King of Denmark during World War II, known for his bravery and defiance against the Nazi occupation, riding through Copenhagen on horseback to boost morale.
Christian X of Denmark, also known as Kristján X of Iceland, reigned as the King of Denmark from 1912 until his death in 1947, and as the King of Iceland from 1918 to 1944. He is remembered for his authoritarian character, strong emphasis on royal dignity and power, and his symbolic role as a rallying symbol of resistance during the German occupation of Denmark.
Born on September 26, 1870, Christian X was a member of the House of Glücksburg, a branch of the House of Oldenburg. He was the first monarch since King Frederick VII to be born into the Danish royal family, with both his father and grandfather born as princes of a ducal family from Schleswig. His siblings included King Haakon VII of Norway, and his cousins were King George V of the United Kingdom, Emperor Nicholas II of Russia, and King Constantine I of Greece.
Christian X's reluctance to fully embrace democracy led to the Easter Crisis of 1920, in which he dismissed the democratically elected Social Liberal cabinet with which he disagreed, and installed one of his own choosing. This move was in accordance with the letter of the constitution, but it went against the principle of parliamentarianism that had been considered a constitutional custom since 1901. Faced with mass demonstrations, a general strike organized by the Social Democrats, and the risk of the monarchy being overthrown, Christian X was forced to accept that a monarch could not keep a government in office against the will of parliament, as well as his reduced role as a symbolic head of state.
During the German occupation of Denmark, Christian X became a popular symbol of resistance, particularly because of the symbolic value of the fact that he rode every day through the streets of Copenhagen unaccompanied by guards. This act of defiance and courage earned him the respect and admiration of the Danish people, and he remained a powerful symbol of national sentiment throughout the occupation.
Christian X married Alexandrine of Mecklenburg-Schwerin in 1898, and they had two sons, Frederick and Knud. His son, Frederick, would go on to become King Frederick IX of Denmark.
Christian X's reign spanned two world wars, and his role as a symbolic head of state during the German occupation of Denmark cemented his place in Danish history. He died on April 20, 1947, and was succeeded by his son, Frederick IX.
"A king is not a king without his people, and a people is not a people without their king."
Born in 1872
The first king of Norway after the country's independence from Sweden, he played a crucial role in maintaining Norway's sovereignty during World War II. He's revered for his bravery and leadership during the war.
Born in 1762
The extravagant and flamboyant King of the United Kingdom, known for his lavish lifestyle, extravagant fashion sense, and architectural projects, including the transformation of Buckingham Palace. He played a significant role in the development of Regency London.
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The King of Denmark who unified the country and founded the modern Danish monarchy, known for his strong leadership and family ties to European royal houses.
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Queen of Denmark and Norway from 1859 to 1870, known for her strong personality and cultural interests, particularly in art and music.
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The Queen of Denmark who married King Frederick II and played a significant role in promoting the Lutheran Reformation in Denmark, also known for her strong character and diplomatic skills.
86 Years Old
The reigning monarch of Denmark since 1972, known for her modernization of the monarchy and artistic talents, including designing sets and costumes for the Royal Danish Ballet.
Born in 1899
King of Denmark from 1947 to 1972, known for his role in modernizing the Danish monarchy and strengthening the country's international relations.
