Frederik's new challenge: The royal paradox

 

Columnists

  

Danish royal house  

 

The new king is the guarantor of old traditions 

 

Jenny Alexandersson  

 

Updated 20.22 | Published 19.13 

 

It is a paradox that Frederik X, who enters the Danish royal house with new power and energy, is actually a guarantee that old traditions live on.

  

The new king will put a more youthful stamp on the regency and he will shape and change the royal house within the existing framework.  

 

He is sporty and interested in things that belong to the times. Environment and climate above all, just like many other royals today thank God.  

 

But one of his most important tasks is, as I said, to carry on old traditions.  

 

          

        

   The Crown Prince has become King Frederik X.  

   1 / 2Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT 

 

It is important to find a balance.  

 

Frederik must ensure that the royal house is relevant and up to date. Which can be a challenge for any new monarch today. But he also has to manage everything that makes the royal house unique and that is part of the Danish cultural heritage and history.  

 

It is the mystique, the traditions and the continuity that make people accept a royal house in a modern democracy.  

 

           

         

  The new royal couple in their carriage, on their way to Amalienberg Castle.  

  1 / 2Photo: Ida Marie Odgaard / Ritzau Scanpix 

 

Frederik is popular and loved.  

 

            

The first kiss of King Frederik and Queen Mary was met with cheers from the people. Photo: Thomas Traasdahl / AP  

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There was no mistaking it when the castle square at Christiansborg Castle was filled with so many people that the police finally had to stop more people from approaching.  

 

His wife Mary is equally loved and every Dane I spoke to today said the same thing – Frederik and Mary will do a fantastic job as a royal couple. 

  

They are of a generation that understands the importance of symbolism and stories.  

 

Frederik and Mary's kiss on the balcony was certainly spontaneous in the moment, but had certainly been discussed beforehand. A kiss, a love story, a brand new royal couple who together take on a heavy mission and responsibility. Together they are strong.  

 

Today, King Frederik visualized the story of the unique Danish succession.  

 

It is forever inscribed in the history books. No abdication has taken place in 900 years. Now it becomes part of the story of Denmark and the traditions that surround the royal house.  

 

FACTS  

King Frederik X  

King Frederik X was born on 26 May 1968.  

 

He is the son of former Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik of Denmark, who passed away in 2018.  

 

In 2004, the king married Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, who has now become Queen Mary of Denmark.  

 

Together they have four children: Prince Christian Valdemar Henri John, Princess Isabella Henrietta Ingrid Margrethe, Prince Vincent Frederik Minik Alexander and Princess Josephine Sophia Ivalo Mathilda. 

 

(Source: TT) 

 

          

 

The king was celebrated with a magnificent firework display over Copenhagen on Sunday evening.