special moment

King Frederik gets emotional as Princess Isabella prepares to graduate: 'Soon it will be her turn'

The photograph dates back to 1986, when Frederik graduated at the age of 18.

JUNE 16, 2026 2:21 PM EDTJUN 16, 2026, 2:21 PM EDT

In a heartfelt and personal message, King Frederik of Denmark has marked a major milestone in Princess Isabella’s life by sharing a nostalgic black-and-white photograph from his own graduation 40 years ago.

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King Frederik X of Denmark posted the image on the Danish Royal House’s official social media accounts, offering a glimpse into his youth and drawing a touching parallel between his own academic achievement and the upcoming graduation of his daughter, Princess Isabella of Denmark.

Princess Isabella is preparing for a major life transition as she follows a path similar to her father and older brother.

The photograph dates back to 1986, when Frederik graduated at the age of 18. The image, taken during what is traditionally a major celebration in Denmark, shows the future king wearing white trousers, a sweater, and the distinctive graduation cap worn by Danish students upon completing their studies.

Holding books in his left hand and smiling broadly after finishing an important chapter of his education, Frederik is joined in the photo by his younger brother, Prince Joachim of Denmark, who is also dressed in white and wearing a graduation cap. Many royal watchers have noted Joachim’s striking resemblance to his son, Prince Felix of Denmark.

King Frederik shared a nostalgic graduation photo from 1986 as Princess Isabella prepares to celebrate her own milestone later this month.

“Today marks 40 years since my brother and I put on our graduation caps. Soon it will be my eldest daughter’s turn,” the Danish monarch wrote.

“The celebrations create a very special atmosphere as young people proudly take to the streets and celebrate completing an educational stage. I would like to send a special greeting to everyone finishing their studies.”

Princess Isabella is set to complete her upper secondary education at Øregård Gymnasium in Hellerup on June 26.

Princess Isabella’s graduation celebration:

In just over a week, 19-year-old Princess Isabella, the second of the four children of King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark, will complete her upper secondary education, the Danish equivalent of high school.

King Frederik's personal tribute highlighted the special atmosphere surrounding graduation season in Denmark.

The princess is currently studying at Øregård Gymnasium in Hellerup, and the Danish Royal House has confirmed that the royal family will take part in her official graduation ceremony on June 26.

The event is expected to mirror the celebrations held for her older brother, Crown Prince Christian of Denmark, when he graduated.

After graduation, Princess Isabella will begin 11 months of military training with the Guard Hussar Regiment in Slagelse.

Military service awaits:

After receiving her diploma, Princess Isabella is set to follow in her brother’s footsteps by beginning military service in August at the Guard Hussar Regiment in Slagelse.

Princess Isabella will become one of the few European princesses in direct succession to receive formal military training.

Her military training will last 11 months, in accordance with Denmark’s updated military service regulations. The move will make Isabella the only princess who is second in line to the throne of a European monarchy to undergo formal military training.

Unlike her brother, her father, and her grandmother, Queen Margrethe II, Princess Isabella will not take a gap year before beginning her military service.

The future Danish royal recently celebrated her 19th birthday and is now preparing for her next chapter.

Gap years are a long-standing tradition among younger members of European royal families and have been particularly common within the Danish royal family.

Instead, the young princess will move directly from the classroom to military training, marking the beginning of a new chapter as she prepares for her future role within the Danish monarchy.