Rigsråd

Rigsråd was a royal council in Denmark that existed in various forms from the medieval period until 1660. Its primary function was to advise the king and assist in the governance of the realm. The composition and influence of the Rigsråd varied significantly throughout its history, reflecting the changing political landscape of Denmark.

In its earliest incarnations, the Rigsråd was an assembly of high-ranking nobles and church officials who met with the king to discuss matters of state. Over time, its role evolved, and it became more formally established as a permanent advisory body. During the late medieval period and the early Danish Renaissance, the Rigsråd wielded considerable power, often acting as a check on royal authority. The members of the Rigsråd were typically powerful magnates whose consent was often required for significant royal decisions, including matters of war, taxation, and succession.

The power of the Rigsråd reached its zenith during the 16th century. However, following the Swedish Wars in the mid-17th century, King Frederick III sought to consolidate his power. This culminated in the introduction of absolute monarchy in 1660, which effectively abolished the Rigsråd. The council was replaced by new institutions that were more directly subordinate to the king, marking the end of an era where a body of nobles and clergy shared significant political influence.