Friedrich von Alefeld

Count Frederik of Ahlefeldt-Rixingen (; 1623 in Søgård – 7 July 1686, in Copenhagen) was a Danish landowner and statesman. By birth member of the House of Ahlefeldt, he was the first reigning Count of Rixingen. He was also Grand Chancellor during the reign of King Christian V. He was also Landgrave of Langeland. Early life Ahlefeldt was born on Søgård Manor, east of Kliplev in the Southern Jutland as the eldest child and only son of Frederik of Ahlefeldt-Seestermühe (1594-1657) and his wife and relative, Birgitte of Ahlefeldt-Graasten (1600-1632). He had one younger sister, Elisabeth von Rumohr (1625-1653). At age twenty, Ahlefeldt was sent on an educational tour of Europe, where over a six-year period he studied at universities in Jena, Bologna, Paris and Amsterdam. On this tour he accompanied later danish chamberlain and queen's favourite Jacob Petersen as a valet on his travels. Career In 1657, he was appointed to the Land Council as a commissioner. He also served in a diplomatic capacity to the state of Brandenburg on behalf of the Duke of Gottorp. In 1660, he was sent to England in a similar capacity, and there ended a trade and friendship treaty on behalf of Denmark which was signed February 1661. After his return, he was appointed as stadtholder for Copenhagen, then as a civil judge, and finally as a steward to the governor of Dithmarschen. During the early and mid 1660s he belonged to the influential circle around Hannibal Sehested, Hans Svane, Peter Bülche, Petersen and Theodor Lente, who became increasingly opposed to Frederick III's favorite Christoffer Gabel.