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A Danish Journey — Part 2: Insignia of the Danish Monarchs
Posted by Thomas on September 11, 2018, 5:27 am
Denmark is one of the oldest monarchies in the world. As such, the collections of the Danish State and of the Royal House are laden with artefacts commemorating Kings and Queens, centuries of diplomatic exchanges, family ties, and royal service.
In this second part, I will focus on pieces from Danish Royal and public collections, which are displayed at the National History Museum in Frederiksborg Castle; at the Museum of the Glücksburg Dynasty in Christian VIII's Palace in Amalienborg, at Rosenborg Castle; and pieces in the possession of the Royal Chapter of the Orders of Chivalry, and The Royal Danish Collection, some of which are temporarily displayed at Koldinghus.
Please note that this presentation is divided in four parts: -Danish Honours; -Foreign Orders of Danish Monarchs; -Ladies' orders; -Royal Marks of Honour.
Danish Honours
"Denmark has two Royal Orders of Chivalry, the Order of the Elephant and the Order of Dannebrog. Both gained their first written statutes in 1693. At any given time, the ruling monarch is sovereign of both orders. Ceremonial robes were used on special occasions but went out of fashion and were last used at the anointing of Christian VIII in 1840."
"Around 1460, Christian I founded the so-called 'Fellowship of the Mother of God, with a collar consisting of elephants and a badge showing the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child. The order was not bestowed on anyone after 1523. In 1580, Frederik lI created the Order of the Elephant, reusing parts of the earlier order, but now with an elephant as the badge. In 1693 the order was given statutes. These are still in force today, with an addition from 1958 which states that men and women enjoy equal access to decoration with the order. Today the Order of the Elephant can be bestowed on members of the Danish Royal Family members of foreign royal families, and foreign heads of state as well as a small number of commoners who are particularly deserving."
"The Order of Dannebrog was founded in 1671. Originally, the order only had one class, Knight of Dannebrog. In 1808, Frederik VI changed the order into a modern order of merit with four classes: Grand Commander, Grand Cross, Commander and Knight, as well as the Cross of Honour. In 1864, the Commander class was divided into two classes, as was the Knight class in 1952. Men and women were granted equal access to decoration in 1951."
"The Royal Chapter of the Orders of Chivalry was founded in 1808 with the aim of supporting the Grand Master in the administration of the orders. The Chapter consists of the Grand Master and all the Danish Knights of the Order of the Elephant, as well as the Chancellor of the Orders, Secretary of the Orders, and Treasurer of the Orders. The Chapter is supported by a secretariat led by a Head of the Secretariat. which includes a Historiographer of the Orders, who is responsible for collecting the biographies of all decorated persons, as well as a Warden of the Chapel of the Orders and a Painter of the Arms, who is responsible for the hanging of the coats-of-arms of the Knights of the Elephant and Dannebrog in the Chapel of the Orders at Frederiksborg Palace." (Notices from the Chapter of the Orders at Amalienborg)
As Sovereign of the Orders, H.M. Queen Margrethe II has exclusive use of a set of insignia, one of the oldest in existence, of both orders. They are kept with the Crown's Regalia at Rosenborg Castle. The Queen only wears these insignia on special State occasions.
Chain of the Order of the Elephant, gold with enamel and table-cut stones, possibly made by Jean Henri de Moor, Copenhagen, after 1693.
01
Photo: The Royal Danish Collection – Iben Bolling Kaufmann, 2014.
Badge of the Order of the Elephant, possibly by Paul Kurtz, 1671.
02
Photo: The Royal Danish Collection, 2003.
Star of the Order of the Elephant, brilliants and pearls on gold and enamel. Possibly made c. 1770 by J.F. Fistaine. This star has been worn by the Queen, but she has preferred to wear the following one in recent years.
03
Photo: The Royal Danish Collection, 2008.
Star of the Order of the Elephant, to be worn on the doublet of the Anointing Dress. Brilliants on gold and enamel. Made for Christian VI by Frederik (I) Fabritius in 1731. This star is worn by the Queen with the other elements in the set of insignia.
04
Badge and Chain of the Order of Dannebrog, gold with enamel and table-cut stones, possibly by Paul Kurtz, 1671.
