Frederik and Mary of Denmark have said goodbye to Erik Norman Svendsen, their royal confessor of 10 years and a familiar presence at some of the biggest moments in their family life. Svendsen officiated at their 2004 wedding and later baptized their four children. He died on August 10 at age 85 after a brief illness.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesIt has been a difficult summer for Frederik and Mary. Last week, they mourned Harald V of Norway, who “meant a great deal” to them. They remembered him as “a good human being, with a twinkle in his eye and a big heart.” Now, they have gathered in Copenhagen to say goodbye to Svendsen, a man who had been part of their family story for more than two decades.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesA Surprise on the Streets of Copenhagen and a Last-Minute Change of Plans
© Getty ImagesDressed in black, King Frederik and Queen Mary surprised onlookers by arriving on foot at the Garrison Church in the Danish capital, which dates back to 1706. The decision to walk was unexpected, as the couple typically travels by official vehicle. But with the church just a short distance from Amalienborg, the royal residence, walking was a practical choice. The trip takes about six minutes on foot, and the King and Queen drew plenty of attention from Danes and tourists in one of Copenhagen’s busiest areas.
© Getty ImagesAccording to Ekstra Bladet, Frederik X attended a space conference at the Bella Center convention complex before the service. The official engagement required a last-minute adjustment to his schedule. His visit was cut short by an hour amid concerns that a demonstration involving 300 tractors could cause traffic delays and prevent him from reaching the funeral on time. Erik Norman Svendsen served as royal confessor for 10 years, from 2008 to 2018.
© Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesWho Was Erik Norman Svendsen, and Why Was He So Important in Frederik and Mary’s Private Lives?
The King and Queen have shown their support for Erik Norman Svendsen’s family, including his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as they mourn his death. Svendsen died on August 10 at age 85 after a brief illness, the Diocese of Copenhagen confirmed.
His bond with the Royal Family was a close one and went well beyond his prominent role in the Danish Lutheran Church. Most notably, he officiated at Frederik and Mary of Denmark’s wedding, which brought together royalty from around the world at Copenhagen Cathedral on May 14, 2004, one week before the wedding of King Felipe and Queen Letizia in Madrid.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesSvendsen went on to witness some of the most significant moments in the King and Queen’s family life. After their wedding, he was there for the baptisms of Prince Christian, now heir to the throne, Princess Isabella, and Princes Vincent and Josephine. He was present for some of Frederik and Mary of Denmark’s most important days and watched their lives evolve both personally and in their royal roles. “His quiet joy at being able to serve the Queen and the Royal Family was unmistakable,” said Peter Skov-Jakobsen, the current bishop of Copenhagen.
Attendance Confirmed for King Harald’s State Funeral
Frederik and Mary of Denmark were the first to confirm their attendance at King Harald V’s state funeral, which will take place at Oslo Cathedral on September 9. King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit, Queen Sonja, Princess Ingrid, Prince Sverre Magnus, Princess Märtha Louise and the rest of the family will be joined by members of royal families from around the world.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesAmong the heads of state and international figures attending are King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, along with Princess Amalia and Princess Beatrix; King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium; and Akishino and Kiko of Japan. Members of the Royal Families of Sweden, Spain and the United Kingdom are also expected to attend.
