Canute IV Becomes King of Denmark

Date: April 17, 1080 • Location: Rome, Italy

Canute IV became King of Denmark upon the death of his brother Harald III.

Canute IV, later known as Canute the Holy or Saint Canute, was King of Denmark from 1080 until 1086. Canute was an ambitious king who sought to strengthen the Danish monarchy, devotedly supported the Roman Catholic Church, and wanted the English throne. Slain by rebels in 1086, he was the first Danish king to be canonized. He was recognized by the Roman Catholic Church as patron saint of Denmark in 1101.