As the festive season approaches, the Danish royal family has announced their Christmas plans, confirming a divided celebration this year. King Frederik and Queen Mary, along with their children Crown Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent, and Princess Josephine, will spend Christmas at Marselisborg Castle in Aarhus. Meanwhile, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie will celebrate separately, continuing the trend of a family dynamic reshaped by recent tensions.
Christmas at Marselisborg Castle
The official Instagram account for the Danish royal family shared the news, accompanied by a series of festive photographs. The statement revealed that the family would gather at Marselisborg Castle alongside Her Majesty Queen Margrethe. For King Frederik, this venue holds a special place, having been the centre of royal Christmas celebrations since his childhood.
The festivities will include traditional ceremonial events such as the daily changing of the guard by the Royal Life Guard, complete with music by the Tambour Corps. This longstanding tradition adds a touch of pageantry to the otherwise intimate family gathering.
Queen Margrethe, who will reside at the castle from 20 to 30 December, will play host. The royal household noted that the King and his family would remain at Marselisborg from 23 to 26 December, ensuring the celebration retains its familial warmth.
Prince Joachim and Princess Marie’s Absence
Notably absent from the Marselisborg celebrations are Prince Joachim, Princess Marie, and their children, who will be spending Christmas with Princess Marie’s family. The division underscores lingering tensions within the family following Queen Margrethe’s controversial decision in 2022 to strip Joachim’s children of their royal titles. This move, affecting Count Nikolai, Count Felix, Count Henrik, and Countess Athena, has reportedly strained relationships within the royal household.
A Historic New Year’s Speech
As the year draws to a close, King Frederik is set to deliver his first New Year’s speech as reigning monarch. Scheduled for 18:00 on New Year’s Eve at Frederik VIII’s Palace in Amalienborg, the address marks a significant moment in his reign. The King ascended to the throne following Queen Margrethe’s surprise abdication last year after an impressive 52-year reign.
Queen Margrethe’s decision, announced during her annual New Year’s speech, cited health considerations following back surgery as a key factor in her abdication. Reflecting on her legacy, Margrethe stated, “The operation gave rise to thoughts about the future – whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation.”
Family Dynamics in Transition
This year’s Christmas plans highlight the evolving dynamics of the Danish royal family. While the King and Queen’s celebrations at Marselisborg Castle uphold cherished traditions, the absence of Prince Joachim and Princess Marie underscores a family grappling with modern challenges and internal divisions.
The London Examiner will continue to provide updates on the Danish royals as they navigate this festive season. For in-depth royal coverage, from tradition to controversy, the Examiner remains your trusted source for all things regal.