Wilhelmine Schröder

Fredrika Vilhelmina "Wilhelmine" Augusta Schröder (23 September 1839 – 13 May 1924), was a Swedish telegraphist, writer and journalist, and was also the confidant and royal mistress of King Charles XV of Sweden.

The family moved to the mansion Widröra in Ottarp parish in Scania in Sweden in 1846, where her father became the manager of the estate for Major von Müehlefeld.

Charles fell in love with her and courted her for several years until she agreed to a relationship on the condition that she remain financially independent and retain her job at the telegraph office in Hällestad rather than being "kept" by him.

Charles was fascinated by her interests, discussed existential issues with her, and called her "a priestess of pure and holy love", with whom he sought "forgiveness for his sins".

Charles left his brother, who succeeded him, with instructions that Schröder should be financially provided for after his death, but she continued to insist on her economic independence.