The Teutonic Order had been in a long power struggle with Poland over Prussia. The Order's fortunes had declined throughout the 15th century, and they hoped that selecting someone connected by marriage to the ruling Jagiellon dynasty of Poland would strengthen their position. The young duke was elected Grand Master in 1498.
When John I Albert summoned Frederick to do homage for the Order's holdings, he referred the matter to the Imperial Reichstag. The Reichstag informed John I Albert that he could not interfere in the Grand Master's free exercise of power in Prussia. Frederick's delaying tactics were assisted by the quick succession of three Polish kings during his 12 years in office.
Frederick died in Rochlitz. By custom, Grand Masters of the Order did not marry, so he had neither wife nor descendants.
References
Friedrich Borchert: "Die Hochmeister des Deutschen Ordens in Preußen." In: Preußische Allgemeine Zeitung, 6 October 2001.
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