Monarchy of Iceland

Monarchy of Iceland

Kristján X
Details
Style His Majesty
First monarch Kristján X
Last monarch Kristján X
Formation 1 December 1918
Abolition 17 June 1944
Residence Christiansborg Palace
Appointer Hereditary

The Monarchy of Iceland (Icelandic: Konungsríki Íslands; Danish: Kongeriget Island), was the system of government in which an hereditary monarch was the sovereign of the Kingdom of Iceland from 1918 to 1944. Under a personal union, due to the Act of Union, the monarch was simultaneously monarch of Denmark.[1] The Parliament of Iceland asked that Denmark represent Iceland internationally, and day-to-day matters were delegated to a Danish plenipotentiary for Icelandic affairs based in Reykjavík, and; after the German invasion of Denmark in 1940; a regent was appointed.[1]

The monarchy lasted until 17 June 1944, when a national referendum established a constitutional republic in its place.[2]

History

The monarchy of Iceland was created by the Act of Union of 1918 which transformed the former Danish overseas possession of Iceland into an independent sovereign constitutional monarchy. Iceland adopted a new constitution following the referendum in 1944 which abolished the monarchy.[1] Although many Danes felt offended that Iceland should take such a step at that time (Denmark at that point was still under Military occupation by Germany), Kristján X sent a message of congratulations to the Icelandic people.

Titles of the Crown

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Halfdanarson, Gudmundur Halfdanarson (2010). The A to Z of Iceland. Scarecrow Press. pp. 23–25. ISBN 0810872080.
  2. ↑ Van Cleaf, Kristin Van Cleaf (2007). Iceland. ABDO. p. 7. ISBN 1599287846.

Bibliography

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