A closer look

Absolute monarchy is a flawless system until the crown lands on a guy who prefers the company of his Great Dane over his ministers. The Danish King suffered from severe mental illness, prone to manic episodes, extreme paranoia, and running through the streets slapping strangers. He hated his cabinet members so much that he gave his beloved dog, Gourmand, an official state title. Everyone in the royal court had to formally bow to the dog and treat it as a high-ranking politician.