Det Gule Palæ

Trends seem to change every season, but for hundreds of years, they moved at a glacial pace. At one time, the Frederiksstaden district in Copenhagen was dominated by buildings in the sugary sweet ornamental Rococo style – reminiscent more of modern wedding cakes than any architectural structure. But as fashions come and styles go, this bright yellow mansion, Det Gule Palæ, would mark a shift toward a newly designed Copenhagen.

Although it wouldn’t come by decree, King Frederick V preferred the simplicity and symmetry of the new ‘neo-classical’ style and Det Gule Palaæ holds the honor of being the first building of this style in the city. Perhaps taking after his grandfather, King Frederick VI would purchase the bright yellow palace as a guest residence in 1810, and from then on, Der Gule Palæ would have a long legacy of royalty residents.

King Christian IX would take residence here, and his four children would go on to become Kings and Queens throughout Europe. Frederick even earned the nickname of “Father-in-law of Europe” as his descendants would end up on the thrones of Denmark, Norway, Belgium, and Luxembourg – his grandson, Philip even married Princess Elizabeth of York, know better known as Queen Elizabeth.

While trends are not meant to last, influence can last forever. Individuals who have played parts in world wars and violent revolutions, and even some who grace tabloids today can trace their ancestry back to one house that, at the time, set the pace for a world to come. Det Gule Palæ marked a new Copenhagen when it was built, not knowing that it would be the birthplace of a new Europe as well.

Written By: Chris Gilson