Early this morning, the Royal Danish House announced that His Royal Highness Prince Henrik had died at the age of 83 at home at Fredensborg Palace. He passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his wife, Queen Margrethe and their two sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim at 11:18 pm on 13 February.
The Royal Danish House has announced that the Royal Court will have a month of mourning. Dark colours will be worn as the Queen, Royal Family and the Royal Court will not participate “in social or entertaining events.” It will end 14 March.
A book of condolence will be placed at Det Gule Palæ, Amaliegade 18 from today through the 20th of February for people to sign. People will be able to sign the book from 9:00-17:00 pm each day.
His funeral will take place on 20 February; he will be cremated with his ashes being spread in the ocean and buried in the private garden of Fredensborg Palace.
The first royal family to offer condolences were the Swedish Royal Family. In a press release, King Carl XVI Gustaf said, “The Queen and I have today, with great sadness, received the message that Prince Henrik has passed away.
“I want to express our deepest condolences to Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim and their families.
“There is a close relationship between the Nordic royal houses, not least through the close ties that connect us. We remember Prince Henrik with great warmth.”
King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Margrethe are first cousins, and members of the Swedish Royal Family are expected to attend Prince Henrik’s funeral.
The Romanian Royal Family was next in expressing sympathy:
“Her Majesty Margareta, the Custodian of the Romanian Crown, together with the entire Royal Family, received with great sadness the news of the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark, the consort of the Danish sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II.
“Her Majesty Margareta and Prince Radu were often with the Royal Danish Couple and enjoyed the affection, warmth and generosity of Prince Henrik. Also, a few years ago, the royal couple responded to a personal invitation by Prince Henrik to spend a few days at Fredensborg Palace.
“Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Crown, addressed this morning a personal letter to Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II.
“The Royal Family of Romania will always remember the generous, erudite, talented and humorous personality of His Late Royal Highness Prince Henrik.
“God rest him in peace!”
King Harald of Norway sent condolences on behalf of the Norwegian Royal Family. He added that flags in Norway at the Royal Palace of Olso will be at half-mast today and on the day of the funeral. He said, “Our thoughts go to Queen Margrethe and the closest family after Prince Henrik’s passing. Our condolences also go to the Danish people. “
King Mohammed of Morocco’s letter of sympathy said, “I renew my faithful condolence asking you and your family to be patient and asking Her Majesty to accept my warmest regards.”
Exclusively to Royal Central, Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia remarked about Prince Henrik’s death, “We are very sad about the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Henrik. My family and I extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Her Majesty Queen Margrethe and family. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Danish Royal Family.
“Prince Henrik was a good friend that I admired and respected very much. We spoke French together and it was always a great pleasure to see him. My wife and I will miss him very much.”
Additionally, King Felipe and Queen Letizia, as well as King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía of Spain, have sent telegrams of condolence to Queen Margrethe.
Buckingham Palace also announced that The Queen was going to send a private message of sympathy.
Of course, some royal families may send their condolences privately and not share them with the media, as the Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg and Belgian Royal Family did.
This post will be continuously updated as more royal sympathies are released to the press.
