Get to know the Danish Royal Family

Denmark: The world’s oldest monarchy

The Viking rune stones at Jelling, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were inscribed by Harald Bluetooth, the first king of a united Denmark, around 1000 years ago. HM The King of Denmark is descended from him, and Denmark is filled with a rich array of royal monuments, buildings and treasures spanning thousands of years. From castles and fortresses to royal art collections and the Crown Jewels, you can experience royal Denmark at many sites across the country.

The Queen's Abdication 

On the 31st of December 2023, in her yearly New Year's Eve speech, HM Queen Margrethe announced she would be abdicating after 52 years on the throne. This was a historic event, the first abdication in almost 900 years. 

A New King

On the 14th of January 2024, HM King Frederik X ascended the throne. Tens of thousands lined the streets of Copenhagen to bid farewell to HM Queen Margrethe and welcome Their Majesties King Frederik and Queen Mary to the throne, waving flags and wearing crowns at the joyous celebration. HM The King shared his motto for his reign, declaring his rule to be 'united, committed - for the Kingdom of Denmark'. 

Denmark's royal family today

Denmark’s Royal Family retains its popularity today due to its ability to adapt to the modern world. Members of the Family engage in many diplomatic and charity events and are important ambassadors for the country. 

HM Queen Mary of Denmark is originally from Tasmania and is known as a style icon. HM King Frederik is a very popular figure in Denmark and has been voted Dane of the Year in Danish opinion polls more than once. HM King Frederik celebrated his 50th birthday in 2018 by founding the Royal Run. A family-friendly 1 mile, 5km and 10km walked or run race in the streets of Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg, and Esbjerg. He was joined by over 70,000 Danes! Thanks to its popularity, it has become a yearly event, with thousands joining the Crown Prince, now HM The King, in different locations in Denmark (they change each year, apart from Copenhagen, which is always the final race of the day). 

Crown Prince Christian

Thanks to his grandmother's abdication, Crown Prince Christian became next in line to the throne just after his 18th birthday. He has three younger siblings, HRH Princess Isabella, HRH Prince Vincent and HRH Princess Josephine, all received Knights of the Order of the Elephant when their father became king. 

Be part of Denmark's royal celebrations

Anniversaries and round birthdays of the Royal family are usually celebrated alongside the Danish population for multiple days! The whole family gathers on these special occasions to wave to the public from the balcony of their main residence, Amalienborg Palace. Visit the Monarchy website to find out when the next regal celebrations will be happening for a taste of your own royal Danish traditions.