SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

Denmark

Prince Henrik to have private funeral and will be cremated

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.

Royals from across Europe have been sending their condolences including the Swedish, Romanian and Norwegian royal families.

About author

Brittani is from Tennessee, USA. She is a political scientist and historian after graduating with a degree in the topics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in December 2014. She also holds a master's degree from Northeastern University. She enjoys reading and researching all things regarding the royals of the world. She's been researching, reading, and writing on royalty for over a decade. She became Europe Editor in October 2016, and then Deputy Editor in January 2019, and has been featured on several podcasts, radio shows, news broadcasts and websites including Global News Canada, ABC News Australia, WION India and BBC World News.