He was born in Copenhagen, the second son of King Christian IX of Denmark and the brother of Alexandra of Denmark (consort of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom). He began his career in the Danish navy, and was elected King of Greece on March 30, 1863 following the deposition of King Otto.

The new king, now only 17 years old, quickly learned Greek in addition to his native Danish. During a trip to Russia to meet with his sister Dagmar (consort to Tsar Alexander III) he met Grand Duchess Olga, cousin of the Tsar, and fell in love. They married in 1867.

Together they had eight children:

• Constantine (1868-1923), future king
• Alexandria (1870-1891)
• George (1869-1957)
• Nicholas (1872-1938)
• Mary (1876-1940)
• Andrew (1882-1944)
• Christopher (1888-1940)
• Olga (died three months old)

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