During World War II, the Danish royal family, particularly King Christian X and his son, Crown Prince Frederik (later Frederik IX), remained in Denmark under German occupation. Far from being exempt from the conflict's hardships, they faced significant restrictions and challenges, becoming powerful symbols of national unity and quiet resistance for the Danish people, despite facing direct confinement.
The Royal Family Under German Occupation
Following the swift German invasion of Denmark on April 9, 1940, the Danish government initially adopted a policy of cooperation to minimize bloodshed and suffering. However, the presence and actions of the royal family remained a crucial element in maintaining national spirit.
- King Christian X's Symbolic Presence: King Christian X famously chose to remain in Copenhagen throughout the occupation. He became an enduring symbol of Danish sovereignty through simple yet powerful acts, such as his daily horseback rides through the city without a personal guard, a gesture widely interpreted as an act of quiet defiance against the occupiers.
- Imprisonment of the Monarch and Heir: As the war progressed and Danish resistance grew, particularly after August 1943 when the Germans dissolved the Danish government, the situation for the royal family intensified. Both King Christian X and his son, Frederik IX (then Crown Prince), were imprisoned by the German authorities. This effectively meant they were placed under house arrest, primarily at Sorgenfri Palace, severely limiting their freedom of movement and communication.
- Frederik IX's Role in Resistance: Even while confined, Crown Prince Frederik was not inactive. He actively gave encouragement to the Danish resistance movement against the German occupation. His support, combined with his father's steadfast symbolic presence, played a vital role in bolstering the morale of the Danish population and those engaged in clandestine operations against the occupation forces. Frederik would later ascend to the throne as King of Denmark in 1947, reigning until 1972, a period detailed further on his Britannica page.
Key Royal Members and Their WWII Status
| Royal Member | Role During WWII | Status Under Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Christian X | King of Denmark | Remained in Denmark as a symbol of unity; imprisoned (house arrest) by German authorities from August 1943. |
| Frederik IX | Crown Prince | Remained in Denmark; encouraged the Danish resistance movement; imprisoned (house arrest) alongside his father from August 1943. |
The steadfast presence and acts of subtle defiance by the Danish royal family, even under strict supervision and imprisonment, were instrumental in preserving Danish national identity and inspiring the resistance throughout the challenging years of World War II.
