Lensgreve (Danish title)

Danish noble title Jørgen Lensgreve Scheel Lensgreve is the name of the highest noble rank in Denmark. The title has existed since the introduction of the comital and baronial privileges of 1671 and remains in use today. Within the noble order of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Lensgrever occupy an especially elevated position and stand at the head of the aristocratic hierarchy, and are therefore counted among the high nobility. Their rank within the Danish nobility is comparable with that of dukes in other European countries. Meaning and Standing The title Lensgreve originally referred to counts who held a Grevskab, a county established as a royal fief. Until the abolition of the fiefs through the Lensafløsning of 1919, these feudal counties consisted of large landed-property complexes, known as majorates, which the king had elevated into fiefs with special privileges and a restricted order of inheritance. The title was inherited undivided according to the right of primogeniture, unlike ordinary comital titles, which could be borne by several branches of a noble house. The Lensgreve was therefore regarded as the head of the house. Danish Noble Ranking Lensgreve Royal Fief Count Grev