Denmark’s future king and queen are dedicated to blending their royal duties with a contemporary family lifestyle and active involvement in forward-thinking initiatives. This approach has played a crucial role in maintaining the monarchy’s relevance and popularity in the Nordic country.
At 55, Crown Prince Frederik is set to ascend the throne this Sunday, a decision accelerated by his mother, Queen Margrethe II, who surprisingly announced her abdication on live TV on New Year’s Eve, favoring her eldest son for the succession. Accompanying him as Queen will be Mary, 51, an Australian-born former marketing and advertising director.
Denmark King and Queen
The new royal couple is stepping onto the throne amid widespread public support for the monarchy in Denmark, as revealed by recent opinion polls.
Queen Margrethe’s popularity stems from her tactful and traditional approach, coupled with a keen interest in history and art.
In contrast, Frederik and Mary have embraced a modern influencer-like strategy, leveraging their fame and goodwill to bring a contemporary touch to the monarchy.
Beyond their modern image, the couple has earned approval for their advocacy on environmental issues, sustainability, public health, and global rights for girls and women in Denmark.
Described as a modern and equal power couple by commentator Jakob Steen Olsen, they actively use their status to contribute to positive change in the world.
A noteworthy example of their down-to-earth approach is seen in their choice of a cargo bicycle to take their kids to school in Copenhagen, aligning with the environmentally conscious values of many Danes.
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Frederik’s Royal Run
In contrast to his mom, who has been a long-time smoker, Frederik is all about promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. Every year, he hosts the well-loved Royal Run, a massive running event in which he and his family participate alongside thousands of Danes, racing through the streets of Copenhagen and other towns across the country.
According to Olsen, “It’s their way of bringing the monarchy into the modern era and making it relevant for the future.”
The couple first met at a party in Sydney during the 2000 Olympic Games, introduced by mutual friends. Mary later revealed in an interview that she had no idea he was a Danish royal when they first crossed paths.
Journey of Crown Prince Frederik
Approximately half an hour later, someone approached me and asked, “Do you recognize these individuals?” she inquired.
The couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Copenhagen four years after their initial meeting. Together, they have four children: Prince Christian, 18, the designated heir to the throne, Princess Isabelle, 16, and the thirteen-year-old twins, Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent.
During his younger years, Frederik was a bit of a rebellious teenager, often appearing uneasy with his future role as the heir. Following his university graduation, he gained a reputation as an adventurer with a keen interest in sports.
Frederik serves as a Frogman in the Royal Danish Navy’s elite special forces, undergoing one of the world’s most challenging training regimens. Additionally, he has completed six marathons and embarked on a four-month, 2,795-km (1,737 mile) dogsled expedition in northern Greenland, a sovereign territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
In 2018, he graced a music festival stage alongside one of Denmark’s top rock bands.
During a heartfelt speech on his 50th birthday, Mary expressed the belief in the power of communication and mutual learning among everyone.
Princess Mary, originally Mary Elizabeth Donaldson from Hobart, Tasmania, has become exceptionally popular, perhaps even more so than her husband. She earned admiration for quickly mastering the Danish language shortly after moving to Denmark.
Her desire to infuse a bit of Australian influence into her role as a princess is well-known. Additionally, she has actively supported various organizations championing causes dear to her, such as children’s and women’s rights, and sustainability in the fashion industry.
High Expectations for Frederik and Mary in New Roles
Following the queen’s announcement of her abdication, a recent survey revealed that 82% of Danes are optimistic about Frederik’s performance in his new role, expecting him to excel. Similarly, 86% expressed confidence in Mary’s ability to do well in her upcoming responsibilities.
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Denmark King and Queen FAQs
Q.1. Who is the current queen of Denmark?
Ans. Queen Margrethe II is the current queen of Denmark, who recently announced her abdication in favor of Crown Prince Frederik.
Q.2. How did Frederik and Mary meet?
Ans. They first met at a party during the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, introduced by mutual friends.
Q.3. What initiatives do Frederik and Mary support?
Ans. The royal couple actively supports environmental issues, sustainability, public health, and global rights for girls and women in Denmark.
Q.4. What is Frederik’s Royal Run?
Ans. The Royal Run is a massive running event hosted by Crown Prince Frederik, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for Danes.
Q.5. What are some of Princess Mary’s contributions?
Ans. Princess Mary actively supports various causes, including children’s and women’s rights, and sustainability in the fashion industry.
