The Royal Danish CollectionRosenborgVilhelmine

Vilhelmine

Princess Vilhelmine was the daughter of Frederik VI and Marie Sophie Frederikke. She was married to Prince Frederik (VII) from 1828 to 1837 and from 1838 to Duke Carl of Schleswig-Holstein.

Vilhelmine’s marriage to Prince Frederik united the two lines of the Royal House, but the liaison soon turned out to be an unhappy one. That was not least because of Frederik’s debauchered life with infidelity and heavy drinking. The couple were separated in 1834 and divorced three years later. In 1838 Vilhelmine was married to Carl of Schleswig-Holstein, an elder brother of the later King Christian IX.

Carl was active on the Schleswig-Holstein side of the war against Denmark in 1848-1851 (the Three Years War). That caused Vilhelmine’s relations with the Danish Royal family to be severed for some time. In 1852 there was a reconciliation and she again enjoyed a close relationship with her family in Copenhagen.

Relations

Frederik VII, 1861

Portrait of Frederik VII. Painting by I. Vilhelm Gertner, 1861. Only two years after the  completion of this painting Frederik VII, who is regarded as one of the most treasured kings in danish history, died.

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.

1800-1825

At the beginning of the 19th century, the long peaceful period ended. International relations in connection with the Napoleonic Wars made it difficult for Denmark to stay neutral.

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.

Frederik VI

Frederik VI was the King of Denmark from 1808 and of Norway 1808-1814; son of Christian VII and Caroline Mathilde of Great Britain. He had no male heirs.

Frederik VI and family

Frederik VI strolling with his family in Frederiksberg Gardens, around 1813; Watercolour by Johannes Senn.

Frederik VI and family

Frederik VI and Queen Marie with Princesses Caroline and Vilhelmine. Painted by C.W. Eckersberg, 1821.

Vilhelmine, 1831

Princess Vilhelmine, daughter of Frederik VI. Painted by L. Aumont, 1831.