On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte ended their two-day state visit to Denmark. This visit was shorter than usual because President Macron split his three days trip abroad between Denmark and Finland, spending one day and a half in each country.
The day started at Amalienborg Palace where Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron, joined by Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, were received by Queen Margrethe. The Presidential couple signed the guest book as well as a window pane, which is a tradition during state visits in Denmark.
Afterwards, Crown Prince Frederik and President Macon joined the Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen at Dansk Industri where they took part in a French-Danish business conference with the theme: ‘Transforming France – A Nordic Perspective’.
Meanwhile, Crown Princess Mary and Brigitte Macron visited Rysensteen Gymnasium where they learned about the school’s ‘Global Citizenship Program’. They also attended a teaching session. It made sense for the Crown Princess and the First Lady to visit a school as Brigitte Macron is a former teacher and her main cause is the inclusion of children with autism in French schools. No doubt she also talked to Princess Marie about this cause as the Princess is the Patron of the Danish National Association for Autism and she has an autistic nephew in France.
Crown Princess Mary and Brigitte Macron then met Crown Prince Frederik and Emmanuel Macron at the Glyptoteket for a visit. There, they were able to meet with several Danish artists and cultural figures.
It was then time for a private lunch before the return reception hosted by the Presidential couple at the Royal Danish Playhouse. The return event is usually held in the evening, but as President Macron was expected in Finland in the late afternoon, the event took place at 2 pm. Queen Margrethe, the Crown Prince Couple, Prince Joachim, Princess Marie and Princess Benedikte attended.
President Macron made a speech in which he thanked His Excellency François Zimeray for his work. HE François Zimeray has been the French ambassador to Denmark since October 2013 and was very close to Prince Henrik and Princess Marie. He will leave his position as ambassador tomorrow after an audience with the Queen and will be replaced by Caroline Ferrari.