Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent, and Princess Josephine began their 12-week study program at Lemania-Verbier International School in Banges, Switzerland on Monday, accompanied by their parents.
The study abroad opportunity was announced last year by the Danish Royal Court, who said that Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary wanted to give their children “a common experience in an international environment.”
On Monday, Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary and their children posed for Danish and international media in a photocall ahead of their first day of school.
The family answered a few questions from the media, and Crown Prince Frederik revealed that they had chosen Lemania-Verbier International School for the language, the nature and academic activities.
Prince Christian told reporters, “We are really looking forward to getting to know a new country, getting to know the schooling down here in Switzerland, of course also to ski a little more and then, of course, to get to know some people from different countries.”
He also admitted that what he would miss the most during the next 12 weeks is his classmates back at Tranegårdsskolen. Princess Isabella revealed that she expected to become more fluent in English and French.
Last year during an engagement in Paris, Crown Princess Mary said that the decision was also something “We view it as a gift to our children, one where they can be together about it, and a gift they can have with them for the rest of their lives.”
Per its website, the Lemania-Verbier International School is “inspired by critical thinking, creativity and the determination of students to do their best. With a strong emphasis on competitive sports and the arts we believe in developing the personality of each child and helping them become socially aware leaders.”
Lemania-Verbier International School is located in a four-storey chalet with classrooms, a science lab, computer room, library and music room that includes a view that overlooks the Combins. The town of Verbier is “unrivalled for winter and summer sports, as well as offering many non-sporting and cultural activities, all set in a healthy and safe mountain environment.”
The Royal Court announced that Crown Princess Mary will stay with her children throughout the 12-week study period, and as such, will have a reduced official schedule throughout this time.
Crown Prince Frederik will remain in Denmark and carry out his engagements, however, the Royal Court reported that he “will be with the family when there are opportunities for it in the Crown Prince’s programme.”
During the photocall on Monday, Crown Prince Frederik revealed that they owned a chalet in Verbier, that they had purchased years ago, where the family will be staying during their study period.
Once the 12-week period is over, Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent, and Princess Josephine will return to their regular studies at Tranegårdsskolen in Gentofte.
