Danish monarchy. They consist of three crowns, a sceptre (symbolizing supreme authority), globus cruciger (an orb symbolizing the earthly realm surmounted by a cross), the sword of state and an ampulla
(symbolizing anointing of monarchs).
The
Royal Regalia are kept in the treasury at Rosenborg Castle. The oldest of these is Christian III's sword of state from 1551. They further include King Christian IV's diamond; pearl- and gold-embroidered saddles; objects carved from ivory and rock-crystal; lapidary pieces of precious stones, and brooches
During the time of the elective monarchs, the clergy and nobility placed the crown on the king's head at the coronation ceremony.
After the introduction of absolutism in 1660, the crowning of the king was replaced by
Throne Chair of Denmark of narwhal teeth (supposedly the mythical unicorn's horn) and three silver lions, the latter created by Ferdinand Küblich (1664–1687). This was inspired by the biblical description of King Solomon's throne, which was said to be composed of unicorn's horn and gold and guarded by twelve golden lions.[2]
With the 1849 Constitution, anointing was discontinued and since then the regalia have only been used on the occasion of a deceased monarch's Castrum doloris ('camp of woe') where the crown is placed on the coffin, the other regalia laid at casket's foot, and the casket surrounded by the three lions. The lions were formerly also displayed in Parliament during the annual opening session, but this tradition was discontinued almost 100 years ago. They were also displayed before the throne in the throne room of Christiansborg Palace when the Danish kings granted audiences on particularly formal occasions.[3]
The royal regalia, which symbolised the monarch's authority to rule, includes the crown of King Christian IV, which is a fine example of Renaissance guildwork, the better known crown of King Christian V and a smaller crown for the king's consort. The Royal Collection has other important items and jewels, as well as precious prayer-books, and items belonging to the Order of the Elephant and the Order of the Dannebrog (such as the large diamond and pearl star of the Order of the Elephant worn on the coronation mantle).
The old regalia
The term old regalia is used to describe the crown regalia used prior to the introduction of absolute monarchy in 1660.
The circlet is ornamented with six sets of table cut diamonds between two large round pearls with enameled
Charity
as a mother suckling her child. On the inside these points are decorated with the coats of arms of various regions of the realm. The six smaller points each bears a star-like design in triangular and square table diamonds with a large pear shaped pearl at its top.
Originally an open crown, in 1648 it was closed with arches and a monde and cross, but Christian V later removed these again, using the diamonds and gold from them in the making of his own crown. It was used for the last time at the 1648 coronation of Frederick III.
Christian III's sword of state
The sword of state of Christian III was made in 1551 by Johann Siebe. It is made of gilded silver and decorated with enamel and table cut gemstones. Prior to the introduction of absolute monarchy, the sword was the first of the regalia presented to the king.
[8]
Christian IV's accolade sword
The sword was used for accolades and has a blue enamel grip decorated with diamonds.