Overlooking Frederiksborg Castle Chapel and its thousands of coats of arms, the Chamber of Orders introduces visitors to the Danish honours system and the history of the Royal Danish Orders of Chivalry.

For centuries, the chapel has served as the Chapel of the Royal Danish Orders of Chivalry. Here, the coats of arms of Knights of the Order of the Elephant and Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog are displayed, creating one of the most remarkable heraldic collections in Europe.

Located in the former royal prayer chamber, the Chamber of Orders presents Frederiksborg’s collection of Royal Danish orders, decorations and medals. On display are the Order of the Elephant, the Order of the Dannebrog, the Medal of Merit, the Medal of Recompense, the Ingenio et Arti Medal, and several rare orders that are no longer awarded.

Visitors can also meet four contemporary Danes who have been honoured with knighthoods or royal medals and hear their reflections on recognition, achievement and honour.

In 1671, King Christian V instituted the Order of the Dannebrog as a complement to the ancient and prestigious Order of the Elephant. Drawing on the traditions of medieval chivalry, the order became part of a broader system through which the Danish monarchy could honour loyalty, service and achievement. Christian V also established the Chapel of the Orders in Frederiksborg Castle Chapel.

In 1808, King Frederik VI reformed the Order of the Dannebrog following the French model. Noble birth or high rank in royal service was no longer required to receive the decoration. Ordinary citizens could now be recognised and honoured for their contributions to society – a principle that continues to guide the Danish honours system today.

About Frederiksborg Castle Chapel

Frederiksborg Castle Chapel was commissioned by King Christian IV and completed in 1617 as part of the magnificent castle he built on the site of his birthplace. During the King’s lifetime, the chapel was opened to local residents after the parish church was destroyed by fire. Frederiksborg Castle Chapel continues to serve as the local parish church today.

During the period of absolute monarchy, Danish kings were anointed in the chapel. In 1694, King Christian V designated it as the chapel of the Danish Orders of Chivalry, a role it continues to fulfil to this day. The coats of arms of Knights of the Order of the Elephant and Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog are still displayed in the chapel.

From 2026, visitors to Frederiksborg can explore the Danish honours system and the traditions of the Royal Danish Orders of Chivalry in the Chamber of Orders.

About the Royal Danish Orders of Chivalry
For further information, please visit the website of the Danish Royal House and the section on the Chapel of the Orders and Armorial Books.

Audioguide

Listen to the audio guide, narrated by Tore Leifer, and discover more about the chivalric orders and the coats of arms displayed in the Chamber of Orders.

The display case is designed and crafted by cabinetmaker Teis Dich Abrahamsen in collaboration with curator Annesofie Becker. The lighting design for both the display case and the gallery is created by Peer Klausen of Gadget Group and lighting designer Jesper Kongshaug. Metalwork is carried out by Klaus Blomkvist, while graphic design is produced by Michael Jensen, K Grafik.