The Guild of Christian the Fourth had the pleasure of admitting no fewer than 28 “real men” on April 9, 2025.
It is, after all, a special date in the Danish calendar (The day Denmark was occupied by Germany in 1940)something the entire group was well aware of, even though the event it marks took place 85 years ago.
The initiation followed its traditional course, with nine benchers present, including the chief bencher.
The Chief Bencher welcomed the assembly and promised, among other things, that the guests would later be treated to a historical account of the Guild's origins.
The guests listened attentively as the Chief Bencher explained which sisters and brothers they were now joining. It is always impressive to hear how many royals’ members of Christian IV’s Guild there are. Equally impressive is the fact that the future Prime Minister has already been initiated.
The Chief Bencher also introduced the benchers present, highlighting not only their roles in the Guild but also their many accomplishments outside of it—often to the guests’ amazement at the breadth of knowledge gathered around the head table.
Lively conversation had already filled the cellar before the benchers made their entrance, and following the various introductions and stories, a delightful and vibrant mood took hold.
The next point on the agenda was more serious—the formal admission of the new members.
They were presented with the clauses of the Guild Charter (Laugsskråen), and afterward, the newly initiated declared themselves ready for admission—despite, or perhaps because of, the strict rules laid out in the Charter.
It was a cheerful group that was then sent on a sightseeing tour of Aalborg, which included a visit to the beautiful tree planted by Christian IV’s Guild in front of the City Hall.
After another walk accompanied by music and song, the group arrived at the "secret entrance to the cellar." There, they were told about some of the trials and tribulations the Guild has endured through the years. The recently handed out “golden key,” which each new member had received, was then tested to ensure that in the future, all could gain access to the cellar when visiting the city.
Back in the cellar, the newly initiated were invited to taste the ancient drink mead, after which they were shown to their seats to enjoy Christian IV’s Guild’s grand gala dinner.
They were instructed not to touch the schnapps until the head table gave permission.
This was mostly successful—though a few members couldn’t quite manage the art of "biting the schnapps," and instead ended up toasting with empty glasses.
A bit of food and drink only lifted the spirits further, and when the Guild’s troubadours began playing music and leading singalongs from the Guild's songbook, the room filled with the powerful sound of men’s voices in song.
The Chief Bencher’s tales of life’s oddities—like how to learn Finnish in an hour, or how a Norwegian priest was taught to keep his congregation awake during his sermons—brought waves of laughter through the room.
As with all good things, the morning eventually had to end.
And the benchers left the cellar while the new members applauded.
See the pictures here