View source for Frederik IX of Denmark

==Early Life and Education==

Frederik IX was born on 11 March 1899 at [[Sorgenfri Palace|Sorgenfri Palace]], near Copenhagen, Denmark. He was the eldest son of King [[Christian X of Denmark|Christian X]] and Queen Alexandrine, née Duchess of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. His birth name was Christian Frederik Franz Michael Carl Valdemar Georg, but he was known as Frederik.

Frederik received a comprehensive education that was tailored to prepare him for his future role as king. He was tutored privately at home and later attended the [[Royal Danish Naval Academy|Royal Danish Naval Academy]], where he trained to become a naval officer. His education also included studies in law, political science, and economics at the [[University of Copenhagen|University of Copenhagen]].

[[Image:Detail-57222.jpg|thumb|center|A black and white photograph of a young Frederik IX in naval uniform.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-57223.jpg|thumb|center|A black and white photograph of a young Frederik IX in naval uniform.|class=only_on_desktop]]

==Naval Career==

Frederik began his naval career in 1917. He served in various capacities in the [[Royal Danish Navy|Royal Danish Navy]], including on the cruiser Fyen and the submarine Havmanden. He steadily rose through the ranks, becoming a Captain in 1935 and a Rear Admiral in 1946. His naval career was marked by a deep respect for the traditions and duties of the service, which he carried into his later role as king.

==Marriage and Family==

On 24 May 1935, Frederik married Princess [[Ingrid of Sweden|Ingrid of Sweden]]. The couple had three daughters: [[Margrethe II of Denmark|Margrethe]], Benedikte, and Anne-Marie. Frederik's marriage to Ingrid was a strong and supportive partnership, and their family life was marked by a warmth and informality that endeared them to the Danish people.

==Reign==

Frederik IX ascended to the throne on 20 April 1947, following the death of his father, Christian X. His reign was marked by a modernization of the monarchy and a strengthening of its ties with the Danish people. He was known for his approachability and his love of music, particularly classical and folk. He often conducted orchestras, both in Denmark and abroad.

Frederik IX's reign also saw significant political change in Denmark. During his reign, the Danish constitution was amended to allow for female succession, paving the way for his eldest daughter, Margrethe, to become queen. This made Denmark one of the first European monarchies to allow for a female monarch.

==Death and Legacy==

Frederik IX died on 14 January 1972. His death marked the end of an era in Danish history, but his legacy lives on in the modern Danish monarchy. His daughter, Margrethe II, ascended to the throne following his death, becoming the first female monarch of Denmark.

==See Also==

* [[Christian X of Denmark]]
* [[Ingrid of Sweden]]
* [[Margrethe II of Denmark]]
* [[Royal Danish Naval Academy]]
* [[Sorgenfri Palace]]

[[Category:Kings of Denmark]]
[[Category:House of Glücksburg]]
[[Category:20th-century Danish monarchs]]