The Bille family (also spelled Bilde) is a Danish noble family. Its members have played a prominent role in Danish politics and society since the mid 13th century and also in Norway during the time Denmark was in a political union with Norway. The family includes the comital branches Bille-Brahe and Bille-Brahe-Selby. There was also a Norwegian branch of the family that died out in 1984.[1][2]

Coat of arms, drawn 1890 by Anders Thiset

In a 2021 episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, British actress Dame Judi Dench discovered that she is descended from the Bille family.[3]

Notable members and descendants

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References

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  1. ^ Bredo Grandjean, Poul (1915–1930). "Bille". In Blangstrup, Christian (ed.). Salmonsens Konversationsleksikon (in Danish). J.H. Schultz: Copenhagen.
  2. ^ Mollerup, W.; Meidell, Fr. (1893). Bille-ættens Historie (in Danish). Copenhagen: Gyldendal. OL 23281354M – via Internet Archive.
  3. ^ "Who Do You Think You Are? Series 18: 2. Dame Judi Dench". BBC iPlayer. 2021.