Christian VIII of Denmark

Christian VIII (September 18, 1786–January 20, 1848), king of Denmark 1839-48 and of Norway 1814, the eldest son of the hereditary prince Frederick of Denmark and Sophia Frederica of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, was born in 1786 at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen. His paternal grandfather was the late king Frederick V of Denmark.

Related Topics:
September 18 - 1786 - January 20 - 1848 - Denmark - Norway - Copenhagen - Frederick V of Denmark

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He inherited the talents of his highly gifted mother, and his amiability and handsome features made him very popular in Copenhagen. His unfortunate first marriage with his cousin Charlotte Frederica of Mecklenburg-Schwerin was dissolved in 1810.

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In May 1813, being the then heir presumptive of Denmark-Norway, he was sent as stadtholder to Norway to promote the loyalty of the Norwegians to the dynasty, which had been very rudely shaken by the disastrous results of Frederik VI's adhesion to the falling fortunes of Napoleon. He did all he could personally to strengthen the bonds between the Norwegians and the royal house of Denmark. Though his endeavours were opposed by the so-called Swedish party, which desired a dynastic union with Sweden, he placed himself at the head of the Norwegian party of independence after the Treaty of Kiel had forced the king to cede Norway to the king of Sweden. He was elected regent of Norway by an assembly of notables on February 16, 1814.

Related Topics:
1813 - Norway - Frederik VI - Napoleon - Sweden - Treaty of Kiel - February 16 - 1814

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See article on Norway in 1814

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