05
Photo: The Royal Danish Collection – Iben Bolling Kaufmann, 2014.
Star of the Order of Dannebrog, gold with brilliants and rubies. Made after amendments to the statutes of the Order in 1808, probably for Frederik VI.
06
Photo: The Royal Danish Collection, 2011.
Insignia of Orders and Royal decorations also played a great part in the display at Koldinghus.
A comprehensive display presented the totality of Danish awards, from the Order of the Elephant and the highest ranks of the Order of the Dannebrog, to the badges of offices of The Queen's chamberlains and civil decorations.
07
The chains of both Danish Orders, which are made of pure gold, were shown as well. Chapter of the Orders.
08
A Grand-Commander neck badge of the Order of the Dannebrog, along with a jewelled star of the order are shown here. Both were worn by H.H. Prince Henrik in his lifetime, although the museum failed to mention it. They are the property of the Chapter of the Orders.
09
Photo: Koldinghus – Iben Kaufmann
The Badge of the Chancellor of the Orders, bearing the monogram of Frederik IX. Prince Henrik was Chancellor between 1970 and 2009, when Prince Joachim took over his charge. Chapter of the Orders.
10
The Star of the Grand Cross with Diamonds of the Order of the Dannebrog, awarded to Søren Haslund-Christensen (1933-…), former Lord Chamberlain, in 2003.
11
These breast stars of the Order of the Elephant belonged to Wilhelm I, German Emperor (ca. 1841- 1888, Berlin, private manufacture) and Sir Winston Churchill (ca. 1950). Chapter of the Orders.
12
Insignia of discontinued orders are also preserved in Denmark.
The oldest is the Order of the Mailed Sword-Arm (also known as the Order of the Armed Arm), that was awarded only on one occasion, on December 2, 1616, to twelve knights of Christian IV, in Koldinghus. It was worn round the neck, suspended from a blue ribbon.
Badge belonged to Albret or Jørgen Skeel. Frederiksborg Castle.
13
The Order of the Perfect Union ("Ordre de l'Union Parfaite"), instituted in 1732 in commemoration of the marriage of Christian VI and Queen Sophie-Magdalene. Was the first Danish order opened to women. It was worn on the left chest on a blue ribbon edged with silver (on a bow for Ladies). Purely a Court order, it was not awarded after the Queen's death in 1770.
Badge, on discoloured ribbon. Rosenborg Castle.
14
The beautiful badge bears elements from the arms of Norway (lion bearing a halberd) and Brandenburg (red eagle). The center of the cross displays the intertwined monograms of Sophie-Magdalene, born a Princess of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Christian VI, King of Denmark and Norway.
Badge without diamonds, on modern ribbon. Frederiksborg Castle.
15
The insignia of the Order of the Elephant haven't varied much since the order's foundation.
Copy of an official Badge of the Order of the Elephant, on thinner sash for ladies, made by Court Jeweller Anton Michelsen, 1981. Frederiksborg Castle
16
Official Star of the Order of the Elephant. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
17
Foreign Orders of Danish Monarchs
For a very long time, European sovereigns have exchanged their highest honours between themselves, whether they had close family ties or to strengthen the links between their countries.
In Denmark, the trace of these diplomatic gifts can be found as early as 1582, when Elizabeth I sent the Order of the Garter to Frederik II.
Lesser George of the Order of the Garter, sent to Frederik II by Elizabeth I in 1582. Gold and velvet with enamel, diamonds and rubies.
18
Collar, Great George, Garter and Lesser George of the Order of the Garter, sent to Christian IV by James I in 1603. Gold with enamel and diamonds, velvet with pearls and rubies.
19
The insignia of the order were not returned after the death of Christian IV under the excuse of the troubles in England which led to Charles I's deposition and execution. As such, they are considered to be the oldest in existence. Treasury, Rosenborg Castle.
Frederik IV's Badge of the Russian Order of Saint Andrew, gold, silver, rose-cut diamonds, enamels, ca. 1713-1717. Treasury, Rosenborg Castle.
20
Continuation of the practice of exchanging orders is further demonstrated in Rosenborg Castle by the display of the orders of Frederik VI, Frederik VII, Christian VIII, among others.
Danish and Foreign decorations in Christian VII’s Room, Rosenborg Castle.
21
Frederik VI’s foreign decorations in Christian VII’s Room, Rosenborg Castle.
22
Orders and Decorations of Frederik VII in Frederik VII’s Room, Rosenborg Castle.
23
Frederik VII’s Grand Cross and of the French Order of the Legion of Honour (Third Empire era).
24
Frederik VII’s Collar and Badge of the Swedish Order of Vasa (top); Collar, Badge and Star of the Russian Order of St. Andrew (centre and bottom-right corner) and Star of the Russian Order of the White Eagle (bottom-left corner).
25
Frederik VII’s miniature decorations (centre and bottom); Star of the Swedish Order of Vasa (top); Star of the Order of the Elephant (right); and cross of honour of the Swedish Order of the Sword (left).
26
This summer, a special exhibition was presented at Frederiksborg Castle in honour of Crown Prince Frederik's 50th birthday. A selection of his foreign decorations was loaned by the Prince.
Crown Prince Frederik's Greenlandic uniform, with his medal ribbon bars.
27
Crown Prince Frederik's Grand Cross of the Norwegian Order of Saint Olaf.
28
Crown Prince Frederik's Grand Cross of the Finnish Order of the White Rose.
29
Crown Prince Frederik's Knight's insignia of the Swedish Order of the Seraphim.
30
Crown Prince Frederik's Grand Cross of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon.
31
Crown Prince Frederik's Grand Cross of the Estonian Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana.
32
Crown Prince Frederik's Grand Cross of the Latvian Order of the Three Stars.
33
Crown Prince Frederik's Grand Cordon of the Japanese Order of the Chrysanthemum.
34
Crown Prince Frederik's Grand Cross of the Brazilian Order of the Southern Cross.
35
Crown Prince Frederik's Chain, Badge and Star of the Thai Order of Chula Chom Klao.
36
To finish with, here are the Badge and Star of a Grand Officer of the French Order of the Legion of Honour, presented to Princess Marie of Denmark by Ambassador François Zimeray on April 7, 2017, which were displayed alongside jewels at Koldinghus.
37
Photo: Koldinghus – Iben Kaufmann
Ladies' orders
Many orders, imitating the religious and charitable aims of the masculine orders of chivalry, were established for Ladies. A few examples were displayed in Rosenborg and Amalienborg.
Queen Caroline-Amalie Sash Badge of the Spanish Order of Queen Marie-Louise. Rosenborg Castle.
38
Queen Louise's Badge of the Austrian Order of the Starry Cross. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
39
Queen Louise's Badge of the Prussian Order of Louise. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
40
Queen Louise's Sash Badge of the Portuguese Order of Saint Isabel. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
41
Queen Louise's First Class Badge of the Russian Order of Saint Catherine. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
42
Queen Louise's Sash Badge of the Mexican Imperial Order of Saint Charles. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
43
Royal Marks of Honour
In most monarchies, the Sovereign's portrait or cypher has long been used to distinguish courtiers or family members, often in a very lavish way. The privileged relationship of an individual with the Monarch is still symbolised by the marks of honour only him can bestow.
The ancient practice of wearing the sovereign's portrait has been perpetuated to this day in Denmark. Royal insignia presented in many museums included the portraits of different sovereigns in lavish settings.
Among those displayed in Koldinghus was Queen Margrethe's Diamond portrait of King Frederick IX (The Royal Danish Moveable Property Trust). And Crown Princess Mary's and Princess Marie's portraits of the Queen.
44
In a fascinating interview, The Queen tells the story of her badge:
"My frame, which is in the keeping of the Royal Danish Moveable Property Trust, is quite exquisite with its eighteen extremely large diamonds topped by a crown of diamonds. The frame has also been passed down from my great-grandmother, Frederik VIII's Queen Lovisa, but it had originally belonged to Empress Amalie of Brazil, who outlived her only daughter and therefore left some of her jewellery to her sister, Josefina. (…) She passed on the frame to her son's daughter, Lovisa. (…)"
45
Photo: Koldinghus – Iben Kaufmann
"Unfortunately, I have no knowledge of the original portrait in the frame, but I do know that my great grandmother, Queen Lovisa, used the frame for a portrait of her husband. Frederik VIII. It was then handed down to her daughter-in-law, my paternal grandmother Queen Alexandrine, in 1926, at that point with the portrait of Christian X. When my paternal grandfather died, the new queen — my mother — took over the frame and inserted a portrait of the new king — Frederik IX — painted on ivory by the Swedish artist Fanny Faulkner. What happened to the portrait of poor old Christian X remains a mystery. When my father died in 1972, I took over the frame, but kept the portrait of Frederik IX, while my mother used another frame, without a crown on top but still with a portrait of Frederik IX. My two sisters have their own frames in which they also have our father's portrait, while I have had new miniature frames made with pearls and small diamond-studded crosses for my two daughters-in-law, both with my portrait painted from a photograph taken by Rigmor Mydtskov. I know this type of miniature frame, in which small crosses reference the Order of the Dannebrog, was worn by King Frederik VIII daughters. The frames worn by my daughters-in-law are therefore completely new pieces, but made with respect for the historical tradition, in exactly the same way as the Naasut Tiara at the start of the interview." (Excerpts from the exhibition catalogue)
Crown Princess Mary's Badge, 2004.
46
Princess Marie's Badge, 2008.
47
Both photos: Koldinghus – Iben Kaufmann
Queen Louise's Portrait of King Christian IX (after a photograph by Carl C. Hansen). Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
48
Another kind of wearable portrait: "This gold ring from around 1770 has two painted miniature portraits made by W.A. Müller. The visible miniature is of Queen Juliane Marie surrounded by 100 brilliant-cut diamonds, over this a crown of diamonds. Behind a closed capsule on the underside of the ring is another miniature portrait, of Frederik V."
49
Photo: Koldinghus – Iben Kaufmann
"Juliane Marie was Frederik V's second wife. After Frederik V’s death, his son by his first marriage, Christian VII, therefore became king, in spite of him being mentally unstable. As a dowager queen Juliane Marie participated in the coup which replaced and executed Struensee and exiled Christian VII’s queen, Caroline-Matilda, in 1772." (note from Koldinghus exhibition catalogue) The Royal Danish Moveable Property Trust.
Another example of these family portraits is this First Class Badge of the Order of Victoria & Albert that belonged to Queen Alexandra. It was presented to her by Queen Victoria on 9 March 1863. (RCIN 441446). The badge was also displayed at Koldinghus.
50
Photo: Royal Collection Trust – H.M. Queen Elizabeth II
Much like members of royal families, courtiers are often identified by "badges of office".
Badge of a Lady-in-waiting, in diamonds, bearing the monogram of Queen Ingrid. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
51
Badge of a Lady-in-waiting, bearing the monogram of Queen Ingrid. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
52
Chamberlains' Keys from the reigns of Christian VII, Christian VIII, Christian IX, Christian X and Frederik VI, Frederik VII and Frederik IX. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
53
In Denmark, the Dignity of chamberlain is almost entirely honorary. Male chamberlains wear a uniform and a key on the right lapel. There are presently ca. 100 Chamberlains.
The Dignity of Lady Chamberlain was instituted by Queen Margrethe in 1997. There are presently ca. 10 Lady Chamberlains.
Keys of a Chamberlain and a Lady Chamberlain displayed at Koldinghus. Chapter of the Orders.
54
Apart from badges of office, royal monograms have been used as presents, in the form of rings, broches, or, as is the case here, as badges:
Commemorative emblem with the crowned cypher of Frederik VII, platinium and diamonds, 1852. Awarded to Rakel Jeanette Christiansen, the wife of a Royal Agent (a distinguished tradesman). Design Museum Denmark, Copenhagen (on display at Koldinghus).
55
To finish with, here is a close-up of the uniform Crown Prince Frederick wore at his wedding. It is displayed, with equivalents to the Prince's decorations, in the exhibition at Frederiksborg Castle in honour of the Crown Prince's 50th birthday.
Another incredibly interesting post!! Thank you so much Thomas for so generously sharing all this information with us. As always your photos and presentation are superb. It is almost like having a personal guided tour of the exhibition.
I know that most of us will be referring back to this post constantly for information on these Orders.
I have learnt a lot. Apart from gaining more knowledge about some of the major Orders, I was intrigued when I glimpsed the first photo of the keys. I had never heard of the Chamberlains' keys before or of some of the Orders awarded to the Crown Prince which were on display.
Re: A Danish Journey — Part 2: Insignia of the Danish Monarchs
The workman and craftmanship are exclusive and I for one know we have no craftsmen in all the land with all the modern technology who could attempt these works of art. Thanks again Thomas for an most interesting contribution. I learn something new every time I visit here, and that speaks very positive vibes. I have gone over this post like at least 4 times already and I seem to see something new every time I do so. I also love the details on all of the orders and stuff, it actually teaches one about Denmark all in one go.
Great Stuff,
Dave.
Previous Message
Denmark is one of the oldest monarchies in the world. As such, the collections of the Danish State and of the Royal House are laden with artefacts commemorating Kings and Queens, centuries of diplomatic exchanges, family ties, and royal service.
In this second part, I will focus on pieces from Danish Royal and public collections, which are displayed at the National History Museum in Frederiksborg Castle; at the Museum of the Glücksburg Dynasty in Christian VIII's Palace in Amalienborg, at Rosenborg Castle; and pieces in the possession of the Royal Chapter of the Orders of Chivalry, and The Royal Danish Collection, some of which are temporarily displayed at Koldinghus.
Please note that this presentation is divided in four parts: -Danish Honours; -Foreign Orders of Danish Monarchs; -Ladies' orders; -Royal Marks of Honour.
Danish Honours
"Denmark has two Royal Orders of Chivalry, the Order of the Elephant and the Order of Dannebrog. Both gained their first written statutes in 1693. At any given time, the ruling monarch is sovereign of both orders. Ceremonial robes were used on special occasions but went out of fashion and were last used at the anointing of Christian VIII in 1840."
"Around 1460, Christian I founded the so-called 'Fellowship of the Mother of God, with a collar consisting of elephants and a badge showing the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child. The order was not bestowed on anyone after 1523. In 1580, Frederik lI created the Order of the Elephant, reusing parts of the earlier order, but now with an elephant as the badge. In 1693 the order was given statutes. These are still in force today, with an addition from 1958 which states that men and women enjoy equal access to decoration with the order. Today the Order of the Elephant can be bestowed on members of the Danish Royal Family members of foreign royal families, and foreign heads of state as well as a small number of commoners who are particularly deserving."
"The Order of Dannebrog was founded in 1671. Originally, the order only had one class, Knight of Dannebrog. In 1808, Frederik VI changed the order into a modern order of merit with four classes: Grand Commander, Grand Cross, Commander and Knight, as well as the Cross of Honour. In 1864, the Commander class was divided into two classes, as was the Knight class in 1952. Men and women were granted equal access to decoration in 1951."
"The Royal Chapter of the Orders of Chivalry was founded in 1808 with the aim of supporting the Grand Master in the administration of the orders. The Chapter consists of the Grand Master and all the Danish Knights of the Order of the Elephant, as well as the Chancellor of the Orders, Secretary of the Orders, and Treasurer of the Orders. The Chapter is supported by a secretariat led by a Head of the Secretariat. which includes a Historiographer of the Orders, who is responsible for collecting the biographies of all decorated persons, as well as a Warden of the Chapel of the Orders and a Painter of the Arms, who is responsible for the hanging of the coats-of-arms of the Knights of the Elephant and Dannebrog in the Chapel of the Orders at Frederiksborg Palace." (Notices from the Chapter of the Orders at Amalienborg)
As Sovereign of the Orders, H.M. Queen Margrethe II has exclusive use of a set of insignia, one of the oldest in existence, of both orders. They are kept with the Crown's Regalia at Rosenborg Castle. The Queen only wears these insignia on special State occasions.
Chain of the Order of the Elephant, gold with enamel and table-cut stones, possibly made by Jean Henri de Moor, Copenhagen, after 1693.
01
Photo: The Royal Danish Collection – Iben Bolling Kaufmann, 2014.
Badge of the Order of the Elephant, possibly by Paul Kurtz, 1671.
02
Photo: The Royal Danish Collection, 2003.
Star of the Order of the Elephant, brilliants and pearls on gold and enamel. Possibly made c. 1770 by J.F. Fistaine. (This star isn't worn by the Queen).
03
Photo: The Royal Danish Collection, 2008.
