Let’s take a look back at some of the biggest moments of the year for the Danish Royal Family!
KING FREDERIK PROTECTS GREENLAND
Perhaps the biggest story out of the Danish Royal Family’s sphere this year: the baffling interest of the US government in acquiring Greenland. Though it’s an autonomous country, it’s still a part of the kingdom of Denmark.
King Frederik paid special visits to the country and shared his support for Greenland amidst the ongoing political event. In a sharp statement on Danish television in March, the King said “We live in an altered reality.” And as Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine celebrated their 14th birthdays, their Greenlandic middle names came into the spotlight.
PRINCESS ISABELLA TURNS 18
Princess Isabella turned 18 on 21 April and was celebrated with two events in Aarhus and Copenhagen. At Aarhus City Hall, she joined 150 young people for an event celebrating the arts and culture of the city. In a speech, she said: “The fact that you have chosen to celebrate me, and that so many have come together, makes me happy and touched. You should know that it means a lot to me.”
The next event, a gala performance at the Royal Theatre, saw a mixture of opera, classical music, Broadway showtunes, and modern pop, with Princess Isabella in black-tie formal.
As a birthday gift, Princess Isabella received a tiara from her grandmother Queen Margrethe. The turquoise and aquamarine tiara once belonged to Crown Princess Margretha of Sweden, who handed it down to her daughter Ingrid upon her confirmation. Princess Ingrid married Crown Prince Frederick in 1935, later becoming queen consort of Denmark upon his accession. Queen Ingrid was the great-grandmother of Princess Isabella.
Princess Isabella posed for her first official gala portraits wearing the tiara.
(Speaking of Princess Isabella, a rebellious style choice forced Queen Mary to make a rare comment on her daughter’s fashion: “Some decisions are better than others.” Click here to read the full article.)
QUEEN MARY’S SPECIAL STYLE STATEMENTS
In Finland at the start of the year, Queen Mary stole the show with a 200-year-old gold tiara that once belonged to Queen Caroline Amalie. The stones, gathered during a trip on the Grand Tour of Italy, date back to between 1819 and 1821. Queen Mary’s bracelet was made for Princess Vilhelmine Marie and featured stones from Mount Vesuvius.
Later in the year, as she and King Frederik travelled to the Faroe Islands, it was revealed that her national costume dates back to 2005, to her first official visit to the area after her marriage.
CROWN PRINCE CHRISTIAN ENLISTS
Crown Prince Christian followed in the footsteps of his fellow heirs and enlisted in the Danish military, beginning training with the Hussar Guards in Slagelse in February. After a visit from the family the next month, it was deep into training, which he completed in August. The Danish Royal Court announced that Crown Prince Christian would immediately begin lieutenancy training, which will run through August 2026 and include a period of platoon service afterwards.
Some other highlights of the year? Crown Prince Christian attended his first New Year’s levee. He also flew over Denmark and made a childhood dream come true! There was also a bit of sibling rivalry, but all in good fun, of course.
QUEEN MARGRETHE TURNS 85
Queen Margrethe quietly celebrated her 85th birthday in April (it’s a popular birthdate for royals!) but she still kept active throughout the year.
PRINCE JOACHIM MAKES A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT
Though they turned up in Denmark to mark New Year’s Day and attend the levees, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie were soon back in the United States to carry out their duties while he serves as Defense Industry Attaché and Deputy Defence Attaché in Washington.
Among the events they attended in this capacity: the Invictus Games in Whistler, British Columbia. Princess Marie, meanwhile, popped up in Denmark to carry out engagements towards the end of the year.
Over the summer, it was announced that Prince Joachim and Princess Marie will extend their stay through August 2027. The couple spent Christmas, with their children, in Washington as well.
QUEEN MARY THE WORLD TRAVELLER
Not including the state visits to Finland (with her ancient jewellery), France (with her French style) and Latvia (where she topped the best-dressed list), Queen Mary had her own agenda when it came to travelling for work.
In June, she travelled to Nigeria to see the work of the government’s Africa Strategy and the bilateral work both countries are undertaking. In November, she travelled to Egypt to attend the opening of the Great Egyptian Museum and took unforgettable photos at the Great Pyramids of Giza. In early December, she travelled to Kenya for the United Nations’ Environment Programme and spoke of tackling climate change.
