The Royal Correspondent

It was announced that His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark won the Berlingske Fonds (Berlingske Foundation) Award for 2012.  The award is given each year to a Dane who has had major political, economic or cultural importance for the country.

In a press release, chairwoman and chief editor of Berlingske Fonds, Lisbeth Knudsen, notes that Prince Consort should be given credit for “…the success that is modern Danish monarchy.”  Ms. Knudsen also notes that the prince’s ability to adapt to his role as prince consort is admirable:

Prince Henry stepped into a role that no one had explained to him beforehand. An especially difficult one, especially as a foreigner, and as a lifelong companion to a highly popular and highly respected queen. He has managed even to create the framework for completing the task which was his, in a way that now after so many years must be respected, and always as a strong representative for Denmark conscious of the royal house’s special mission and role…

The award will be given to Prince Henrik on January 12, 2012 along with a check worth 100,000 Kroners.

Congrats, Prince Henrik!  

Source: Berlingske

Photo courtesy of Kongehuset

On November 22, 2011, T.R.H.s Prince Henrik and Prince Joachim of Denmark hosted the annual royal hunt at Grib Forest.  Several of their royal relatives and friends joined in on the “fun” including H.H. Prince Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, H.S.H. Prince Gustav of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, T.I.R.H.s Prince Georg Friedrich and Princess Sophie of Prussia, and Baron Otto Reedtz-Thott.

After they enjoyed watching innocent animals suffer then die there was a feast and rounds of drinks for all at Fredensborg Slot.

Source and photo courtesy of: Lokalavisen.dk

On October 6, 2011 at Christiansborg Palace H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik  held an audience in place of his mother, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II.  The reason for the crown prince representing her:  She had an important meeting with the new Danish government ministers.  Meanwhile, at Fredensborg Palace, H.R.H. Prince Henrik hosted a reception for the World Wildlife Fund sponsors.

And, finally during this past summer at Château de Cayx, France it has been reported that Prince Henrik conducted a classical music piece in front of hundreds of guests to the absolute delight of the queen.  According to the Danish magazine, Billed Bladet:

Every year Prince Henrik of Denmark organizes a popular concert in the courtyard and each year many locals come. Each year a new group or orchestra plays, and this year was the Prince’s Band from Skive, who have traveled to France to entertain. The many musicians sweated in their hot uniforms even at night the temperature was over 30 degrees.

In a light and cool dress was the evening’s soloist, soprano Susanne Elmark who gained great applause. She is a trained opera singer at the Royal Danish Academy of Music and has sung in major opera houses worldwide.

It was a fantastic concert, where a large part of Prince Henrik’s family who were among the spectators. Also several French and Danish private friends were in attendance along with the royal couple, including Fritz Schur.

When asked about the concert the queen replied, ‘It relaxes me…’ as she smiled and it was obvious that both she and Prince Henry enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.

Afterwards there was reception at the Château de Cayx library then a prestigious dinner for a few close friends. source

H.R.H. Prince Henrik of Denmark is currently in Cannes, France participating in the 2011 Régates Royales sailing competition.  During this afternoon’s Dragons heat, the French-born prince, manning the boat “The White Lady”, came in second place  behind the team from Ireland.

No bad.

To learn more about Régates Royales please click here.   Video news clip about the competition (click where it says ‘Cannes: Les Dragon enflamment lesRégates Royales’.)

Photo courtesy of: AFP/A.Jocard

The state visit to Russia is officially over for Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II, H.R.H. Prince Henrik, and H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark.  This afternoon, September 10, 2011, the reigning couple along with the crown prince held a press conference aboard the royal yacht Dannebrog where they reflected upon their trip to Moscow and St. Petersburg.

On day four of the state visit to Russia, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II and H.R.H. Prince Henrik of Denmark visited Empress Maria Feodorovna’s coffin at the Peter and Pawel Fortress were they presented a wreath for their long dead relative.  Prior to that the queen visited the Scandinavian Institute of St. Petersburg where she opened at literature seminar.  Then it was off to visit a treatment center finally a beer brewery. H.R.H. Prince Henrik, had a chance to visit the Navel Museum; sometime later he opened a marine seminar.

Meanwhile, H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik participated in several business seminars and finally a photo exhibit entitled, Denmark in Transition. 

Tonight there was a gala dinner at the Ethnographic Museum.

Photo courtesy of: Daylife/Reuters/A. Demianchuk

Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II, H.R.H. Prince Henrik, and H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia this afternoon continuing their state visit the country.

The reigning couple visited at monument to the Leningrad Liberators where they placed a wreath; then it was off to the royal yacht, Dannebrog, where witnessed the signing of a contract by the Danish mega-shipping company, Maersk Line.

H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik was busy as well.  Prior to flying to St. Petersburg the heir to the Danish throne attended a business breakfast in Moscow.  At 2pm, he had a guided tour at the H&H factory in Kirkino.  Soon after he visited the Admiralteskiye Yard where, once again, he had a guided tour of the venue as well as previewed an exhibit about shipbuilding.  Later on in the day, Crown Prince Frederik was joined by H.R.H. Prince Henrik were the royal duo attended a business seminar at the Baltika Brew restaurant.

The day ended for Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II, H.R.H. Prince Henrik, and H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik were they were guests of honor at a dinner party hosted by the governor.

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Photo courtesy of: Daylife/AP/D. Lovetsky

Over the weekend, Saturday to be exact, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II, H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik, and H.R.H. Crown Princess Mary of Denmark attended the wedding between Sarah Kalbeitzer and Gregers Heering.   Mr. Heering is the son of Queen Margrethe II’s longtime friend, Susanne and her husband, Peter Heering.  The lovely wedding took place at the Maribo Cathedral south of Copenhagen, Denmark.

