The King and Queen of Denmark’s first official portraits have been released.
King Frederik X and Queen Mary are shown for the first time as monarch and consort in the images taken at the Christiansborg Palace.
The portraits can be displayed in embassies and consulates around the world as well as on Danish vessels and in state institutions.
King Frederik is seen in full dress uniform of the Danish navy and wearing the four stars of an admiral on his shoulder: he was promoted to that rank on his accession in January 2024.
(photo by Steen Evald/Kongehuset)
The Danish king also wears the historic symbols of the order of the Elephant and the Order of Dannebrog, the two orders of chivalry of which he became Sovereign when he took the throne on the abdication of his mother, Margrethe II.
Among those symbols are an elephant won on a chain around his neck. It dates to 1671 and was made for the anointing of Christian V. Frederik also wears the breast star of the Order of Dannebrog, made for Frederik VI in 1808.
Queen Mary is seen wearing Danish crown jewels for the first time.
She wears the emerald tiara made for Queen Caroline Amalie in the 19th century and which now belongs to the royal family rather than an individual. It can only be worn by a queen and it can never be taken outside of Denmark.
When not in use, it is on display with other crown jewels at Rosenborg Castle.
Queen Mary also wears a miniature portrait of her husband in a diamond studded frame. This follows the tradition of female members of the Danish royal family wearing a portrait of the reigning monarch. It is the first time this family order of King Frederik X has been seen.
Frederik became King of Denmark on January 14th 2024 on the abdication of his mother, Margrethe II, after a reign of 52 years.
