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The Monarchy in Denmark

23. april 2004 13:24

The Danish Monarchy is among the oldest monarchies in the world. The Royal Family can with certainty be dated back to Gorm den Gamle (958) and his son Harald Bluetooth I.

The Danish monarchy is constitutional according to the Danish constitution, Grundloven. This means that the monarch cannot independently carry out political acts and the Queen has as such no political influence.

Though the Queen signs all laws, these are only valid when they are at the same time signed by a minister.

Head of government
As head of state the regent attends the forming of governments. The Queen consults representatives from the political parties and requests the party leader with the most mandates in Folketinget (The Danish Parliament) to form a government. After the government has been formed, the Queen appoints it.

The monarch is formally the head of the government. This means leading the front seat in Statsrådet (Meeting of Ministers of State), where the laws are signed and effectuated. Furthermore, the prime minister and the foreign minister meets with the Queen regularly to give information about recent political development.

The Queen is also at front when foreign heads of state visit, and when state visits are made abroad. The monarch also receives all foreign ambassadors whom, prior to their task as ambassador in the country, presents their credentials.

Most essential tasks
The monarch’s most essential tasks are to represent Denmark externally and to be a focus internally.

The latter task is among other things carried out by attending openings of exhibitions, jubilees, inauguration of bridges and so on. Also opening of exhibitions abroad in connection with trade promotions often have Royal attendants.

Furthermore, the Queen gives public audience where citizens can come to thank for official appointments, awards, decorations, and decorations given for meritorious services or the like.