Grevinde Danner

Countess Danner is one of the most unique destinies in Danish history. She was a strong, gifted and rebellious woman who was far ahead of her time with political flair. She was the great innovator of the 19th century: although she was born as an illegitimate child in extreme poverty, she fought her way up through the social classes and ended up as the wife of King Frederik VII. Along the way, she had to give up the love of her life, the printer Carl Berling, and their common son, who she had to keep as a big secret throughout her life. Through her relationship with King Frederik, she gained influence on the abolition of autocracy and the introduction of democracy in Denmark. Thanks to her, King Frederik ended up as one of the most popular kings in Danish history. Countess Danner was hated by the upper class she became a part of, but she never forgot where she came from. She died as one of the wealthiest women in Denmark, but bequeathed her money to poor and socially disadvantaged children and young people.