Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark has visited Ukrainian soldiers being treated in Copenhagen as he led a royal show of support for the country on the first anniversary of the invasion which led to war.
The Crown Prince, who is currently Regent of Denmark while Queen Margrethe recovers from back surgery, spent several hours at the Rigshospitalet meeting Ukrainian military who are undergoing medical rehabilitation there.
All those being treated suffered serious injuries in the war in Ukraine. Crown Prince Frederik spent time with each of them, hearing about their injuries and their recoveries as well as talking to them about the war and the impact on the military and Ukraine.
Denmark has been offering treatment to injured Ukrainian soldiers since the start of the conflict. In March 2022, the European Union launched a medical evacuation programme which has brought over 1,000 people from Ukraine for treatment across the continent. Denmark’s National Board of Health decides where people are treated in the country on arrival.
The Crown Prince’s visit came on the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.
On February 24th 2023, exactly a year since the war began, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary attended a church service for the people of Ukraine, organised by the Danish parliament. Politicians showed their solidarity with Ukraine at the ceremony which was held at Holmens Church in Copenhagen.
Crown Prince Frederik has been regent of Denmark since February 22nd 2023 when his mother, Queen Margrethe II, underwent extensive back surgery. She remains in hospital to recuperate. The Crown Prince will hand over the regency to his aunt, Princess Benedikte, on February 26th when he and Crown Princess Mary depart Denmark for an official visit to India.
