Louise of Sweden - Crown Princess of Denmark

Crown Princess of Denmark

Louise married Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark (1843–1912) in Stockholm on 28 July 1869. The wedding was celebrated with great pomp and splendor at a time when Sweden was in a state of famine, and the princess's dowry consisted of things manufactured in Sweden, to benefit the Swedish economy. The marriage was suggested as a way of creating friendship between Denmark and Sweden. The two countries were in a tense situation after Sweden had not assisted Denmark during the war with Germany in 1863. Louise and Frederick met for the first time in 1862, but in 1868, Frederick was invited to Sweden to get to know Louise, and their meeting was described as a success. The same year, they were engaged. In Denmark, a Swedish princess was much preferred over a German princess after the recent war with Germany. The marriage was welcomed by all three countries as a symbol of the new Scandinavism. She was the first Swedish princess to be married in to the Danish royal house since the Middle Ages.

In Denmark, the marriage was popular among the public, and although she was unpopular within the royal family, Louise became quite popular among the public during her long time as Crown Princess, and continued to be so as Queen. She was described as friendly, natural and informal. The marriage was not a happy one, nor did it have any effect on the relationship between the two countries. Louise did not have a good relationship with her husband's family, especially not with her mother-in-law and her sisters-in-law, and she received no support from her spouse. The couple had 8 children, four sons and four daughters.

As the years passed by, her personality changed. She became more reserved and firm, and her husband's infidelity caused her to have a greater interest in religion. She took personal care of her children's upbringing, and raised them very strictly, much unlike her own free upbringing. Her only pleasure was her visits to her old home-country, Sweden, where she visited her old family and friends. She was often in Sweden, already in the early years, such as in 1871 and in 1872, being present and both her parent's death. She became known as strict and religious. She founded various charity organisations, such as Bethania and «Kronprinsesse L.s Asyl». She was also interested in handicrafts, such as leather work and painting.