Christian IX of Denmark

Christian IX became King of Denmark on November 15, 1863, after the death of King Frederick VII. His accession occurred during a period of political crisis over the Schleswig-Holstein question.

Christian IX's children married into European royal families: Alexandra married Edward VII of the UK, Dagmar married Tsar Alexander III of Russia, and George became King of Greece. This earned him the nickname 'Father-in-law of Europe'.

Denmark under Christian IX fought the Second Schleswig War against Prussia and Austria. The war ended in Danish defeat, leading to the loss of Schleswig, Holstein, and Lauenburg, permanently reducing Danish territory.

Christian IX signed a revised constitution in 1866 that reorganized the Danish parliament (Rigsdag) and strengthened the powers of the monarchy and the upper house. This followed the political upheaval after the 1864 war.

In 1901, Christian IX accepted the principle of parliamentary rule by appointing a government based on the majority in the Folketing (lower house). This effectively established constitutional monarchy in Denmark, limiting royal power.