I meant to add that Moltke was *not* a heartfelt joy for Frederik's children, or at least not for the one we hear from, Christian VII.
This doesn't surprise me, either. The Duke of Buckingham who was the favourite of both James I (and VI) and of his son Charles I. is still the only example I can think of where a very powerful royal favourite managed to be one for a father and son duo of successive monarchs, and it wouldn't have worked if good old Steynie hadn't befriended young Charles long before his father's death. Between ruling the country and being emotionally available to one messed up monarch 24/7, Moltke must have had his plate more than full. Another unstable prince to care for would have been just too much. And most neglected children aren't going to love the guy their neglectful father was crazy about.
Re: Danish kings and their favorites: Frederik V and Moltke
This doesn't surprise me, either. The Duke of Buckingham who was the favourite of both James I (and VI) and of his son Charles I. is still the only example I can think of where a very powerful royal favourite managed to be one for a father and son duo of successive monarchs, and it wouldn't have worked if good old Steynie hadn't befriended young Charles long before his father's death. Between ruling the country and being emotionally available to one messed up monarch 24/7, Moltke must have had his plate more than full. Another unstable prince to care for would have been just too much. And most neglected children aren't going to love the guy their neglectful father was crazy about.