On 27 April, Princess Benedikte opened an exhibit dedicated to her for her 75th birthday at the Koldinghus Museum of which she is the patron. The special exhibition called “Princess of the time. HRH Princess Benedikte and 75-year Danish history” is based on the story of the Princess’s life and work.
At her arrival at the Museum, Princess Benedikte was greeted by scouts as she is also their patron. She watched a large horse show on the occasion of the opening of the exhibition with Count Ingolf and Countess Susie of Rosenborg, her cousins. At the end of the show, Princess Benedikte got a surprise when her daughter, Princess Nathalie and her horse, Digby appeared. The horse has been retired since 2013, so it made a special comeback for Princess Benedikte’s birthday.
Princess Nathalie won the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 with Digby, and the horse was raised by Princess Benedikte. Upon seeing the horse, Princess Benedikte said: “The two have done great things for Danish equestrian sports, and it is a huge joy.”
She then toured the exhibition where the visitors will be able to see many personal items and old clothes such as the Princess’s wedding gown as well as gala dresses, jewellery and orders. Her daughters, Princess Alexandra and Princess Nathalie, as well as her granddaughter Countess Ingrid, also attended the opening. About the exhibition, Princess Benedikte said: ” It is very nice and versatile, and it is done in a fun and different way.”
Princess Benedikte was born on 29 April 1944 in Copenhagen during Nazi Germany’s occupation of Denmark. She married Prince Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg on 3 February 1968, and they had three children together: Prince Gustav, Princess Alexandra, and Princess Nathalie. They have four grandchildren: Count Richard, Countess Ingrid, Konstantin, and Louisa. Since their three children were raised in Germany and not in Denmark, they are not in the line of succession to the Danish throne.
Prince Richard died on 13 March 2017. Princess Benedikte celebrated her 75th birthday on 29 April with her family during a gala dinner hosted by Queen Margrethe at Christianborg Palace. Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, the Crown Prince couple, Princess Alexandra and Princess Nathalie attended.
