Frederick IX of Denmark
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Frederik IX of Denmark (Christian Frederik Franz Michael Carl Valdemar Georg) (March 11, 1899 – January 14, 1972) was King of Denmark from April 20, 1947 until his death.
He was the son of King Christian X of Denmark and Queen Alexandrine, born Duchess of Mecklenburg.
Frederik was educated at the Danish Naval Academy (breaking Danish royal tradition by choosing a naval instead of an army career) and the University of Copenhagen. Before he became King, he had acquired the rank of Rear Admiral and he had had several senior commands on active service. In addition, with his great love of music the King was an able piano player and conductor.
Frederick's reign saw great change. During these years, Danish society shook off the restrictions of an agricultural society and developed a welfare state. And, as a consequence of the booming economy of the 1960s, women entered the labour market. In other words, Denmark became a modern country, which meant altogether new demands on the monarchy and its ability to adjust.
He married Princess Ingrid of Sweden (1910-2000, daughter of Crown Prince Gustav Adolf, later King Gustav VI Adolf of Sweden) on May 24, 1935. Of this marriage three daughters were born:
- Princess Margrethe (born 1940), later Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. Married French Count Henri de Laborde de Monpezat, who was created Prince Henrik of Denmark, in 1967.
- Princess Benedikte (born 1944). Married Prince Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg in 1968.
- Princess Anne-Marie (born 1946). Married King Constantine II of the Hellenes in 1964.
When he had no sons, it was expected that his younger brother Knud would inherit the throne, in accordance with Denmark's succession law (Royal Ordinance of 1853). However, in 1953, an Act of Succession was passed, changing the method of succession to cognatic primogeniture, meaning that his eldest daughter, Margrethe, could succeed if he had no sons. The King never did have any sons, so Princess Margrethe did succeed, as Queen Margrethe II.
Shortly after the King had delivered his New Year's Address to the Nation at the 1971/72 turn of the year, he fell ill. On his passing in 1972, King Frederik IX was buried outside Roskilde Cathedral near Copenhagen. The previous rulers had been interred in the cathedral, but it was the King's wish to be buried outside the cathedral instead.
| Styles of King Frederik IX of Denmark |
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| Reference style | His Majesty |
| Spoken style | Your Majesty |
| Alternative style | Sire |
| House of Glucksburg Born: 11 March 1899; Died: 14 January 1972 |
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| Preceded by: Christian X |
King of Denmark 20 April, 1947 - 1972 |
Succeeded by: Margrethe II |
Categories: Danish monarchs | House of Glücksburg | Knights of the Garter | Recipients of the Royal Victorian Chain | Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath | Knights Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order | 1899 births | 1972 deaths | Knights Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav
