Christian X

Christian X, 1870–1947, king of Denmark (1912–47) and Iceland (1912–44), son and successor of Frederick VIII and brother of King Haakon VII of Norway. He granted (1915) a new constitution that included the enfranchisement of women. During the German occupation (1940–45) of Denmark, the king defied German authority and was placed (1943) under house arrest. He became a symbol of national resistance. In 1944, Iceland severed all ties with the Danish crown. Christian's son Frederick IX succeeded him.

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Christian X

(born Sept. 26, 1870, Charlottenlund, Den.—died April 20, 1947, Copenhagen) King of Denmark (1912–47) who symbolized his nation's resistance to the German occupation in World War II. He assumed the throne on the death of his father, Frederick VIII (1843–1912). In 1915 Christian signed a constitution granting equal suffrage to men and women. After the German occupation began in 1940, he rode frequently on horseback through the streets of Copenhagen, showing that he had not abandoned his claim to national sovereignty, and he opposed Nazi demands for anti-Jewish legislation. His speech against the occupation forces in 1943 led to his imprisonment until the end of the war.