The King of Denmark has spoken of the impact on everyone in his country of seeing one of the nation’s most famous buildings devasted in a blaze.

The Old Stock Exchange in Copenhagen, a landmark for centuries, caught fire in the early hours of April 16th 2024. Its celebrated spire, recognised worldwide as a symbol of Denmark, collapsed as efforts to put out the flames continued.

The Old Stock Exchange, which is called Borsen in Danish, was built in the early 17th century, in the reign of Christian IV, and stands next to the Danish Parliament.

Its tower, known as the Dragon Spire, collapsed several hours later despite firefighters trying to save it.

No one has been injured in the blaze which happened as renovation work took place. Major works of art were also saved as the fire took hold.

As Denmark came to terms with one of its most famous building suffering extensive damage, King Frederik X issued a statement. The king said ”This morning we woke up to a sad sight with smoke over the rooftops of Copenhagen testifying to the devastating fire at Børsen. An important part of our architectural heritage was, and still is, ablaze.”

King Frederik continued ”for 400 years, King Christian IV’s building has been a significant landmark for Copenhagen. For generations, the ”Dragon Spire” has helped shape Copenhagen as the ”city of towers”. To this day, we have regarded this historic building as a beautiful symbol of our capital and a building that we, as a nation, have been proud of.”

Speaking of the ongoing battle to save the Old Stock Exchange, Frederik X added ”The Queen and I would like to thank all those who have, since early this morning, have ensured that no one has been injured and who have fought to save as much as possible of both the building as well as the many cultural treasures and works of art that the Stock Exchange contains.”