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Presents a comparative analysis of the coronations of King Charles XII of Sweden in 1697, King Frederick IV of Denmark in 1700, and King Frederick I of Prussia in 1701. How coronation ceremonies should be analyzed; Change from the traditional Swedish coronation order into an anointment ceremony by King Charles XII; Ceremonial consolidation in the anointment of Frederick IV; Ritual of self-crowning designed by Frederick I of Prussia; Political messages of the coronation ceremonies.

In early modern Europe the court of a prince was many things: the household of a prince, a point of contact between the ruler and the elites, a cultural trendsetter, a focal point of patronage and an important institution of regional and international politics. In short, the court had many functions. In this article the focus is on the main lines of development in the court culture of early modern Denmark, from the Reformation (1536) until early Absolutism. Certain structural changes are highlighted and an attempt is made to explain them in political terms. As a prelude, I offer some theoretical reflections on the meaning of court culture in general and ceremonial culture in particular. Let me say from the outset that I have found my inspiration mainly in German and American historical scholarship, which for the past twenty years or so has witnessed a continuous and fruitful debate on the early modern court. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]