Christian IX

Christian IX was King of Denmark from 1863 to 1906. His children and grandchildren married into European royal houses, earning him the epithet “the father-in-law of Europe.”

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Louise of Hesse-Kassel: Louise of Hesse-Kassel was Queen of Denmark as the wife of Christian IX and mother of six children. Her children’s dynastic marriages made the royal family a European network.
Danish succession crisis of 1852: The Danish succession crisis of 1852 concerned who would inherit the composite Danish monarchy after Frederick VII. An international settlement helped establish Christian’s claim to succeed Frederick VII.
Constitution of Denmark: The Constitution of Denmark is the country’s foundational law, defining its institutions and citizens’ rights. It established the constitutional framework within which Christian IX governed.
Danish loss of Schleswig-Holstein: The Danish loss of Schleswig-Holstein was the transfer of the duchies to Prussia and Austria after Denmark’s defeat in 1864. The territorial loss defined the political crisis early in his reign.
Frederick VIII of Denmark: Frederick VIII was King of Denmark from 1906 to 1912 and the eldest son of Christian IX. He succeeded his father after decades as heir apparent.
London Protocol of 1852: The London Protocol of 1852 was an agreement among European powers recognizing the succession arrangements for the Danish monarchy. It recognized Christian as heir to the Danish crown.
Danish constitutional crisis of 1865–1866: The Danish constitutional crisis of 1865–1866 was a political struggle over the balance of power after the country’s defeat in 1864. It tested the new king’s role in rebuilding the state after military defeat.
Reunification of Denmark and Southern Jutland: The reunification of Denmark and Southern Jutland was the 1920 incorporation of northern Schleswig into Denmark after a plebiscite. It partly reversed the territorial loss suffered under Christian IX.
Alexandra of Denmark: Alexandra of Denmark was Queen of the United Kingdom as the wife of Edward VII and daughter of Christian IX. Her marriage brought Christian IX’s family into the British royal house.
Frederick VII of Denmark: Frederick VII was King of Denmark from 1848 to 1863 and the last male member of the senior Oldenburg line. His death without a direct heir brought Christian to the throne.