King of Denmark 1808 – 1839
Frederik VI was the son of the mentally ill Christian VII and Caroline Mathilde, and after a severe upbringing he became Crown Prince Regent in 1784. The years 1784-1797 were the period of the great agricultural reforms, when the king’s ministers were the driving forces. After the death of his highly trusted minister A.P. Bernstorff in 1797, Frederik VI decided to govern the twin monarchy of Denmark and Norway himself, and when Christian VII died in 1808, he suspended the state council.
Frederik VI was unable to keep Denmark out of the Napoleonic wars. In 1801, the English attacked Copenhagen, and the naval battle became known in Denmark as the Battle of Reden. Denmark joined Napoleon after the English bombarded Copenhagen and confiscated the fleet in 1807. After the 1814 peace and Denmark’s surrender of Norway, Frederik VI acknowledged his limitations as monarch. He continued to govern Denmark but was greatly influenced by trusted advisors. During his final years he won great popularity among the people thanks to his frugal way of life and civic sentiment.
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Facts
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| 1784 |
Crown Prince becomes Regent
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| 1797 |
Frederik VI rules absolutely |
| 1808 |
King of Denmark and Norway | |
More about Frederik VI
Danish Kings Biography in Danish
The Royal Family Biography in Danish
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