The rock concert-loving man didn’t always seem ready to take over the reins of Europe’s oldest ruling monarchy, but in recent years more and more heirs to the throne also speak English, French and German. assumed the responsibility of and ascended to his throne. His mother’s “wingman”.
Sunday 14 January 2024 16:05, UK
Following the historic abdication of Queen Margrethe II, her son ascended the Danish throne as Frederick X.
The 55-year-old married father of four and avid environmentalist speaks four languages and has recently stepped up his royal duties.
But the man who loves rock concerts and was once dubbed the “party prince” didn’t necessarily seem ready for it. Take over Europe’s oldest monarchy.
Sky News looks here: King of Denmark – And what his reign will be like.
“Party Prince”
Queen Margrethe’s eldest son was always destined for the throne.
But as a young man in the 1990s, he developed a reputation as the “prince of the party.”
He graduated in political science from Aarhus University and is said to have grown during his time there.
As part of my course, I studied at Harvard University in the United States from 1992 to 1993.
His military education began in 1986 with the Queen’s Lifeguard Regiment.
In 2010, he was appointed Commander of the Navy and Captain of the Army and Air Force.
Preparing to become king
Marie Ronde, royal correspondent for Danish broadcaster TV2, said the then-crown prince was not necessarily “ready” for his future role as monarch.
She told Sky News: “He himself said that when he turned 18, he was totally unprepared for what was going to befall him at that point.
“He has spent a lot of time preparing – getting used to the fact that this is his life’s challenge and he has put a lot of effort into it.
Frederic, who also speaks English, French and German, had taken on more responsibilities in recent years, particularly during Queen Margrethe’s recent illness.
“A year ago she had hip surgery,” Ronde said. [and] He took over many of her jobs.
“He said he was like his mother’s ‘comrade.’
“He has a long military education and likes rock music. [he] I’m very interested in going to concerts, festivals, and sporting events. In that sense, he’s quite different from his mother.”
his family
Frederik is the eldest child of Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik of Denmark, who passed away in 2018.
His younger brother, Prince Joachim of Denmark, is one year younger than him.
In 2022, Queen Margrethe stripped Joachim’s four children of their royal titles, saying it was “necessary to protect the future of the monarchy”.
This move did not affect Frederick’s children, who all retained their titles, and did not affect succession to the throne.
He first met his wife Mary, now the Queen, at a bar in the 1990s. sydney 2000 Olympics.
of Australian person– Born in the royal family, he worked in advertising before meeting Frederick.
The couple married in 2004 and have four children: Prince Christian, 18, Princess Isabella, 16, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, 12.
Ronde believed Mary would be “a very strong queen.”
She said: “It’s clear that over the years his wife… has always been very supportive and has been there for him, as you’ve seen. queen camillaher role king charles. ”
As for the eldest son, Prince Christian, it is unclear how his role will change when he becomes crown prince.
Ronde added: “I’m really excited about the role of my son, Prince Christian, because the royal family says he won’t officially take on any role until he’s 21. “I want them to stay young and young,” he added. . ”
read more:
Queen of Denmark apologizes for stripping her grandson of royal title
Queen Margrethe’s reign in photos
What kind of king will he be?
Although the monarch is the head of state, the Danish constitution strictly prohibits involvement in party politics.
But ever since the COP15 climate conference was held in Copenhagen in 2009, Frederic has been working on global climate and environmental challenges.
Ronde believed that once he officially became monarch, he would become “the people’s king.”
“He meets a lot of Danes on the go and is very good at talking to them,” she said.
”[Queen Margrethe] She is also the queen of the people and people really like her, and I think he will too. ”