Royal mottos of Danish monarchs

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The use of a royal motto (Danish: valgsprog) is an old tradition among Danish monarchs, dating back at least 500 years. The use of such a motto was a way for a monarch to emphasize values or beliefs he / she held dear. In earlier times, these mottos were often shown on Danish coinage, often in a Latin form.

Royal mottos

Regent Reign Royal motto (in Danish) Latin or other version English translation
Christian I 1448 – 1481 Dyden viser vejen VIRTUTI MONSTRANTE VIAM Virtue leads the way
Hans (John) 1481 – 1513 For lov og flok PRO LEGE ET GREGE For the law and the herd
Christian II 1513 – 1523 Så var det beskikket SIC ERAT IN FATIS Thus it was ordained
Frederick I 1523 – 1533 Intet uden Gud NIHIL SINE NUMINE Nothing without God
Christian III 1536 – 1559 Ske Herrens vilje SPES MEA SOLUS DEUS
Zu Gott mein Trost
allein (in German)		 The Lord's will be done
Frederick II 1559 – 1588 Mit håb er Gud alene DEUS REFUGIU ET FIDUSIA MEA
Mein Hofnung zu
Godt allein (in German)		 My hope is God alone
Christian IV 1588 – 1648 Fromhed styrker rigerne REGNA FIRMAT PIETAS Piety strengthens the realms[1]
Frederick III 1648 – 1670 Herren være mit forsyn DOMINUS PROVIDEBIT The Lord will be my guide
Christian V 1670 – 1699 Med fromhed og retfærdighed PIETATE ET IUSTITIA With piety and justice
Frederick IV 1699 – 1730 Herren være min hjælper DOMINUS MIHI ADIUTOR The Lord be my helper
Frederick V 1746 – 1766 Med klogskab og standhaftighed PRUDENTIA ET CONSTANTIA By prudence and steadfastness
Christian VII 1766 – 1808 Fædrelandets kærlighed er min berømmelse GLORIA EX AMORE PATRIÆ The love of the fatherland
is my reward
Frederick VI 1808 – 1839 Gud og den retfærdige sag DEO ET JUSTAE CAUSAE God and the just cause

Since the time of Christian VIII, Danish monarchs have only used mottos in the Danish language.

Regent Reign Royal motto (in Danish) English translation
Christian VIII 1839 – 1848 Gud og fædrelandet God and the fatherland
Frederick VII 1848 – 1863 Folkets kærlighed, min styrke The love of the people, my strength
Christian IX 1863 – 1906 Med Gud for ære og ret With God for honour and justice
Frederick VIII 1906 – 1912 Herren er min hjælper The Lord is my helper
Christian X 1912 – 1947 Min Gud, mit land, min ære My God, my country, my honour
Frederick IX 1947 – 1972 Med Gud for Danmark With God for Denmark
Margrethe II 1972 – Guds hjælp, folkets
kærlighed, Danmarks styrke		 God's help, the love of the people,
Denmark's strength

References[]

  1. ^ Frederiksborg Palace Church - History (in Danish)

See also[]

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