It came into existence by secularization made throw the efforts of the former Teutonic Master Albert von Brandenburg declaring himself the Duke of Prussia in 1525. After losing wars with Poland and most of his people being Protestant, it wasn't a long time to a break up. Since 1526 Prussia was an ally of Denmark and Norway, even supporting Christian III's Kalmar War, the first war since the 1529 Teutonic War, which quickly ended and the order gained only a single city. Prussia was almost always on a side of European politics and the rulers were ready to convert at all times. In 1557 Albert II of Prussia came on the throne, his was very ambitious and wanted his own crown. When his lords indirectly said he wasn't a king, he decided to declare himself king. Following this the duchy became the