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King Christian X of Denmark
King Christian X was not a particularly popular king during the early years of his reign. However, that all changed during World War II. It was during those years that Christian showed his people the kind of man he really was.
There had never been any love lost between the Danes and their more powerful neighbors, the Germans. The hostility had been fueled since the nineteenth century by The Schleswig Holstein problem. A war then had resulted in the defeat of Denmark, and the incorporation of part of the disputed duchy into Prussia, (later to become Germany).
When the Nazis invaded the country, they were not exactly welcomed with open arms. But Denmark, being only a small country, had to put up with the situation. They did manage to secure a measure of autonomy for themselves, although they had to allow German military occupation.
Another thing about the Danes was that they refused to pass any anti-Jewish legislation, and when the Nazis tried to round up the Danish Jews, the people hid them, and the vast majority managed to escape to neutral Sweden.
King Christian was at the forefront of this effort. To him there were no Jews, just Danes. On the day in 1933 that Hitler came to power in Germany, King Christian X made a very public visit to the main synagogue in Copenhagen. This gave a message to everyone of what attitude he had. There is a legend that he wore a Star of David, when his Jewish subjects were being forced to wear it. But that badge was never introduced in Denmark. He did say that if it were brought in that it might be a good idea for everyone to wear one.
There is another story about the king that may or may not be true. If it is, it shows just what sort of man he was.
The Germans wanted to replace the Danish flag on the palace with a Nazi rag. They sent a high ranking officer to tell the king. King Christian said that if they did so, he would send a Danish soldier to replace the Danish flag.
The Nazi said that the Germans would shoot the Danish soldier. The Kings answer is justly famous.
"That Danish soldier is me".
The Danish flag stayed in place throughout the war.
The row over King Christian's seventy second birthday really enraged Hitler. The Austrian corporal, who had hijacked a continent, and murdered millions, had the gall to send a really long effusive telegram of congratulations to The King, whose country he was occupying.
He got back four and a bit words.
"My best thanks, King Chrâ€.
That’s the right way for a king to address a piece of scum.
"Old one Ball" was livid. He expelled the Danish ambassador from Germany, and recalled the German ambassador from Denmark. The Germans also forced the dismissal of the Danish government, and its replacement with one that they hoped would be "more respectful".
But what King Christian X of Denmark is principally famous for are his rides through the streets of Copenhagen during the occupation.
Every morning, until a stroke in 1942 incapacitated him; he would mount his horse called "Jubilee" and ride alone, without any guards, through the streets of his capital. The Danes would wave at their king, or doff their hats, and he would salute back. If a German soldier saluted, he would be conspicuously ignored. This knowledge, that their king was with them, gave great comfort and hope to the Danish people. They used to wear little King Christian badges as a sign of resistance.
Once a German soldier asked someone why the king rode without a guard. The reply is very telling.
"All Denmark is his bodyguard".
Rest in Peace. King Christian X. Hero King.
On his death in Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen, in 1947, Christian X was interred along other members of the Danish royal family in Roskilde Cathedral near Copenhagen. In recognition of his symbolic significance during World War II, a cloth armband of the type worn by members of the Danish resistance movement was placed on his coffin.
Over seventy million people were killed during World War II. There are many stories of heroism told from that era as well. But when the final tally of the brave is added up, there is one man who should be up near the top of the count. He didn’t go out and shoot Nazis, nor did he run from them. But he did inspire a people to have hope during a dreadful time.
When historians want to point out, to future ages, examples of courage and rectitude from our age, they could do a lot worse than to retell the story of King Christian X and his rides through the streets of Copenhagen during the dark days of the Second World War.
Truly a great leader and a great man.
https://christopheranton.hubpages.com/hub/Heroes-from-History-King-Christian-X-of-Denmark-and-his-resistance-to-The-Nazi
