The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborgCountess Danner

Countess Danner

Countess Danner, originally Louise Rasmussen, was the wife of Frederik VII from 1850. Louise Rasmussen was an illegitimate child. She was trained as a ballet dancer at the Royal Theatre. In 1841, after she had had a child with her lover at the time, the book printer Carl Berling, she retired as a dancer and opened a fashion store.

She knew Crown Prince Frederik (VII) during the 1830’s, and she later became his mistress. When he became king in 1848 she was made a baroness. In 1850 she entered a morganatic marriage with the King, and she became a countess. Because of her background she was met with dislike from both bourgeoisie and aristocracy, and she became a political liability to Frederik VII. At the same time she had a stabilizing effect on the King, who was very closely attached to her.

She bequeathed her assets to a foundation in Copenhagen for poor working class women, and at her palace, Jægerspris, several orphanages for poor girls were established.

Relations

Theatre Glasses

Theatre glasses with fittings of mother-of-pearl and gold enamel, featuring Countess Danner’s crowned monogram and arms, as well as miniatures of Frederiksborg and Fredensborg Palaces. A gift from Charles XV in memory of his visit to Denmark in 1862. Purveyed by Benjamin Leja of Stockholm; made in France?

18 Frederik VII's Room

This room, which mainly contains exhibits with a connection to the life and government of Frederik VII, was designed only five years after Frederik VII's death in 1863.

Jewelry, diamonds

Jewellery set of gold with citrines, amethysts, pearls and diamonds. Belonged to Countess Danner, possibly a birthday present from Frederik VII, 1860. Made by court jeweller J. Diderichsen.

Countess Danner, photo

Countess Danner, Frederik VII's third wife. Coloured photograph.

1825-1850

The years towards the middle of the 19th century became increasingly marked by the national conflict between the Danes and Germans in the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. It culminated in the Three Years' War, or the First Schleswig War in 1848-51.

1850-1875

The social and political revolts in Europe in 1848 had ushered in new times for European states, and for Denmark too. But even though the absolute monarchy was abolished with the Constitution of 1849, the monarchy was far from disengaged from power.

Frederik VII

Frederik VII was the King of Denmark from 1848; son of Christian VIII and Charlotte Frederikke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. He was married three times but had no heirs.

Diamond-Studded Gold Ring

The ring was probably a gift from Frederik VII to Countess Danner. It is decorated with a large heart formed of diamonds, and the letters ‘Frederik VII’ are also set with diamonds.