A common name for kings of
Denmark and
Norway (ten, so far), including, most notably:
- Christian I (1426-1481). King of Denmark from 1448, and founder of the Oldenburg dynasty. In 1450 he established the Union of Denmark and Norway that lasted until 1814.
- Christian IV (1577-1648). King of Denmark and Norway from 1588. He sided with the Protestants in the Thiry Years' War (1618-48), and founded Christiania (now Oslo, capital of Norway). He was succeeded by Frederick II in 1648.
- Christian VIII (1786-1848). King of Denmark from 1839 to 1848. He was unpopular because of his opposition to reform. His attempt to encourage
the Danish language and culture in Schleswig and Holstein led to an insurrection there shortly after his death. He was succeeded by Frederick VII.
- Christian IX (1818-1906). King of Denmark from 1863. His daughter Alexadra married Edward VII of the United Kingdom, and another, Dagmar, married Tsar Alexander III of Russia; his second son, George became king of Greece. In 1864 he lost the duchies of Schlewsig and Holstein after a war with Austria and Prussia.
- Christian X (1870-1947). King of Denmark and Iceland from 1912, when he succeeded his father, Frederick VIII. He married Alexandrine, Duchess
of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and was popular for his democratic attitude. During World War II he was holden prisoner by the occupying Germans in Copenhagen. He was
succeeded by Frederick IX.
Also see liveforever's excellent Monarchs of Denmark node.