The Royal Danish CollectionAmalienborgThe kingsFrederik IX

Frederik IX

King of Denmark from 1947. In 1935 he married Princess Ingrid of Sweden with whom he had three daughters: Princess Margrethe (b. 1940; from 1972 HM Queen Margrethe II), Princess Benedikte (b. 1944), and Princess Anne-Marie (b. 1946; Queen of Greece 1964-73).

Frederik IX was the first Danish king to definitively waive political influence. He to a large degree defined the role of the modern monarch in Denmark, and was probably the best-loved king Denmark has ever had. As Crown Prince he broke with a long tradition in the Royal Family by training with the navy instead of the army, and he became the first king since Christian IV (1577 – 1648) who could sail a ship. His long career as a naval officer came to influence his style as king to a high degree.

Frederik IX was an excellent conductor and mastered a broad classical repertoire. He didn’t conduct in public, but often did so at private performances, especially with the Royal Orchestra, which each year gave the King a concert as a birthday present. Frederik IX was a true family man, and he and Queen Ingrid made the Royal Family far more of a presence for the Danes by inviting the media indoors. Frederik IX was also the first king to make televised New Year Speeches, which continue to forge an important link between the Royal Family and the populace.

 

Relations

Four Kings, 1899

On the way to the antechamber one passes the so-called "Four Kings Picture", where the first four kings from the House of Glücksburg are gathered for the christening of Prince Frederik (IX).

Prins Knud

Prince of Denmark. Son of Christian 10. and queen Alexandrine of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Married to his cousin, princess Caroline-Mathilde of Denmark. Between 1947 and 1953, heir to the danish throne.

Frederik IX’s study

Frederik IX's study bears witness to his background as an officer in the navy, his passion for classical music, and his habit of smoking.

Queen Ingrid

Queen of Denmark from 1947. Mother of HM Queen Margrethe II. Queen Ingrid and her husband Frederik IX have in many respects set an example for the Royal Family of Denmark. 

Queen Alexandrine

Queen of Denmark from 1912. Born Princess of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Queen Alexandrine preferred to avoid the media limelight, but was an extremely important figure within the private sphere of the Royal Family.

Christian X

King of Denmark from 1912. Christian X's long reign spanned both world wars, and during the German occupation in World War II he became a national icon.

Frederik VIII

Frederik VIII was to have just six years as monarch which were relatively undramatic. He is therefore a slightly overlooked figure in the Danish royal line.