King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark were at the head of the Royal Family as they all gathered in a historically significant Cathedral to close out a week of celebrations for the proclamation of the new Monarchs.
On Sunday, 21st January, the Royal Family arrived at Aarhus Cathedral under falling snow, making the atmosphere even more magical. The family is understood to have come from their vacation residence, Marselisborg Palace, as some elements of the move are still being completed in Copenhagen.
The service was also attended by the new heir to the throne, Crown Prince Christian, and his siblings, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, as well as Queen Margrethe. The queen’s sister, Princess Benedikte, was present as were Count Ingolf and Countess Sussie.
It was officiated by the royal confessor and bishop of Aarhus Diocese, Henrik Wigh-Poulsen, and saw the presence of more than 400 people, among which were state and local authorities, as well as some members of the public who were lucky enough to get in.
The cold, however, did not discourage those who weren’t able to get a spot inside, and both when the royals arrived and when they left, massive crowds were gathered outside, under the watchful eyes of police officers, to greet and cheer on their new King and Queen.
Aarhus Cathedral is Denmark’s biggest church, and preserves pieces from the middle ages, including a pulpit and an altar painting. The gothic style in which it was realised in the 1200s makes it an imposing sight both from the inside and the outside.
Aarhus is also a place that holds special significance for the new King, not only because of its historical ties with the Danish Royals, but also because it was the town in which he attended university, as he studied political science. Undoubtedly, going back as the King, surrounded by his family, must have been the best way to close off a week that will indeed go down in history.
