Oldenburg kings of Denmark-Norway in the 17th century.
The surname Gyldenløve was given to the sons of the following Dano-Norwegian kings: Christian IV had many illegitimate children by various mistresses.
Three of his illegitimate sons were officially recognised and given the surname Gyldenløve: Frederick III fathered Ulrik Frederick (1638–1704) by Margrethe Pape, who was also acknowledged and given the surname Gyldenløve.
Ulrik Frederick earned great respect[1][2] from Norwegians while serving as a Statholder in Norway.
Christian V fathered five children with Sophie Amalie Moth: