Danish Council of State

The Council of State (Statsrådet) is the Privy Council of Denmark. The body of advisors to the Danish Sovereign, the Council is a formal institution, with largely ceremonial functions. Chaired by the Sovereign, the council comprises all cabinet ministers and the Crown Prince or Hereditary Princess when he or she is of age. When unavailable, the Sovereign is represented by a Lord Protector (Rigsforstander).

Related Topics:
Privy Council - Denmark - Ministers - Crown Prince - Lord Protector

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Unlike its British counterpart, membership of the Council does not carry along with it a special entitlement (in the UK: "The Right Honourable").

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In its beginnings, the Council was a place of debate amongst the ministers over government policy. However, since the formation of real political parties at the beginning of the 20th century, these debates were moved from the Council to informal ministerial meetings where government policy could be coordinated — usually held every Wednesday. As a result the primary function of the Council today is to grant royal assent, which is done by the counter-signatures of the Sovereign and a minister. Before granting the assent, a relevant minister explains the general aim of the bill brought before the Council. If a bill is not granted assent within 30 days of its passing by parliament, it automatically becomes an Act. The Sovereign cannot be held responsible for any granted assent.

Related Topics:
Policy - Royal assent

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Besides enacting parliamentary bills, as a rule all government bills also have to have formal approval by the Sovereign and a minister, before introduction to parliament.

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Approval is also given by the Council to all of the Sovereign's actions as head of state.

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Council protocols are secret.

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