Style His Majesty Last monarch Kristján X Abolition 17 June 1944 | First monarch Kristján X Formation 1 December 1918 Residence Christiansborg Palace | |
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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. 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.
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The monarchy lasted until 17 June 1944, when a national referendum established a constitutional republic in its place.
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. 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.