King Frederik X of Denmark, accompanied by his Australian-born wife Queen Mary, embarked on their inaugural official trip abroad, landing in Stockholm on Monday.
Their visit holds special significance as it marks the first official diplomatic engagement for the newly crowned Danish monarchs. Following King Frederik’s ascension to the throne on January 14, succeeding his mother Queen Margrethe II, the royal couple received a warm welcome in the Swedish capital. Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel extended their greetings aboard the Danish royal yacht Dannebrog, before the group proceeded onto the gilded Swedish Royal Barge, where they were welcomed by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia.
The ceremonial welcome included a cannon salute and musical performances by Sweden’s Royal Guards, underscoring the close ties between the Danish and Swedish royal families. This bond is further emphasized by King Frederik’s lineage, with his grandmother Queen Ingrid being of Swedish descent.
During their two-day visit, King Frederik and Queen Mary are scheduled to hold meetings with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kirstersson and the speaker of the Swedish Parliament. Additionally, a visit to a military facility is on the agenda, reflecting the importance of defense cooperation between the neighboring nations. Notable Danish government officials, including Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen and Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, are accompanying the royal couple on their diplomatic mission.
Traditionally, Danish monarchs undertake visits to other Scandinavian countries as their first official trips abroad. While King Frederik made a solo visit to Poland in January, this excursion to Sweden signifies a significant milestone following his mother’s unexpected abdication.
Looking ahead, King Frederik and Queen Mary are set to visit Oslo later this month, where they will be received by King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway. Queen Margrethe’s decision to step down marked the first voluntary abdication by a Danish monarch in nearly 900 years, ushering in a new era for the monarchy and the nation.
With roots tracing back to the 10th century Viking era, Denmark’s monarchy holds a storied legacy as one of Europe’s oldest, symbolizing continuity and tradition amidst the winds of change.
