Prince Valdemar Of Denmark

Prince Valdemar of Denmark (27 October 1858 – 14 January 1939) was a member of the Danish royal family, the third son and youngest child of King Christian IX of Denmark and Princess Louise of Hesse-Kassel. He was born at Bernstorff Palace in Gentofte, north of Copenhagen, and was baptized on 21 December 1858.

His father was Prince Christian of Denmark, who later ascended to the throne as King Christian IX, and his mother was Princess Louise of Hesse-Kassel. Prince Valdemar had five older siblings: Prince Frederick (1843–1912), Princess Alexandra (1844–1925), Prince William (1845–1913), Princess Dagmar (1847–1928), and Princess Thyra (1853–1933).

During his childhood, Valdemar's family experienced significant international and dynastic developments. In March 1863, the family traveled to London for the wedding of his eldest sister, Princess Alexandra, to the Prince of Wales, the heir apparent to Queen Victoria. Later that year, his older brother Prince William was installed as King of Greece, taking the name George I. Subsequently, in November 1863, his father succeeded as King of Denmark following the death of King Frederick VII.

His early education was conducted by tutors. In the summer of 1874, he accompanied his father during a visit to Iceland for its millennium celebrations. After his confirmation in 1874, which was customary for princes, he commenced a naval education and entered the naval college. By 1879, he held the rank of sub-lieutenant, and by 1880, lieutenant. He participated in multiple naval expeditions over the subsequent years.

Prince Valdemar was homosexual, and from 1883, he resided at Bernstorff Palace near Copenhagen with his nephew, Prince George of Greece. Prince George had been taken to Denmark by his family to be enlisted in the Danish navy and was under Valdemar’s care. Prince George later described feeling abandoned by his father in connection with this arrangement and developed a profound attachment to his uncle.

On 20 October 1885, Valdemar married Princess Marie d'Orleans in a civil ceremony in Paris. The following day, a religious ceremony was held at the Château d'Eu, the residence of Prince Philippe, Count of Paris. The marriage was believed to have been politically arranged by some sources, though others indicated it was a genuine love match. The couple’s children were raised in accordance with their parents' faiths: their four sons as Lutherans, and their daughter Margaret as a Catholic. Margaret married a Catholic prince.

In 1886, following the abdication of Alexander of Battenberg after a coup, the throne of Bulgaria was offered to Prince Valdemar; however, both he and Princess Marie declined the offer.

Throughout his lifetime, Valdemar maintained a naval career, culminating in the position of admiral in the Danish fleet and serving as the first president of the Seamen’s Association of 1856.

Prince Valdemar died on 14 January 1939 in the Yellow Palace in Copenhagen and was interred at Roskilde Cathedral. He was the last surviving child of King Christian IX.

He received numerous honors, including Danish orders and decorations such as Knight of the Elephant (15 November 1863), Cross of Honour of the Order of the Dannebrog (15 November 1863), and Grand Commander of the Dannebrog (21 July 1900). He also held various foreign orders and medals.

Family details such as his issue and detailed ancestry are documented, but specific names of his children are not provided in the available information.