Danish Crown Princess gives birth to a daughter

April 16, 1940


The Crown Princess of Denmark gave birth to a daughter this morning, reports the New York Times.  There was "wide rejoicing, even amid the gloom over the country's occupation."

Danish flags were raised to the "top of staffs" after the news broke.    There was an official broadcast, but "was not heralded by the customary cannon salute."  This is due to obvious reasons as the "firing of cannons" is not popular in Denmark right now.

If the Crown Princess had given birth to a son, he would have become second in line to the throne, after Crown Prince Frederik.  Princesses do not have the right to succeed, so  Frederik's younger brother, Prince Knud, remains second in line.

Mother and baby are said to be doing well.