Christian X, born at 26 September 1870 at Charlottenlund Castle, becomes king age 41. The outburst of the First World War, only two years from his coronation, sets difficult premises for the reign of Christian X.
Though he intended to keep his kingdom at shelter from war, Germany forces the king to mine the straits in order to stop the English invasion to Great Britain. On the 15th of June 1915, though during a world war, Denmark witnesses an important constitutional modification: the proportional representation and right of vote of females, indifferent of their status is instituted.
As a result of Germany being defeated, Denmark is offered the return of Schleswig-Holstein by the powers reunited at Versailles. Fearing the reaction of Germany, Denmark refuses Holstein and insisted over the organization of a plebiscite regarding the recasting of Schleswig province. In 1920, as a result of the plebiscite, Schleswig returns to Denmark.
In spite of its sustained and continuous neutrality, Denmark is invaded by Germany (Operation Weserübung) on the 9th of April 1940. Even though initially accorded autonomy (by 1943 due to a very active resistance movement), Denmark remains military occupied during the entire war. The Danish expressed a powerful sympathy for the cause of the Alliance; 1900 Danish police officers had been arrested by the Gestapo and sent to Buchenwald under security.
The king’s attitude in front of this situation was dignified and defiant: he continues his horseback riding on the streets of Copenhagen with no escort, manifesting his hostility towards the Reich by symbolic gestures in writing or in direct meetings with the latter. When receiving a telegram form Hitler on his birthday the king replies very short: “Thank you very much” and signs “Ch REX”. When Hitler proposes him the unification of the two nations under the same leader, Christian answers him very detached “I am too old to have so man people under my crown. You should talk to my son.”
This smouldering conflict finally outbursts on the 29th of August 1943 when Denmark is declared under siege. The government demission and the king is exiled to Sorgenfri Castle. This state lasts until the fifth of May 1945 when, after the entrance of the British troupes in the country, the Parliament is reopened.
Though he had a difficult reign, crossed by two world wars, Christian X proved courageous and adopted a dignified attitude in front one of the most feared statesman of all times: Hitler.
He and Alexandrine of Mecklenburg - Schwerin, the daughter of the grand duchess Anastasia of Russia, had two sons: Frederik and Knud.
