Frederik and Mary of Denmark received a warm and affectionate welcome in Gråsten. It’s their second time spending their vacation in this town in southern Jutland as King and Queen, and the locals gave them an enthusiastic reception. This year, they pleasantly surprised everyone by arriving with two of their children: Princess Isabella and Prince Vincent, who also caught the attention and affection of the crowd. The presence of part of the royal family has further strengthened the bond between the Crown and the local community, making this visit a special moment for the region.
Danish royals continue summer tradition at Gråsten Castle
Dozens of people gathered around Gråsten Castle, a residence that has been traditionally used by Danish monarchs during this time of year for nearly ninety years. Unlike last summer, there was no red carpet rolled out this time for Frederik and Mary of Denmark, as that special ceremony was reserved for their first visit to the castle as King and Queen.
Queen Mary charms crowd with candid moment during royal walk
Upon their arrival, the royal couple kindly stopped to chat with Mayor Erik Lauritzen, sharing a few words in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Queen Mary took the opportunity to warmly thank both the city council and the locals gathered there for the heartfelt welcome. One of the day’s most charming moments happened right then—while greeting people, Mary of Denmark fell slightly behind, and her husband, King Frederik, along with their children, continued walking without noticing.
At that moment, the Queen had to break into a light run to catch up with the rest of the family, sparking smiles and knowing looks among those watching. But that was not all. Bystanders caught Mary of Denmark on video as she reached the town hall entrance, brushing off her dress. Local media reported that a wasp had stung her. Immediately thereafter, as her husband watched in alarm, she had to enter the building.
The Royal Family's walk began in the town square, and then the King and Queen, along with their children, Princess Isabella and Prince Vincent, made their way to Gråsten Castle. The crowd warmly welcomed them, applauding, waving, and even handing them gifts like flags and bouquets of flowers during their half-kilometer walk. As part of their stay in the area, the Royal Guard will march through the town of Gråsten to the castle every day at 11:40, accompanied by two drummers from the Royal Guard's Drum Corps.
What makes the palace gardens of Gråsten a must-see
Every summer, the small Danish town of Gråsten, about a three-hour drive from Copenhagen and located on the shores of the Flensburg Fjord, becomes the favorite destination of the Danish royal family. This year, Frederik and Mary are spending their second summer there as King and Queen, continuing a tradition that began in 1935 when Frederik IX and Ingrid—then Crown Prince and Princess—received the castle as a wedding gift.
Several fires and reconstructions have marked the castle's history. After a fire in 1603, a new structure was built in baroque style, later followed by a rococo redesign and a neoclassical extension, forming the building we see today. It became a royal residence in the twentieth century. Among its highlights are the central wing and the baroque chapel, which is still used for religious services in both Danish and German, a reflection of the region’s borderland history and a site for royal family celebrations.
During their stay, the King and Queen live in the palace, which remains closed to the public. However, the palace gardens, considered true gems of Danish landscaping, open on select days. Visitors can walk along paths lined with perfect hedges, rose gardens, and floral sculptures, and see the reflection of the palace towers and chapel in the calm waters of Slotssø Lake that surrounds the estate. Just a few steps from the palace, the small town center comes alive in the summer with outdoor cafés, where bakeries serve traditional Danish cakes with excellent coffee.
Frederik and Mary spark backlash over extended private vacation
The King and Queen begin their official vacation after recently sparking controversy over their private getaway. According to Billed Bladet, Frederik and Mary started their summer break on July 6, which was originally scheduled to last until the 13th. They later planned to return on the 15th but ultimately extended their stay by five more days.
This decision has sparked debate in Denmark, particularly considering its recurrent occurrence. The first incident happened earlier this year when the King referred to "dead times" after being criticized for taking three separate holidays in less than three weeks.
It is worth noting that during their absence, Queen Margrethe steps in as regent. This role allows a member of the Royal Family to act as head of state when both the monarch and the heir are out of the country. They have not revealed the exact location of their private vacation or who joined them.