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 of Denmark to emphasize values or beliefs they held dear. In earlier times, these mottos were often shown on Danish coinage, often in a Latin form.

Contents

Before 1839

MonarchReignRoyal motto (in Danish) Latin or other version English translation
Christian I 1448–1481Dyden viser vejenVIRTUTI MONSTRANTE VIAMVirtue leads the way
Hans (John) 1481–1513For lov og flokPRO LEGE ET GREGEFor law and herd
Christian II 1513–1523Så var det beskikketSIC ERAT IN FATISThus it was ordained
Frederick I 1523–1533Intet uden GudNIHIL SINE NUMINENothing without God
Christian III 1536–1559Ske Herrens viljeSPES MEA SOLUS DEUS
Zu Gott mein Trost allein (in German)
The Lord's will be done
Frederick II 1559–1588Mit håb er Gud aleneDEUS REFUGIU ET FIDUSIA MEA
Mein Hofnung zu Godt allein (in German)
My hope is God alone
Christian IV 1588–1648Fromhed styrker rigerneREGNA FIRMAT PIETAS Piety strengthens the realms [1]
Frederick III 1648–1670Herren være mit forsynDOMINUS PROVIDEBITThe Lord will be my guide
Christian V 1670–1699Med fromhed og retfærdighedPIETATE ET IUSTITIAWith piety and justice
Frederick IV 1699–1730Herren være min hjælperDOMINUS MIHI ADIUTORThe Lord be my helper
Christian VI 1730–1746For Gud og folketDEO ET POPULOFor God and the people
Frederick V 1746–1766Med klogskab og standhaftighedPRUDENTIA ET CONSTANTIABy prudence and steadfastness
Christian VII 1766–1808Fædrelandets kærlighed
er min berømmelse
GLORIA EX AMORE PATRIÆThe love of the
fatherland is my reward
Frederick VI 1808–1839Gud og den retfærdige sagDEO ET JUSTAE CAUSAEGod and the just cause

Since 1839

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

MonarchReignRoyal motto (in Danish) English translation
Christian VIII 1839–1848Gud og fædrelandetGod and the fatherland
Frederick VII 1848–1863Folkets kærlighed, min styrkeThe people's love, my strength
Christian IX 1863–1906Med Gud for ære og retWith God for honour and justice
Frederick VIII 1906–1912Herren er min hjælperThe Lord is my helper
Christian X 1912–1947Min Gud, mit land, min æreMy God, my country, my honour
Frederick IX 1947–1972Med Gud for DanmarkWith God for Denmark
Margrethe II 1972–2024Guds hjælp, folkets
kærlighed, Danmarks styrke
God's help, the people's
love, Denmark's strength
Frederik X 2024–presentForbundne, forpligtet,
for Kongeriget Danmark
United, committed, for
the Kingdom of Denmark

See also

Footnotes and references

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