History of the Danish Monarchy

(Left to right): Crown Princess Mary; Crown Prince Frederik; Queen Margrethe II; Henrik, Prince Consort; Prince Joachim; Princess Marie

A Brief History

The History of the Danish Royal Family goes back to over 1,000 years. Which makes the Royal Family the fourth oldest continual monarchy in the world still existing today. The first known monarch of the Danish Royal Family was Gorm the Old (d. 958). Originally, the monarch was elected. Meaning, there was no line of succession. Line of Succession means that the family will be in power. For example, Queen Margrethe's son, Frederik, will be King one day. As well as Frederik's son, Christian. And, Christian's future children.

 

Later, a Coronation Charter was signed by the king to restrict the powers of the Danish King.

Absolutism was introduced in 1660-1661, when the elected monarchy became a hereditary monarchy. Meaning, that the line of succession was introduced. Next came the male primogeniture succession was laid down in law in the Royal Decree of 1665. Meaning, only males could be Kings, and Women would never be monarch.
 

On June 5, 1849 the Constitution was altered to create a constitutional monarchy for Denmark. On March 27, 1953 the act of succession changed. Now, women could become monarchs so that the reigning Queen, Margrethe II could succeed the throne.

History of the Jewels

Crown Princess Mary's Wedding Tiara

Photo: kongehuset.dk
Information: Wikipedia (Monarchy of Denmark)