Person
J. F. Struensee (1737-1772)
Read more about Christian VII’s physician, Struensee, who was convicted and executed for crimes against the crown.
✩ 28 January 1749 ✝ 13 March 1808 ♔ 1766-1808
Christian VII
Christian VII is remembered in particular for his mental illness, which meant that his physician, J. F. Struensee, was the de facto regent from 1770 to 1772.
Delve into the dramatic story of the absolute King Christian VII, whose life and reign were deeply affected by his mental illness.
Childhood and upbringing
Christian lost his mother, Louise of Great Britain, when he was just three years old. His father, Frederik V, was soon remarried, to Juliane Marie of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel. Frederik V was known as a heavy drinker, and he showed little affection towards his son, whose stepmother was also not very involved in Christian’s upbringing. Instead, he was raised by count Ditlev Reventlow, who relied on a mix of strict morals and corporal punishment.
Christian was bright and had good social skills, but he also had a nervous disposition, which made his father lose interest in him. Reventlow’s harsh upbringing also had a negative impact on Christian’s personal development. When Frederik V died, Christian became king of Denmark and Norway – just 16 years old
An unruly ruler
As king, Christian VII did not show much interest in governing. In his youth, he was known for wild raids through Copenhagen, breaking windows and ending up in fights with the police. From an early age, Christian showed signs of mental illness. He had difficulty focusing, was nervous and had a hot temper.
Shortly after his accession to the throne, in 1766, he married his cousin Caroline Mathilde of Great Britain. Their only child, Crown Prince Frederik, was born in 1768. Christian soon lost interest in the marriage and was sent on an extended stay abroad, during which he met the German physician Johann Friedrich Struensee, who was found to have a positive influence on The King’s mental state. Struensee was appointed as his personal physician and joined The King when he returned to Denmark
The King sidelined
As Christian VII lost interest in Caroline Mathilde, The Queen grew lonely and increasingly isolated at the court. Struensee, who was close to The King, developed an ever closer relationship with The queen, and ultimately, the two became romantically involved.
New acts and decrees required The King’s signature to come into force, but Christian VII signed the documents without reading them. This allowed Struensee to become the de facto ruler for a brief period from 1770 to 1772. During this time, Struensee carried out many reforms inspired by the ideas of the Enlightenment. Eventually, his reforms proved too much for the Privy Council, which was charged with advising The King.
In the earliest hours of 17 January 1772, Struensee was arrested by a group of conspirators led by Christian VII’s stepmother, Queen Dowager Juliane Marie, who seized power and governed in place of The King. Struensee was sentenced to death and executed later that year.
From 1772 to 1784, Denmark was governed by the Guldberg regime, a group consisting of Queen Dowager Juliane Marie, Ove Høegh-Guldberg and leading members of the Privy Council. After Crown Prince Frederik’s confirmation in 1784, he Frederik took over, ruling in his father’s name. Thus, for most of his official reign, Christian VII was not actually involved in governing.
Christian VII is known as the mentally ill Danish king. During his time on the throne, others governed in his place.
During Christian VII’s early years as king, the Privy Council handled the matters of government. Later, his physician, Struensee, took over, and later yet, the Guldberg regime and finally, his son, Crown Prince Frederik.
1749
Crown Prince Christian is born at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.
Christian is born as crown prince. His parents previously had a son, who died in 1747. Thus, Christian is born as heir to the Danish throne and raised as crown prince.
1751
Queen Louise dies during pregnancy
Christians mother, Queen Louise, dies during her sixth pregnancy. She has given birth to five children, including the first Prince Christian, who died one month before his second birthday. Christian is just under three years old when his mother dies.
1766
King of Denmark and marriage to Caroline Mathilde
When Frederik V dies, on 14 January, Christian is proclaimed as king of Denmark and Norway. Later that year, he marries his cousin Caroline Mathilde of Great Britain.
1768
Crown Prince Frederik is born, and Christian VII is sent on an extended stay abroad
On 28 January, Christian VII’s son, Crown Prince Frederik, is born. Later that year, The King is sent on an eight-month stay abroad. During his trip, he grows close to the German physician J. F. Struensee.
1770
Struensee is appointed Private Secretary to The King
When Struensee is appointed Private Secretary to The King, his role becomes increasingly political. He restricts access to The King and has a big say in determining which acts and decrees are presented to and signed by Christian VII.
1772
Struensee is arrested and executed
In the early hours of 17 January, Struensee is arrested, accused of crimes against the crown. Together with Ove Høegh-Guldberg, Queen Dowager Juliane Marie governs in Christian VII’s name.
1784
The Crown Prince dismisses the Guldberg regime
On 14 April, The Crown Prince has a new procedure approved by which acts and decrees require the signatures of both The King and The Crown Prince. With this, he puts an end to the Guldberg regime and seizes the reins of government.
1794
The first Christiansborg Palace is destroyed by fire
Christiansborg Palace burns down to the ground. Only the riding ground and stables survive the fire. Later that year, the Royal Family moves into Amalienborg Palace, which has remained a royal residence ever since.
1808
Christian VII dies
On 13 March, Christian VII dies in Rendsburg from a stroke. His son, Crown Prince Frederik, who has been the country’s de facto ruler since 1784, accedes to the throne as King Frederik VI.
