The Royal Danish House has announced the funeral plans for His Royal Highness Prince Henrik who died peacefully in his sleep at 11:18 pm on 13 February. He was at home at Fredensborg Palace and surrounded by his wife of 50 years, Queen Margrethe and their two sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim.
The Prince has been in ill health for some time with several hospitalisations in recent years. On 6 September 2017, it was announced that he had been diagnosed with dementia after a series of examinations.
His Royal Highness’s funeral will be small and private keeping with the wishes of the Prince who did not want a state funeral.
It will take place on 20 February at 11am at the Christiansborg Palace Church at Slotsholmen in Copenhagen. Only close family and friends will be in attendance.
Erik Normann Svendsen, former bishop of the Copenhagen Cathedral and royal confessor, will conduct the service.
Prince Henrik is to be cremated with his ashes being spread in the ocean and buried in the private royal garden at Fredensborg Palace.
It was revealed in August 2017 that Henrik did not wish to be buried beside his wife in Roskilde Cathedral as he felt he was never her equal; he had wanted to be granted the title of King Consort instead of the Prince Consort title he was given. At the time, a Royal Court spokesperson stated that the Queen accepted his decision regarding his burial.
The Royal Danish House has also announced that the Royal Court will have a month of mourning. Dark colours will be worn as the Queen, Royal Family and the Royal Court will not participate “in social or entertaining events.” It will end 14 March.
A book of condolence will be placed at Det Gule Palæ, Amaliegade 18 from today through the 20th of February for people to sign. People will be able to sign the book from 9:00-17:00 pm each day.