Star of the Order of the Elephant, to be worn on the doublet of the Anointing Dress. Brilliants on gold and enamel. Made for Christian VI by Frederik (I) Fabritius in 1731. This star is worn by the Queen with the other elements in the set of insignia.
04
Badge and Chain of the Order of Dannebrog, gold with enamel and table-cut stones, possibly by Paul Kurtz, 1671.
05
Photo: The Royal Danish Collection – Iben Bolling Kaufmann, 2014.
Star of the Order of Dannebrog, gold with brilliants and rubies. Made after amendments to the statutes of the Order in 1808, probably for Frederik VI.
06
Photo: The Royal Danish Collection, 2011.
Insignia of Orders and Royal decorations also played a great part in the display at Koldinghus.
A comprehensive display presented the totality of Danish awards, from the Order of the Elephant and the highest ranks of the Order of the Dannebrog, to the badges of offices of The Queen's chamberlains and civil decorations.
07
The chains of both Danish Orders, which are made of pure gold, were shown as well. Chapter of the Orders.
08
A Grand-Commander neck badge of the Order of the Dannebrog, along with a jewelled star of the order are shown here. Both were worn by H.H. Prince Henrik in his lifetime, although the museum failed to mention it. They are the property of the Chapter of the Orders.
09
Photo: Koldinghus – Iben Kaufmann
The Badge of the Chancellor of the Orders, bearing the monogram of Frederik IX. Prince Henrik was Chancellor between 1970 and 2009, when Prince Joachim took over his charge. Chapter of the Orders.
10
The Star of the Grand Cross with Diamonds of the Order of the Dannebrog, awarded to Søren Haslund-Christensen (1933-…), former Lord Chamberlain, in 2003.
11
These breast stars of the Order of the Elephant belonged to Wilhelm I, German Emperor (ca. 1841- 1888, Berlin, private manufacture) and Sir Winston Churchill (ca. 1950). Chapter of the Orders.
12
Insignia of discontinued orders are also preserved in Denmark.
The oldest is the Order of the Mailed Sword-Arm (also known as the Order of the Armed Arm), that was awarded only on one occasion, on December 2, 1616, to twelve knights of Christian IV, in Koldinghus. It was worn round the neck, suspended from a blue ribbon.
Badge belonged to Albret or Jørgen Skeel. Frederiksborg Castle.
13
The Order of the Perfect Union ("Ordre de l'Union Parfaite"), instituted in 1732 in commemoration of the marriage of Christian VI and Queen Sophie-Magdalene. Was the first Danish order opened to women. It was worn on the left chest on a blue ribbon edged with silver (on a bow for Ladies). Purely a Court order, it was not awarded after the Queen's death in 1770.
Badge, on discoloured ribbon. Rosenborg Castle.
14
The beautiful badge bears elements from the arms of Norway (lion bearing a halberd) and Brandenburg (red eagle). The center of the cross displays the intertwined monograms of Sophie-Magdalene, born a Princess of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Christian VI, King of Denmark and Norway.
Badge without diamonds, on modern ribbon. Frederiksborg Castle.
15
The insignia of the Order of the Elephant haven't varied much since the order's foundation.
Copy of an official Badge of the Order of the Elephant, on thinnaer sash for ladies, made by Court Jeweller Anton Michelsen, 1981. Frederiksborg Castle
16
Official Star of the Order of the Elephant. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
17
Foreign Orders of Danish Monarchs
For a very long time, European sovereigns have exchanged their highest honours between themselves, whether they had close family ties or to strengthen the links between their countries.
In Denmark, the trace of these diplomatic gifts can be found as early as 1582, when Elizabeth I sent the Order of the Garter to Frederik II.
Lesser George of the Order of the Garter, sent to Frederik II by Elizabeth I in 1582. Gold and velvet with enamel, diamonds and rubies.
18
Collar, Great George, Garter and Lesser George of the Order of the Garter, sent to Christian IV by James I in 1603. Gold with enamel and diamonds, velvet with pearls and rubies.
19
The insignia of the order were not returned after the death of Christian IV under the excuse of the troubles in England which led to James' deposition and execution. As such, they are considered to be the oldest in existence. Treasury, Rosenborg Castle.
