| John | |
| Duke of Holstein | |
| Birth Date: | 9 July 1583 |
| House: | Oldenburg |
| Father: | Frederick II of Denmark and Norway |
| Mother: | Sofie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin |
Johan of Schleswig-Holstein (9 July 1583 - 28 October 1602) was the youngest son of Frederick II of Denmark and Norway and Sophia of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. He went to Russia in 1602 as the bridegroom of Boris Godunov's daughter Ksenia (Xenia), but fell ill and died before the marriage could take place.[1] It is possible that Boris Godunov's ministers may have poisoned him. The cancelled marriage between John and Ksenia was an attempt to ally Denmark-Norway with the Russian Empire.
I thought to make my daughter happy
By wedlock. Like a tempest Death took off
Her bridegroom—and at once a stealthy rumour
Pronounced me guilty of my daughter's grief--
Me, me, the hapless father!