A princess has followed in the footsteps of a beloved queen as the countdown to Christmas gets under way.
Princess Benedikte of Denmark visited the Swedish church in Copenhagen, Gustafskyrkan, to open the annual Christmas market. The market traditionally is opened by a member of the Danish Royal Family on the weekend before the beginning of Advent. And that’s all because of Ingrid, Queen of Denmark and Benedikte’s mum.
The princess was able to meet with local makers and artists and see their traditional Swedish and Danish crafts and food.Â
In addition to buying goods and treats, visitors can also take part in raffles. There are also activities for the little ones to celebrate the holidays.
The church was originally founded in 1901 and its Christmas bazaar dates back to 1912. It is the oldest holiday bazaar in Denmark, and the church shared that, ”many Copenhageners consider our fair to be the place where Christmas begins.”
Queen Ingrid originally began the tradition of visiting the market at the Swedish Church. She was born Princess Ingrid of Sweden, and although she was not originally popular in Denmark, her anti-Nazi stance during the Second World War changed that.
Princess Benedikte is the younger sister of Queen Margrethe, who abdicated earlier this year. She often carries out engagements for the Danish royal family and has been a big support to her nephew, King Frederik X, since his reign began in January 2024.Â
