Frederik V : A Reign Without a Ruler

Frederik V reigned over Denmark-Norway from 1746 until his death in 1766. For the most part he was a ruler in name only however, as he had developed a pattern of alcohol abuse as a young man that rendered him unable to administer his power in an independent fashion. He therefore had to transfer power to competent ministers and in particular to his High Court Marshal, Adam Gottlob Moltke, who functioned as the real head of state throughout Frederik V's entire reign.

The kingdom experienced a general economic upswing during this period, and the court came to be characterised by elegant splendour, while trade and industry benefitted from Denmark-Norway's policy of neutrality toward warring parties. Moltke organized the Construction of the palace quarter of Amalienborg and Frederiksstaden in honour of the King.

This book is part of the Crown Series, a series of small books on the Danish monarchy and related subjects published in cooperation with the Royal Danish Collection.