Frederik IV's Badge of the Russian Order of Saint Andrew, gold, silver, rose-cut diamonds, enamels, ca. 1713-1717. Treasury, Rosenborg Castle.
20
Continuation of the practice of exchanging orders is further demonstrated in Rosenborg Castle by the display of the orders of Frederik VI, Frederik VII, Christian VIII, among others.
Danish and Foreign decorations in Christian VII’s Room, Rosenborg Castle.
21
Frederik VI’s foreign decorations in Christian VII’s Room, Rosenborg Castle.
22
Orders and Decorations of Frederik VII in Frederik VII’s Room, Rosenborg Castle.
23
Frederik VII’s Grand Cross and of the French Order of the Legion of Honour (Third Empire era).
24
Frederik VII’s Collar and Badge of the Swedish Order of Vasa (top); Collar, Badge and Star of the Russian Order of St. Andrew (centre and bottom-right corner) and Star of the Russian Order of the White Eagle (bottom-left corner).
25
Frederik VII’s miniature decorations (centre and bottom); Star of the Swedish Order of Vasa (top); Star of the Order of the Elephant (right); and cross of honour of the Swedish Order of the Sword (left).
26
This summer, a special exhibition was presented at Frederiksborg Castle in honour of Crown Prince Frederik's 50th birthday. A selection of his foreign decorations was loaned by the Prince.
Crown Prince Frederik's Greenlandic uniform, with his medal ribbon bars.
27
Crown Prince Frederik's Grand Cross of the Norwegian Order of Saint Olaf.
28
Crown Prince Frederik's Grand Cross of the Finnish Order of the White Rose.
29
Crown Prince Frederik's Knight's insignia of the Swedish Order of the Seraphim.
30
Crown Prince Frederik's Grand Cross of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon.
31
Crown Prince Frederik's Grand Cross of the Estonian Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana.
32
Crown Prince Frederik's Grand Cross of the Latvian Order of the Three Stars.
33
Crown Prince Frederik's Grand Cordon of the Japanese Order of the Chrysanthemum.
34
Crown Prince Frederik's Grand Cross of the Brazilian Order of the Southern Cross.
35
Crown Prince Frederik's Chain, Badge and Star of the Thai Order of Chula Chom Klao.
36
To finish with, here are the Badge and Star of a Grand Officer of the French Order of the Legion of Honour, presented to Princess Marie of Denmark by Ambassador François Zimeray on April 7, 2017, which were displayed alongside jewels at Koldinghus.
37
Photo: Koldinghus – Iben Kaufmann
Ladies' orders
Many orders, imitating the religious and charitable aims of the masculine orders of chivalry, were established for Ladies. A few examples were displayed in Rosenborg and Amalienborg.
Queen Caroline-Amalie Sash Badge of the Spanish Order of Queen Marie-Louise. Rosenborg Castle.
38
Queen Louise's Badge of the Austrian Order of the Starry Cross. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
39
Queen Louise's Badge of the Prussian Order of Louise. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
40
Queen Louise's Sash Badge of the Portuguese Order of Saint Isabel. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
41
Queen Louise's First Class Badge of the Russian Order of Saint Catherine. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
42
Queen Louise's Sash Badge of the Mexican Imperial Order of Saint Charles. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
43
Royal Marks of Honour
In most monarchies, the Sovereign's portrait or cypher has long been used to distinguish courtiers or family members, often in a very lavish way. The privileged relationship of an individual with the Monarch is still symbolised by the marks of honour only him can bestow.
The ancient practice of wearing the sovereign's portrait has been perpetuated to this day in Denmark. Royal insignia presented in many museums included the portraits of different sovereigns in lavish settings.
Among those displayed in Koldinghus was Queen Margrethe's Diamond portrait of King Frederick IX (The Royal Danish Moveable Property Trust). And Crown Princess Mary's and Princess Marie's portraits of the Queen.
