The Amalienborg complex in Copenhagen is the official residence of the Danish royal family. It consists of four almost identical palaces around an octagonal courtyard. It was originally built for four noble families, but the royal family purchased the complex after a fire devastated Christianborg Palace.
Christian VII’s Palace
Christian VII’s Palace was originally built for Adam Gottlob Moltke, and it was the most expensive of the four palaces. From December 1794, the Danish royal family lived here. From the death of King Christian VII in 1808, the palace was used for the Royal Household, and it was also used by the Ministery of Foreign Affairs. Over the years, several members of the family lived here for a short time. For example, from 1971 until 1975, it housed a kindergarten and schoolroom for Crown Prince Frederik and his brother Prince Joachim.
It’s currently occasionally open to the public.
Christian VIII’s Palace
Christian VIII’s Palace was originally built for Count Christian Frederik Levetzau. Frederick, Hereditary Prince of Denmark, the father of King Christian VIII, bought the palace in 1794, and his son grew up in the palace. The palace saw the deaths of King Christian VIII and his wife, Caroline Amalie. In 1898, it became the residence of the future King Christian X and his wife, Alexandrine. After King Christian X’s death, it became the residence of Knud, Hereditary Prince of Denmark, who would have become King of Denmark if the law hadn’t been changed in favour of Queen Margrethe II. Reportedly, Count Felix, her grandson, currently lives in an apartment there, and an apartment is available for his parents.
Frederik VIII’s Palace
Frederik VIII’s Palace was originally built for Count Joachim Brockdorff, but it was sold to Adam Gottlob Moltke in 1763. It was later acquired by King Frederik V. It first housed army and naval cadets before it was renovated for the future King Frederik VII and his wife, Princess Vilhelmine. After this, several members of the royal family lived here before it became the home of King Frederik VIII. In 1934, King Frederik IX and his wife Ingrid moved in. Queen Ingrid lived there until her death in 2000. The palace underwent renovations for Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, who live there now.
Christian IX’s Palace
Christian IX’s Palace was originally built for Severin Løvenskjold, but Countess Anna Sophie Schack took over the project after he ran into financial difficulties. In 1794, the future King Frederik VII and his wife Marie moved into the palace. After Marie’s death, it was used by the government and the supreme court. It became the home of King Christian IX until his death in 1906, and it remained empty until 1948. It was renovated in 1967 for the future Queen Margrethe II and her husband, Henrik. Queen Margrethe still lives in the palace.
On Amalienborg square, you can watch the changing of the guards every day.
Be the first to comment