Christian X of Denmark (b. 1870)

Christian X, born Christian Carl Frederik Albert Alexander Vilhelm, graced the Danish throne from 1912 until his passing in 1947. His life, spanning from September 26, 1870, to April 20, 1947, saw him not only as the King of Denmark but uniquely as the sole King of Iceland, reigning as Kristján X, between 1918 and 1944. This relationship with Iceland was defined as a personal union, meaning both independent states shared the same monarch, rather than a real union where they would have been merged under a single government.

Early Life and Succession

He hailed from the House of Glücksburg, a distinguished branch of the ancient House of Oldenburg, whose lineage has long been intertwined with European royalty. Notably, Christian X was the first monarch since King Frederick VII to be born directly into the Danish royal family. This was a significant distinction, as both his father, Frederick VIII, and his grandfather, Christian IX, had been born as princes of a ducal family from Schleswig, a region with a complex history often at the heart of Danish and German disputes. His family tree extended further across the Nordic lands, as one of his siblings was King Haakon VII of Norway, underscoring the deep dynastic connections of the era. Upon his death, his son ascended to the Danish throne as Frederick IX, continuing the Glücksburg line.

A Monarch in a Changing World: The Easter Crisis of 1920

Christian X's character was often described as authoritarian, and he held a profound belief in the importance of royal dignity and power. This conviction, coupled with his reluctance to fully embrace the evolving democratic principles of the early 20th century, famously led to the Easter Crisis of 1920 (Påskekrisen). This pivotal constitutional confrontation arose when he dismissed the democratically elected Social Liberal cabinet, led by Prime Minister Carl Theodor Zahle, over a disagreement concerning the reunification of Southern Jutland (Slesvig) with Denmark following World War I. The King then unilaterally installed a cabinet of his own choosing. While his actions were technically in accordance with the letter of the existing constitution, the principle of parliamentarianism – that a government must have the support of parliament to remain in office – had been established as a constitutional custom since 1901. The crisis quickly escalated, sparking widespread mass demonstrations and a general strike organized by the powerful Social Democrats. Faced with the very real risk of the monarchy being overthrown by a populace vehemently defending its democratic rights, Christian X was compelled to yield. He was forced to accept that a monarch could not maintain a government against the will of parliament, thereby solidifying the monarch's modern role as a symbolic head of state rather than an active political player. This event marked a crucial turning point, confirming Denmark's firm path towards a fully parliamentary democracy.

Symbol of Resistance During World War II

Perhaps the most enduring image of Christian X, and a significant reason for his profound popularity, stems from his actions during the German occupation of Denmark between 1940 and 1945. Following Operation Weserübung, the German invasion, Denmark initially adopted a policy of cooperation, but the presence of occupation forces was deeply unsettling to the Danish people. During this dark period, King Christian X became an unexpected and powerful symbol of national resistance. His daily rides through the streets of Copenhagen, often unaccompanied by guards and mounted on his beloved horse, Jubilee, resonated deeply with his subjects. This seemingly simple act was laden with symbolic value: it conveyed quiet defiance against the occupiers, demonstrated solidarity with the common people, and projected an unwavering presence of Danish sovereignty in the face of foreign domination. These rides, contrasting sharply with the tanks and military presence of the German forces, transformed him into a living embodiment of Danish national sentiment, rallying spirits and fostering a sense of unity. His reign, remarkably, spanned both World War I and World War II, making his steadfast leadership during the latter a defining aspect of his legacy.

Legacy and Enduring Popularity

Through a reign that navigated immense political change and two global conflicts, King Christian X emerged as one of the most beloved and popular Danish monarchs of modern times. His transformation from an authoritarian figure into a unifying national symbol during the occupation solidified his place in Danish history. His commitment to national unity, particularly evident in his dignified public presence during the war, left an indelible mark on the Danish psyche, forever linking his image with resilience and quiet courage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Christian X

What was the "personal union" with Iceland?

A personal union meant that Denmark and Iceland shared Christian X as their monarch, but otherwise functioned as two separate, independent states. Iceland formally became a fully independent republic in 1944 during the German occupation of Denmark, while Christian X was still King of Denmark.

What was the Easter Crisis of 1920?

The Easter Crisis (Påskekrisen) was a major constitutional crisis in Denmark in 1920. King Christian X dismissed the democratically elected government because they disagreed on the future of Southern Jutland (Slesvig) after World War I. Public outrage, mass demonstrations, and a general strike forced the King to back down, establishing firmly that the monarch's role was symbolic, and governments must have the support of parliament.

Why was Christian X considered a symbol of resistance during WWII?

During the German occupation of Denmark, King Christian X's daily rides through Copenhagen, often unaccompanied and on his horse Jubilee, became a powerful symbol of quiet defiance and national unity. This direct, visible presence among his people conveyed courage and solidarity, contrasting sharply with the occupying forces and inspiring a sense of continued Danish sovereignty and resilience.

What was the significance of his daily horse rides during the occupation?

The daily horse rides were highly significant as they offered a poignant image of a sovereign monarch freely moving among his people, despite the foreign occupation. This act was interpreted as a sign of national pride, an unstated protest, and a message of hope and solidarity, reinforcing the King's bond with the Danish population during a period of great uncertainty and suppression.

What was the House of Glücksburg?

The House of Glücksburg is a European royal house, a branch of the House of Oldenburg, that has provided monarchs to several countries, including Denmark, Norway, Greece, and formerly Iceland. Christian X was a prominent member of this lineage, and it signifies a long and influential royal heritage in Northern Europe.