Albret Skeel

Albret Skeel (23 November 1572 – 9 April 1639) was a Danish nobleman who held the office of Admiral of the Realm from 1616 to 1623. Early life and travels The son of Privy Councillor Christian Skeel, Albret Skeel was born at Fussingø on 23 November 1572. He attended Viborg School from the age of 9 and until 1585 when he was sent abroad to further his education, studying in Strasbourg, Padova and Siena before returning home by way of France and England. Back in Denmark, Skeel was appointed squire at King Christian IV's court. In 1597 he escorted the king on his journey to Brandenburg to marry Anne Catherine of Brandenburg, and the following year the king's brother, Duke Ulrik, on a journey to France, England and Scotland. In 1599 he was appointed royal cup-bearer and over the next few years accompanied the king on several more journeys. In war and politics In 1616, after distinguishing himself in the Kalmar War from 1611 to 1613, he was appointed as Admiral of the Realm and a member of the Privy Council. In 1618 he was sent on a mission to Gottorp and in 1620 to Bremen and that same year he commanded a fleet in the North Sea.