Thursday, May 24, 2012

King Frederik VIII buried today

May 24, 1912


The body of King Frederik VIII of Denmark was laid to rest today at Roskilde Abbey, outside Copenhagen, "among the tombs of thirty-three predecessors on the Danish throne," reports the New York Times.

The burial followed a funeral service that lasted an hour.  The Lutheran service "was most impressive," featuring "hymns and anthems" sung by members of the Royal Opera.


King Christian X and Queen Alexandrine, their family and royal relatives all stood around the bier. Two hundred thousand mourners "thronged" the funeral procession's route from the railroad station to the cathedral.

Playing funeral marches, a military band led off the procession.  The hearse was followed by the Kings of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Greece "and all the male members of the Danish royal family."  Queen Louise and Queen Alexandrine and the Princesses traveled by carriages.

After the service, the coffin was taken to the Chapel of Frederik V, "where it was laid rest."  Members of the Danish royal family and other royal guests followed the coffin into the chapel, and remain "some time in prayer" after the coffin was put into the tomb.

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