Born: 1815
Died: 1874
Biography:
Louise Christine Rasmussen, also known as Countess Danner, was a Danish ballet dancer and stage actor who had a significant impact on the history of Denmark. Born on April 21, 1815, Louise Rasmussen was the daughter of Juliane Caroline Rasmussen and Gotthilf L. Køppen. Her mother was an unmarried maid, and her father was a merchant.
From a young age, Louise showed a talent for dance and became a student at the ballet school of the Opera in Copenhagen in 1826. She honed her skills and in 1830, she was contracted as a dancer. By 1835, she had become a figurante ballerina, showcasing her talent and grace on stage.
In 1841, Louise Rasmussen had a child with Carl Berling, the heir to the paper Berlingske Tidende, one of Denmark’s most important newspapers. Following the birth of her child, she decided to retire from the ballet in 1842 and open a fashion shop, embracing a new chapter in her life.
It was during the 1830s that Louise Rasmussen got to know Crown Prince Frederick, who would later become King Frederick VII of Denmark. Their relationship blossomed during the 1840s, and Frederick expressed a desire to marry Louise. However, the government opposed the marriage since Frederick was childless and any children born from their union would not have had the right to the throne.
Despite the obstacles, King Frederick’s popularity soared after the reformed law of 1849, which led to the government allowing the marriage. On August 8, 1850, Louise Rasmussen was bestowed with the title Countess of Danner and married King Frederick in Frederiksborg Slotskirke with Bishop J. P. Mynster officiating the ceremony. It is important to note that, as the morganatic spouse of King Frederick, Louise was not officially a queen, and any potential children from the marriage would not inherit the throne.
However, not everyone supported the marriage between King Frederick and Countess Danner. The upper-class and nobility vehemently opposed what they considered a misalliance. Louise faced humiliation and disdain in social circles, with even her presence being questioned. On one occasion, during a grand formal dinner attended by members of the highest nobility, when it was customary to propose a toast to the spouse of the monarch, no one did so. Frederick, frustrated by the lack of acknowledgment for his wife, stood up and proclaimed, As no one here will propose a toast to my wife, I will do so myself! Only then did the nobility raise their glasses.
Louise Rasmussen was never fully embraced by high society or considered a member of it. She had never been a debutante or formally introduced at the royal court in the same manner as a noblewoman. Her presence was often regarded as incognito.
Despite the challenges, King Frederick steadfastly supported Louise and attempted to have her formally introduced into society. His efforts to include her were met with resistance from the nobility, further highlighting the divide between Louise and Danish high society.
Louise Rasmussen’s story is a reflection of the societal constraints and prejudices present during her time. Her relationship with King Frederick and subsequent marriage challenged traditional norms and sparked debate among the elite. Though she faced opposition, Louise remained a steadfast companion to the king throughout his reign.
Louise Christine Rasmussen, Countess Danner, passed away on March 6, 1874, leaving behind a legacy as a courageous woman who defied societal expectations and forged her own path alongside King Frederick VII of Denmark.