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A collective biography-cum-history of the Kings of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, and their consorts, from the mid-19th century onwards
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How did Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, born in 1818 the fourth son of a little-known German prince, come to succeed to the throne of Denmark in 1863? What part did the Kings and their consorts of modern Scandinavia play in their countries' efforts to remain neutral throughout two world wars? How did they adapt to an increasingly democratic world during the turbulent years of the 20th century, and yet retain the respect and affection of their subjects?
In this study, the lives of the Kings of Denmark, Norway and Sweden are recounted, from the birth of the prince destined to become King Christian IX of Denmark, the so-called 'Grandfather of Europe' (whose children included Queen Alexandra, George I of the Hellenes and Marie Feodorovna, Empress of Russia), to the death of King Olav V of Norway in 1991. Among them are King Gustav VI Adolf of Sweden, who married successively a granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria, King Haakon VII of Norway, a son-in-law of King Edward VII and King-in-exile in Britain during the Second World War, and the ppoular, musical King Frederick IX of Denmark.
Attention is also paid to the political backgrounds of these monarchs' reigns; as well as examining the suspected pro-German leanings of King Gustav V of Sweden, the dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden in 1905 is described, as is Finland's brief experiment with monarchy in 1918 by choosing a brother-in-law of Kaiser Wilhelm II, a 'King who never was'. Illustrated with 24pp of plates.
Excerpt
"Of course we feel very cut off here. But you must not think that we feel oppressed for all that. The people are working stubbornly to make up for those things which we cannot import any longer. All our motor cars are being altered for charcoal fuel or for wood. Tens of thousands are already running in that way and more will follow. A great deal, in fact unbelievably much has been done to strengthen and to build up national defence. Many of our industries have been occupied for a year or more in manufacturing war material of every description. Of course there are large arrears to make up. Also the reservists have been called up for periods of training, thus giving much increased efficiency to the fighting forces. I have given up a good part of my time for this, inspecting troops, going to manoeuvres etc. The spirit of the people is good."
Crown Prince Gustav Adolf (later King Gustav VI Adolf) of Sweden to Nancy, Lady Astor, April 1941
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