King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark have set off on a private getaway. The Danish Royal House's communications department confirmed the couple's trip to Billed-Bladet on Friday. While the King and Queen, who celebrated 20 years of marriage last year, are away, their eldest child, Crown Prince Christian, is acting as regent. According to the Royal House's official program, the 19 year old is regent on Jan. 10 and Jan. 11.
Their Majesties' holiday abroad comes ahead of the one-year anniversary of the King's ascension to the throne. Frederik became the King of Denmark on Jan. 14, 2024, just two weeks after his mother Queen Margrethe announced her plan to abdicate in her New Year's Eve speech.
Frederik admitted in his first New Year's address on Dec. 31 that he and his wife "could not have wished for a better start as King and Queen." In his speech, the King said (translated to English), "Many people take stock on New Year’s Eve. What do we take with us from the year that has passed, and what do we see ahead of us in the coming year? I take with me one day in particular. The 14th of January. The ride through the streets of Copenhagen to Christiansborg Palace. My mother’s last State Council. The minutes before the doors to the balcony opened. A very deep breath. Christiansborg Palace Square. The crowd of people in front of me. My family right behind me."
"Stepping forward and meeting so much support, joy and love. Standing on the balcony together with Queen Mary as Denmark’s King and Queen. Taking it all in – or at least trying to – moved and overwhelmed. This is what I take with me. This is what we take with us. Forever. A thousand thanks," Frederik continued. "A year ago, my mother gave her 52nd New Year Address. An address which took most people by surprise because it turned out to be her last. Tonight, I am giving my first. There is a first time for everything and a last time for everything. These times tend to stand out more clearly than all other times. They are beginnings and endings in the course of life, and we attach special significance to them. The first school day – and the last. We remember them. And we celebrate them."