To view photos please click the links below:

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Photo courtesy of: Wikipedia, Denmark

On September 7, 2011, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II, H.R.H. Prince Henrik, and H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik continued their state visit to amazing Russia.

The royal family began their day in front of the Kremlin at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier were they participated in a wreath laying ceremony.  From there the reigning couple and the crown prince went their separate ways.

Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II met with the chairman of the Duma as well as with the president of the Federation Council. From there she visited Grundfos where she participated in the inauguration of a production and distribution facility.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Frederik along with Prince Henrik attended a business seminar at the Ritz-Carlton.  After the boring meeting it was lunch time for the Danish royal family; however, that didn’t last long for Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II was to attend a photo exhibit at the Moscow Photography House.

At 4pm, the Danish royal family had an important meeting with Prime Minister Vladmir Putin where they discussed all sorts of things such as Mr. Putin’s recent trip to Denmark in April 2011 and the weather. Finally, it was time to leave for there was still too much to do and see for the royal trio such as visiting the Skolkovo School of Management, an energy house, and to attend a film festival.

Finally, after a long day Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II, Prince Henrik, and Crown Prince Frederik attended a beautiful reception at the Pushkin Museum.

Whew!

To view photos please click the links below:

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Photo courtesy of: TV2.dk

On September 6, 2011, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe, H.R.H. Prince Henrik of Denmark, and H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik arrived in Russia for a five-day state visit.

The first stop was Moscow where the royal family were greeted by  local dignitaries; then it was off to the famous Kremiln were Russian President Dmitry Medvedev along with his wife, Svetlana, held a reception for the Danish royals.

One hour later Her Majesty Queen Margrethe and H.R.H. Prince Henrik were off to visit the Pushkin Museum to attend the official opening of the exhibit, The Danish Golden Age. Meanwhile, H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik visited the IOC to discuss… something.

In the evening there was a grand state banquet in honor of the royal visit held at the Kremiln.  Attendees included President Medvedev and his wife, local dignitaries, Russian billionaires, and last but not least, Mr. Putin.

Tomorrow will be another full day of activities so stay tuned.

To view photos as well as to watch a video please click the links below:

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• Video (click where it says “Kongefamilien i Rusland”)
  
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Photo courtesy of: Daylife/Reuters/Ivan Sekretarev

On August 1, 2011, H.R.H. Prince Henrik of Denmark arrived at Gråsten Slot in a cool car whilst wearing, what looks to be, a swim cap on his head.

His neighbors were completely puzzled by his, um, choice of headwear.

Photo courtesy of: Daylife/Christian Augustin/Getty Images

This afternoon in Uummannaq, Greenland, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II along with her husband, H.R.H. Prince Henrik of Denmark, finally arrived in this beautiful town to the immense excitement of the local residents.

According to the Danish magazine, Billed Bladet, the royal couple visited the local hospital where the lovely queen noted, “I am very impressed…”  They also had a chance to stop by the Uummannaq orphanage to the delight of the youth; then it was off to view several exhibits by local artists.  Finally, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik attended a reception where sushi and reindeer were served at the local hotel.

The royal tour of Greenland ends on July 24, 2011.  From there the queen and the prince consort will holiday at their residence known as Gråsten Slot in Denmark.

To view photos from today’s event please click the link here and scroll down.

Meanwhile, in a warmer climate then Greenland, Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and their four children were on yet another vacation. This time the family were in Cahors, France relaxing at the Danish royal family’s other residence known as Château de Cayx.  In August, T.R.H.s Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, along with their four children, will begin their summer cruise around Denmark.  Basically, it’s another vacation with a couple of engagements thrown in to please the masses.  Finally, there is speculation that the crown princely couple will join Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II, Prince Henrik, Prince Joachim, Princess Marie, and the Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg family, including Frau Axelsson, at Gråsten Slot later this month.

To view photos of the crown princely couple in France please click the link here.  To learn more about the lovely Château de Cayx please visit the official website here. 

Source: Billed Bladet

Photos courtesy of: Billed Bladet by Hanne Juul and Zimbio by Bauer Griffin

On June 11, 2011, in a cute little town just north of Santa Barbara, CA, H.R.H. Prince Henrik of Denmark stopped by the town of Solvang to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the town (that probably made no sense, but whatever.  It’s been a long day and I’m tired.)    

Anyway, Solvang was founded by a group of Danes eons ago and today the town has a reputation of being one of the best places to go for a short weekend visit.

According to the newspaper, Santa Maria Times, the prince was welcomed by:

…a crowd of about 600 turned out at Solvang Park for a formal welcome and a celebration of Prince Consort Henrik’s 77th birthday, which coincidentally was Saturday.

The ‘royal birthday party’ featured remarks by the prince; recognition of Solvang’s centennial; serving of a birthday cake, cookies and kringles; and singing as well as music by the Valley Wind Ensemble.

The United States and Denmark have ‘a relationship based on respect and common values and ideals, but it’s also forged by individual people who have made a new home without forgetting the old nation of their ancestors,’ Prince Consort Henrik said.

The prince and his entourage arrived at the park by motorcade on First Street, where they were greeted by Solvang Mayor Jim Richardson and other officials.

After the festivities at the park, they led a crowd of pedestrians a block to Copenhagen Drive and another block to Alisal Road, where the prince helped dedicate the city’s new Centennial Plaza, including the unveiling of two bricks bearing the Danish royal monogram.

After a very important meeting with local dignitaries H.R.H. Prince Henrik attended a dinner in his honor at the Rusack Vineyard where 180 people paid a pretty penny just to be in his presence.

To read the article in its entirety please click the link here.  To view photos please click the link here.

Source: Santa Maria Times

Photo courtesy of: Daylife Reuters/Phil McCarten