Christian IX of Denmark (b. 1818)

Christian IX, born Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg on 8 April 1818, ascended the Danish throne on 16 November 1863, reigning as King of Denmark until his death on 29 January 1906. His remarkably long reign, spanning over 42 years, witnessed significant transformations within Denmark and across the European continent. For a brief period from 1863 to 1864, he also held the titles of Duke of Schleswig, Holstein, and Lauenburg, territories whose complex relationship with Denmark would profoundly shape the early years of his rule and the nation's identity.

Early Life and Unexpected Path to the Throne

Born into a junior branch of the venerable House of Oldenburg, which had governed Denmark since 1448, Christian's lineage initially placed him far from the direct line of succession to the Danish crown. He was the fourth son of Frederick William, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, and Princess Louise Caroline of Hesse-Kassel. Growing up in the Duchy of Schleswig, his early life was that of a minor prince. However, destiny intervened with the early demise of his father in 1831, which saw young Christian relocate to Denmark, where he received a rigorous education at the prestigious Military Academy of Copenhagen, preparing him for a life of service, though not necessarily as a monarch.

His personal life also intertwined with European royalty. After an unsuccessful attempt to seek the hand of the young Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom in marriage—a union that would have dramatically altered European dynastic history—Christian married his double second cousin, Princess Louise of Hesse-Kassel, in 1842. This marriage proved to be exceptionally significant, not only for their six highly influential children but also due to Princess Louise's own strong dynastic ties to the Danish royal family, as she was a niece of King Christian VIII of Denmark. Her closer proximity in the line of succession to the Danish throne strengthened Christian's eventual claim.

The Treaty of London and Succession

The intricate and often contentious succession laws governing the Danish kingdom and its associated duchies, particularly the Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, presented a formidable challenge in the mid-19th century. King Frederick VII, the last Danish monarch from the senior line of the House of Oldenburg, had no legitimate male heirs. To prevent a complete fragmentation of the Danish monarchy, the major European powers intervened. In 1852, the Treaty of London formally designated Christian as the heir-presumptive to the Danish throne. This diplomatic agreement aimed to ensure the integrity of the Danish composite state by circumventing the differing succession laws (Salic Law in the German-speaking duchies, which excluded female succession, versus the more flexible succession in Denmark proper).

Upon the death of King Frederick VII on 15 November 1863, Christian, who was Frederick's second cousin and husband of Frederick's paternal first cousin, Princess Louise, acceded to the throne. He became Christian IX, marking the beginning of the House of Glücksburg's reign over Denmark, a dynastic line that continues to this day.

A Reign Defined by Conflict and Transformation

The very dawn of Christian IX's reign was tragically overshadowed by one of the most devastating conflicts in modern Danish history: the Second Schleswig War of 1864. Triggered by Denmark's attempt to fully integrate Schleswig (a move seen as violating the 1852 Treaty of London and the London Protocol of 1852), the conflict pitted Denmark against a combined force of Prussia and Austria. The swift and decisive defeat of Denmark led to the profound and humiliating loss of the Duchies of Schleswig, Holstein, and Lauenburg. This territorial cession, which reduced the size of Denmark by nearly a third and resulted in a significant population loss, made the new King immensely unpopular among a populace reeling from national defeat and humiliation.

The subsequent decades of Christian IX's reign were largely dominated by intense political strife within Denmark. The country had only transitioned to a constitutional monarchy with the adoption of the Junigrundloven (June Constitution) in 1849, and the precise balance of power between the sovereign and the newly empowered parliament (Folketing) remained a contentious issue. The King, often siding with conservative elements, frequently found himself at odds with the liberal majority in parliament, leading to prolonged political deadlocks and, at times, a governing by "Provisional Laws" rather than parliamentary consensus. This period of internal struggle, known as the "Systemskifte" (Change of System) era, reflected the ongoing evolution of Denmark's democratic institutions.

The "Father-in-Law of Europe" and Enduring Legacy

Despite the initial unpopularity and the turbulent political landscape of his early and middle reign, Christian IX's standing significantly recovered towards the end of his life. His long tenure on the throne, coupled with his reputation for high personal morality and a stable family life, contributed to his emergence as a revered national icon. He came to embody a sense of continuity and stability for the Danish people, especially as Denmark found its new role as a smaller, neutral nation on the European stage.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Christian IX's legacy, and certainly what earned him his enduring international sobriquet, was the strategic and widespread marriages of his six children. Their unions across Europe's royal houses cemented his reputation as "the father-in-law of Europe," a testament to his family's unparalleled dynastic connections. These marriages had a profound impact on the shaping of European royal families and geopolitics:

Through this extensive network, Christian IX became a direct ancestor to many of Europe's reigning monarchs and royal consorts. His impressive lineage includes:

Frequently Asked Questions About Christian IX

When did Christian IX reign as King of Denmark?
Christian IX reigned as King of Denmark from 16 November 1863 until his death on 29 January 1906, a period of over 42 years.
Why was Christian IX known as "the father-in-law of Europe"?
He earned this sobriquet because his six children married into various major European royal families, creating an unprecedented network of dynastic connections across the continent. For example, his daughter Alexandra became Queen of the United Kingdom, and another daughter, Dagmar, became Empress of Russia.
What significant event marked the beginning of Christian IX's reign?
The beginning of his reign was marked by Denmark's devastating defeat in the Second Schleswig War (1864), which resulted in the loss of the Duchies of Schleswig, Holstein, and Lauenburg to Prussia and Austria. This event initially made him very unpopular.
Which royal house did Christian IX establish in Denmark?
Christian IX established the House of Glücksburg as the new reigning royal house of Denmark. This dynastic line succeeded the senior branch of the House of Oldenburg and continues to rule Denmark to this day.