Here’s a photo of King Christian X of Denmark riding his horse alone through the streets of Copenhagen, like he did every day.

When Nazi Germany invaded Denmark in just one day in 1940, the Dutch and Norwegian kings fled their countries. But King Christian stayed. He remained on the throne, becoming a quiet symbol of strength and hope for his people. Even though he was getting older and not in great health, he still rode alone every morning through the capital, showing the Danish people they were not alone.

There are many stories about him, and he became one of the most loved kings in history. One well-known tale says he wore the Star of David on his clothes to show support for the Jews of Denmark, even though he wasn’t Jewish himself. Another trusted story says that the Germans once raised their flag—the swastika—over the Danish Parliament. King Christian told a German general to take it down. When the general refused, the King calmly said, “Then a Danish soldier will remove it.” The officer warned that such a soldier would be shot. The King replied, “I don’t think so—because I would be that soldier.” The flag was taken down.

Later, in 1942, Hitler sent the King a birthday telegram. King Christian replied with just, “Many thanks. King Christian.” Hitler was so insulted that he removed his ambassador from Denmark and kicked out Denmark’s ambassador from Germany.

Then, on October 1, 1943, Hitler ordered all Danish Jews to be arrested and sent to camps. But in Denmark, the Jews were not seen as outsiders. It was the Nazis who were the strangers. The order to round up the Jews caused a huge public reaction. Ordinary Danes, church members, and even government workers—with King Christian’s quiet support—worked together to help the Jews escape.

In just a few days, they helped 99% of Denmark’s Jews cross over the sea to safety in neutral Sweden.

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