Frederick VI of Denmark

Frederick VI (Danish and Norwegian: Frederik; 28 January 1768 – 3 December 1839) was King of Denmark from 13 March 1808 until his death in 1839 and King of Norway from 13 March 1808 to 7 February 1814. He was the last king of Denmark–Norway. From 1784 until his accession, he served as regent during his father's mental illness and was referred to as the "Crown Prince Regent" (Norwegian: kronprinsregent). For his motto he chose God and the just cause (Danish: Gud og den retfærdige sag). Instead of the customary Latin, he used Danish, which established a precedent for later Danish kings who used Danish as well.

Born in Christiansborg Palace, Copenhagen, Frederick VI was the eldest of two children and the only son of Christian VII and Caroline Mathilde. In 1790, Frederick VI married Marie Sophie. Together, they had eight children, though only two daughters, Princess Caroline and Princess Wilhelmine, survived to adulthood. Additionally, He was the last Danish king to have an official mistress, Frederikke Dannemand, with whom he had five children.

His tenure as regent is highlighted by the abolition of stavnsbånd, the end of hanging as a capital punishment in the kingdom, and the withdrawal of Dano-Norwegian involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. Other significant events during his time as regent include the Battle of Copenhagen of 1801 and the Battle of Copenhagen of 1807. His reign as king is highlighted by his patronage of astronomy, the introduction of Primary school, the creation of the Assemblies of Estate, and the ensurement of full Civil rights to the Jews. Other significant events during his reign as king include the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the Congress of Vienna, the loss of Norway, and an economic depression.

With no surviving legitimate sons, Frederick VI was succeeded by his half-cousin, Christian.