Denmark: Notes

The Name of the Polity

The word Danmark, originally meaning "Danes' March" or "Border", appears in the Royal Style only with Margrethe Valdemarsdatter, c. 1395. The use is, however, considerably older, as attested by the Runic inscription of King Harald Gormsen "Blåtand" (d. c. 985).

Elective and Hereditary Kingship

Kingship in Denmark was traditionally elective, with frequent interregna. Hereditary kingship was instituted de facto on 16/28 Oct 1660 and is definitively established by the Konge-lov or Lex regia of 14/24 Nov 1665.