The new Danish King and Queen have arrived at their summer residence for the first time in their reign. Gråsten Palace will be their home for the summer, and they were met with a happy crowd as they made their arrival.
A palace with history
The original residence on the site was a sixteenth century noble’s hunting lodge but different fires and accidents destroyed several houses. The current palace was built in two parts; the south wing dates back to 1759 and the main portion dates back to 1842.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlthough it had been owned by several different aristocratic families in Denmark, the Danish government took over ownership in the early twentieth century and completed major renovation works.
How Denmark’s royals took control of this castle
Crown Prince Frederik (the future King Frederik IX) and Crown Princess Ingrid (the future Queen Ingrid) received the lodge as a wedding present in 1935 from the government, and the palace and sprawling gardens became a favourite residence of Queen Ingrid.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Danish Royal Family soon began hosting guests there, including important visitors such as the then Crown Prince of Japan, Akihito, in 1953.
A new king and queen take up residence
King Frederik and Queen Mary were first greeted by the city council of the Sønderborg Municipality at the Old Town Hall. The couple then walked a kilometre up from the square to Gråsten Palace where they met with local well-wishers on the way.
Embed from Getty ImagesQueen Mary was presented with dozens of bouquets of flowers including one in the colours of the Danish flag, made up of red and white roses.
Gråsten Palace is not open to visitors, although the palace chapel does have special visiting hours.
