Kongernes købstadsbesøg - Dansk Center for Byhistorie

population’s homage during the royal visits. Civic guards were standard tribute to the king
during royal visits, thereby reinforcing the perception that the majesty’s main
responsibility was maintaining his role as the leader of the military. The military
inclination of the monarch and the people’s expectations to him is in line with Danish
society in the 18 th century. The kingdom was one of the most militarized countries in
Europe compared to its population ratio. The navy was second only to Britain, and seen in
relation to the population ratio, the Danish army was only surpassed by Prussia.
There were also other celebrations of the royal entries such as triumphal arches,
illuminations with pictures and songs. These revealed a perception of the monarchy as
constituting a third of the universal triad: God, king/dynasty and territory. This was
enshrouded in the fashionable ancient symbol of immortality, the pyramid. This made the
king an indispensable part of society with a theocratic legitimisation. Thereby the
particular personal character of the absolute king became less important.
Christian 8 th was king during turbulent times in the Danish history. Absolutism
was coming to an end, and liberals in both Denmark and the duchies were demanding a
free constitution. This, however, Christian 8 th could not grant, fearing it would tear the
country apart. At the same time, there were increasing hostilities between Danish and
German oriented groups. The homage paid during royal visits also showed signs of
inconsistency. Traditional forms of homage, emphasizing the paternalistic king and God,
were challenged by new ideas with the emphasis placed on contract thinking, exemplified
through the love between monarch and inhabitants – a love that could be withdrawn. In his
political life, as well as during his journeys, Christian 8 th tried to fulfil the people’s
contradictive expectations. He emphasized both Herrschaft and Macht by showing interest
in the conditions of the common people, and following up on local problems by using his
Macht. But although he strived to meet the people’s expectations, his attempts were
unsuccessful. His aristocratic preferences and intellectual air prevented him from gaining
unconditional support, since he did not transmit equality as he was expected to.
A few months after Christian 8 th ’s death, Denmark was given a free constitution,
but at the same time the country was ripped apart by civil war. The constitution changed
dramatically the status of the monarchy. The old prerogatives of power were taken away
from the king. His Macht was substantially reduced although he initially was thought to
play a political role. Up until the reign of Christian 10 th (1912-1946), this political position
was slowly disappearing. This had profound impact on Christian 10 th ’s possibilities of
power display. He could only transmit Herrschaft through his interest for the population’s
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