“Folkets Kærlighed, min Styrke.” The People’s love, my strength. Those words embody Frederik VII. Here stands his equestrian statue. It commemorates his pivotal role. He ensured Denmark’s shift. It moved from absolute to constitutional monarchy.
Let’s delve into the story of Frederik VII. He was born in Copenhagen on October 6, 1808. Frederik was the last king. He was from the older royal branch. It was the House of Oldenburg. He also was the last Danish king. He ruled as an absolute monarch.
Frederik’s early life was troubled. His parents divorced. He was neglected during his childhood. Scandals marked his youth. Many saw him as the royal family’s problem child.
In 1848, Frederik VII ascended the throne. Immediately, he faced demands. People wanted a constitution. The Schleswig-Holsteiners desired their own state. Danes wanted South Jutland to remain Danish. Frederik yielded. He accepted the end of absolutism in March. This led to the June Constitution of 1849.
During the First War of Schleswig, Frederik became a national symbol. He was seen as a war hero. Though he never actively fought.
Frederick VII’s personal life was complex. He married three times. His first two marriages ended in scandal and divorce. Vilhelmine Marie of Denmark was his first wife. They divorced in 1837. Caroline Charlotte Mariane of Mecklenburg-Strelitz was his second. That marriage ended in 1846.
In 1850, Frederik married Louise Christina Rasmussen. This marriage was morganatic. Louise was a milliner and former ballet dancer. She became Countess Danner. The nobility and bourgeoisie were scandalized. The public viewed Louise differently. They saw her as a daughter of the people. She stabilized the king. She helped maintain his popularity.
The king’s lack of legitimate heirs created a succession crisis. Prince Christian of Glücksburg was chosen as his heir. This happened in 1852. Christian became Christian IX upon Frederik’s death.
Frederik VII died in 1863. He suffered an attack of erysipelas. He was interred in Roskilde Cathedral.
Despite personal weaknesses Frederik was beloved. He relinquished absolutism. He had a gift for connecting with people. Frederik traveled throughout Denmark. He met ordinary subjects. He was a keen antiquarian. He sparked interest in Danish antiquities.
Look closely at the statue’s granite plinth. Bronze plaques adorn all sides. The front displays a gilt oak wreath. It bears the inscription “5/IUNI/1849” in gilt letters. The left side shows Frederik VII’s motto. “Folkets Kærlighed, min Styrke.” The right side declares “Frederik D: Syvende/Grundlovens Giver.” This means Frederik the Seventh, granter of the constitution. The rear reads “Født 1808./Konge 1848./Død 1863.” This marks his birth, reign, and death.
The statue before you is more than bronze and granite. It embodies a king who transitioned a nation. Frederik VII, the last absolute monarch, became a constitutional one. He secured his place in Danish history. His legacy lives on through this statue. It reminds us of the people’s love being a monarch’s strength.