Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark has announced his intention to resign as an active member of the International Olympic Committee, a resignation that should be effective after a vote during the next IOC meeting, at the end of the Tokyo Games.
In a statement, on June 8th 2021, His Royal Highness expressed his gratitude for the experience, as well as highlighting the important contributions this has allowed him to make in Danish society. In particular, he mentioned the founding of the Royal Run as something that was inspired by his IOC membership and a point of pride of his work.
Crown Prince Frederik became an active member of the International Olympic Committee over a decade ago and was reelected to a second term in 2017. The IOC Rule book states that any member can resign at any time. Automatic exclusion comes for members over 70, or for members who break the Oath or rules in the IOC guidelines.
His Royal Highness has expressed a desire to focus more on other areas of his work, such as the environment and green and sustainable economy.
Crown Prince Frederik’s decision comes as a surprise, since he was just involved in organising the Youth Olympics in Switzerland and has been a part of the decision that made Paris the host city of the Games in 2024. In his statement, however, he said he hopes for a honorary membership, which will allow him to continue being involved, but in a more passive capacity.
His Royal Highness is not the only Royal who is a member of the IOC: the list includes, among others, Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Princess Nora of Liechtenstein and the Princess Royal.
