Keld Navntoft, Kongehuset ©

History was made in Denmark when Prince Christian made his solemn oath to honour the Danish Constitution.

Prince Christian attended the Council of State for the first time since turning 18, and during that meeting, the Prince declared that he would be loyal to the Constitution in front of Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and the Danish government. This was required for him to ever be installed as head of state.

Not only was Christian swearing a solemn oath, he was making history.

This was the first time in over 100 years that three generations were present for such an event; this marks the first time in a century that the heir to the throne and their heir are both of age and able to ascend the throne if ever needed – or to step in as head of state in varying circumstances.

This last time three generations of royals in direct line to the throne were of age in Denmark was in 1902. At this time, King Christian IX was on the throne, and his heir was Crown Prince Frederick (later King Frederick VIII). Frederick’s son was Prince Christian – later to reign as King Christian X (who led Denmark through World War II).

However, at the 1902 meeting, King Christian IX was not present, meaning that only two generations were at the Council of State when the future King Christian X took his oath.

As such, the 13 November 2023 Council of State was the first time, presumably, in history that three generations (the monarch, their child and grandchild) were all present the meeting when the second in line to the throne took their solemn oath to Denmark.