Greenland Monarchy

Greenland has a parliamentary democratic form of government with the Danish monarch as the constitutional head. Constitutional monarchy of Greenland was established by Denmark which held the reigns of the political power of Greenland for a long time. Thus the country of Greenland politically functions within the Danish monarchy.

Denmark was the ruler of Greenland for a considerable period of time in history. Independence of Greenland from Danish rule was followed by the establishment of self government in 1981. But the self government had the Danish monarchy as its pivotal head. But the monarchy was only nominal and had little functional role to play in the political system and operation of Greenland.

The monarch of Denmark forms the nominal head of Greenland and some members of the royal family hold special duties and power. In 2000 the Danish monarch was Queen Margrethe 11. Relations between the royal family of Denmark and Greenland have always been friendly and warm.

Greenland is a part of Denmark and the country has two seats reserved for it in the Danish parliament. Denmark holds the responsibility of Greenland's foreign affairs though Greenland has active participation in its international agreements.

Queen Margrethe 11 of Denmark is the present chief of the state. She is represented by High commissioner Soren Moller. As per the elections are concerned the monarchy is hereditary but the high commissioner is elected by the Danish monarch. Therefore the Danish monarchy forms the top level of the executive branch of Greenland government.

Though the constitutional head is the monarch of Denmark the country is run by the Parliament of Greenland. Thus the functional head is the Parliament of the country though it functions within the Danish monarchy.