44
In a fascinating interview, The Queen tells the story of her badge:
"My frame, which is in the keeping of the Royal Danish Moveable Property Trust, is quite exquisite with its eighteen extremely large diamonds topped by a crown of diamonds. The frame has also been passed down from my great-grandmother, Frederik VIII's Queen Lovisa, but it had originally belonged to Empress Amalie of Brazil, who outlived her only daughter and therefore left some of her jewellery to her sister, Josefina. (…) She passed on the frame to her son's daughter, Lovisa. (…)"
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Photo: Koldinghus – Iben Kaufmann
"Unfortunately, I have no knowledge of the original portrait in the frame, but I do know that my great grandmother, Queen Lovisa, used the frame for a portrait of her husband. Frederik VIII. It was then handed down to her daughter-in-law, my paternal grandmother Queen Alexandrine, in 1926, at that point with the portrait of Christian X. When my paternal grandfather died, the new queen — my mother — took over the frame and inserted a portrait of the new king — Frederik IX — painted on ivory by the Swedish artist Fanny Faulkner. What happened to the portrait of poor old Christian X remains a mystery. When my father died in 1972, I took over the frame, but kept the portrait of Frederik IX, while my mother used another frame, without a crown on top but still with a portrait of Frederik IX. My two sisters have their own frames in which they also have our father's portrait, while I have had new miniature frames made with pearls and small diamond-studded crosses for my two daughters-in-law, both with my portrait painted from a photograph taken by Rigmor Mydtskov. I know this type of miniature frame, in which small crosses reference the Order of the Dannebrog, was worn by King Frederik VIII daughters. The frames worn by my daughters-in-law are therefore completely new pieces, but made with respect for the historical tradition, in exactly the same way as the Naasut Tiara at the start of the interview." (Excerpts from the exhibition catalogue)
Crown Princess Mary's Badge, 2004.
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Princess Marie's Badge, 2008.
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Both photos: Koldinghus – Iben Kaufmann
Queen Louise's Portrait of King Christian IX (after a photograph by Carl C. Hansen). Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
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Another kind of wearable portrait: "This gold ring from around 1770 has two painted miniature portraits made by W.A. Müller. The visible miniature is of Queen Juliane Marie surrounded by 100 brilliant-cut diamonds, over this a crown of diamonds. Behind a closed capsule on the underside of the ring is another miniature portrait, of Frederik V."
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Photo: Koldinghus – Iben Kaufmann
"Juliane Marie was Frederik V's second wife. After Frederik V’s death, his son by his first marriage, Christian VII, therefore became king, in spite of him being mentally unstable. As a dowager queen Juliane Marie participated in the coup which replaced and executed Struensee and exiled Christian VII’s queen, Caroline-Matilda, in 1772." (note from Koldinghus exhibition catalogue) The Royal Danish Moveable Property Trust.
Another example of these family portraits is this First Class Badge of the Order of Victoria & Albert that belonged to Queen Alexandra. It was presented to her by Queen Victoria on 9 March 1863. (RCIN 441446). The badge was also displayed at Koldinghus.
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Photo: Royal Collection Trust – H.M. Queen Elizabeth II
Much like members of royal families, courtiers are often identified by "badges of office".
Badge of a Lady-in-waiting, in diamonds, bearing the monogram of Queen Ingrid. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
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Badge of a Lady-in-waiting, bearing the monogram of Queen Ingrid. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
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Chamberlains' Keys from the reigns of Christian VII, Christian VIII, Christian IX, Christian X and Frederik VI, Frederik VII and Frederik IX. Christian VIII's Palace, Amalienborg.
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In Denmark, the Dignity of chamberlain is almost entirely honorary. Male chamberlains wear a uniform and a key on the right lapel. There are presently ca. 100 Chamberlains.
The Dignity of Lady Chamberlain was instituted by Queen Margrethe in 1997. There are presently ca. 10 Lady Chamberlains.
Keys of a Chamberlain and a Lady Chamberlain displayed at Koldinghus. Chapter of the Orders.
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Apart from badges of office, royal monograms have been used as presents, in the form of rings, broches, or, as is the case here, as badges:
Commemorative emblem with the crowned cypher of Frederik VII, platinium and diamonds, 1852. Awarded to Rakel Jeanette Christiansen, the wife of a Royal Agent (a distinguished tradesman). Design Museum Denmark, Copenhagen (on display at Koldinghus).
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To finish with, here is a close-up of the uniform Crown Prince Frederick wore at his wedding. It is displayed, with equivalents to the Prince's decorations, in the exhibition at Frederiksborg Castle in honour of the Crown Prince's 50th birthday.