Otto Henry, Elector Palatine

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Georg Pencz: Portrait of Prince-elector Otto Henry

Otto-Henry, Elector Palatine, (German: Ottheinrich, Amberg, 10 April 150212 February 1559 in Heidelberg) a member of the Wittelsbach dynasty was Count Palatine of Palatinate-Neuburg from 1505 to 1559 and prince elector of the Palatinate from 1556 to 1559. He was a son of Rupert, Count Palatine, third son of Philip, Elector Palatine; and of Elizabeth of Bavaria-Landshut, daughter of George of Bavaria.

[edit] Life

As grandson of George of Bavaria the young Otto-Henry became regent of the new duchy of Palatinate-Neuburg after the Palatinate had lost the Landshut War of Succession against Albert IV, Duke of Bavaria. Otto Henry patronised the arts and was involved in several conflicts, due to his expensive holding of court a huge burden of debts caused his bankruptcy until he inherited the Electoral Palatinate in 1556. He then re-introduced the Protestant Reformation.

Otto Henry married Susan of Bavaria (1502–43), daughter of Albert IV, Duke of Bavaria, on October 16, 1529. He was her second husband. They had no children.

Otto Henry, Elector Palatine
Born: 1502 Died: 1559
German royalty
Regnal titles
Preceded by
new creation
Count Palatine of Neuburg
1505-1559
Succeeded by
Wolfgang, Count Palatine of Zweibrücken
Preceded by
Frederick II
Elector Palatine
1556-1559
Succeeded by
Frederick III
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