Christian X of Denmark

Christian X of Denmark (Christian Carl Frederik Albert Alexander Vilhelm) (September 26, 1870 – April 20, 1947) was King of Denmark from 1912 to 1947 and of Iceland between 1918 and 1944. He was born at Charlottenlund Palace near Copenhagen.

Related Topics:
September 26 - 1870 - April 20 - 1947 - King - Denmark - 1912 - Iceland - 1918 - 1944 - Charlottenlund Palace - Copenhagen

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Christian married Princess Alexandrine of Mecklenburg-Schwerin in 1898 and she eventually became his Queen Consort They had two children:

Related Topics:
Alexandrine - Mecklenburg-Schwerin - Queen Consort

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• Prince Frederick (1899-1972), later King Frederick IX of Denmark
• Prince Knud (1900-1976)

Being an authoritarian, a military stick and a ruler much stressing the royal dignity and power in an age of growing democracy Christian X did not seem fit for popularity. However, his rule covering an age of two world wars made him one of the most popular Danish monarchs of our time. Already during World War I he became a national centre.

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April 1920 he aroused the worst crisis of the Danish monarchy during the 20th century, when he dismissed the radical cabinet because of its (in his opinion negative) attitude to the regaining of South Jutland replacing it by a de facto conservative caretaker government (the Easter Crisis). This ?coup d?etat? caused demonstrations and an almost revolutionary atmosphere in Denmark, but the compromise efforts of the Social Democrats and a quick climb-down of the king prevented a royal disaster. In return he three months later reached a climax of his rule when he was officially in charge of the Reunion of South Jutland which (?the king that rode over the border?) and thanks to his accept of parliamentarianism since then he enjoyed a growing respect.

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During World War II this position was finally cemented. In contrast to the monarchs of Norway and the Netherlands, who went into exile during the Nazi occupation of their countries, Christian X remained in his capital throughout the occupation of Denmark, being to the Danish people a visible symbol of the national cause. Though his official speeches were almust just an echo of the official co-operation line of the governmment this did not prevent him from being seen as a man of "mental resistance". In spite of his age and the precarious situation, he took a daily ride on horseback through his city -- not accompanied by a groom, let alone by a guard. After a fall with his horse 1942 he was more or less invalidated for the rest of his rule.

Related Topics:
Norway - The Netherlands - Occupation of Denmark

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Christian X was the tallest of all Danish kings who have been measured (1.99 m). He was the first Danish king who passed an examination.

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Christian X of Denmark: Myth about the King carrying the Star of David ►