Duchy of Münsterberg
Ferdinand III was elected King of the Romans at the Diet of Regensburg on 22 December, 1636. Upon the death of his father on 15 February 1637, Ferdinand became emperor. His political adviser "Obersthofmeister" (Lord Chamberlain) Maximilian von und zu Trauttmansdorff advanced to the position of Prime Minister of Austria and Chief diplomat, but was replaced by Johann Ludwig von Nassau-Hadamar in 1647 as his health had begun to deteriorate. "Obersthofmeister" (Lord Chamberlain) and Prime Minister of Austria (1665-1669) Johann Weikhard of Auersperg and former teacher of the royal heir Ferdinand IV received the fief of the Duchy of Münsterberg for his former services. Unlike his father, Ferdinand III employed no spiritual counsellor.