Christian VII of Denmark
1749 – 1808 · Generation XXXI · King of Denmark and Norway
Christian VII of Denmark (1749–1808). King of Denmark and Norway. Married Caroline Matilda of Great Britain in 1766; the marriage was dissolved in 1772. Mental illness left him a king in name only for most of his reign, real power shifting with whoever won the latest struggle at court. Between 1770 and 1772 his physician, Johann Friedrich Struensee, governed Denmark in all but name, pushing progressive reforms into law under the king's signature until a coup brought him down. Rule then passed to Christian's stepmother Juliane Marie, his half-brother Hereditary Prince Frederick, and the politician Ove Høegh-Guldberg; from 1784 his son, the future Frederick VI, governed as unofficial regent until Christian's death. He was also Duke of Schleswig and Holstein.
Partners
- Married Caroline Matilda of Great Britain (1751 – 1775) in 1766; the marriage was dissolved in 1772
Life
- 1749 — Born
- 1766 — Married Caroline Matilda of Great Britain
- 1772 — Separated from Caroline Matilda of Great Britain
- 1808 — Died