ROYAL HISTORY

Rare look at King Frederik’s first official portrait as monarch two years in the making

It is the first official painted portrait of Frederik since he became King following Queen Margrethe’s abdication.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 12:14 PM EDTSEP 3, 2026, 12:14 PM EDT

The Danish Royal House has offered a rare glimpse inside an artist’s studio as King Frederik prepares to take his place beside generations of monarchs in a historic new portrait.

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For the past two years, acclaimed Danish artist Cathrine Raben Davidsen has been working on a portrait of the King, which will be officially unveiled at Frederiksborg Castle on September 25. The royal has visited her studio on several occasions and personally sat for the artist as part of the creative process.

The Danish monarch smiles as he gets an early look at the historic portrait, which has been two years in the making.

New photographs shared by the Palace capture Frederik during one of those visits in the spring of 2026. Dressed casually in a brown suede jacket and green shirt, the smiling monarch appears to be seeing an early version of the work before its completion.

Other images take royal watchers deeper inside the creative process. Paintbrushes fill glass jars across the artist’s worktable, while one striking close-up reveals the intricate detail of the King’s painted eye. His ceremonial uniform, decorated with medals, a sash and insignia, can also be seen displayed inside the studio.

King Frederik visits artist Cathrine Raben Davidsen’s studio as she works on his first official painted portrait since his accession to the throne.

The finished work will be particularly significant. It is the first official painted portrait of Frederik since he became King following Queen Margrethe’s abdication in January 2024. It also represents a milestone for Davidsen, who is the first female artist commissioned to paint an official portrait of a Danish monarch for Frederiksborg’s Great Hall.

Once unveiled, the portrait will hang in the castle’s Knights’ Hall alongside those of other rulers from the Glücksburg dynasty, beginning with Christian IX and continuing through the present day.

The historic collection includes works by some of Denmark’s most celebrated artists, including Laurits Tuxen, Otto Bache and Preben Hornung.

King Frederik’s ceremonial uniform is displayed inside the artist’s studio as part of the portrait process.

The unveiling will take place in connection with a dinner celebrating the Carlsberg Foundation’s 150th anniversary. Frederiksborg Castle has housed Denmark’s Museum of National History since 1878, when it was founded by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg.

Visitors will also be invited behind the scenes through a special exhibition tracing the portrait’s development. Photographs, drawings and painted studies will reveal how Davidsen experimented with color, atmosphere and detail before arriving at the final composition. A film by Anja Hauberg Kaalund will further document the portrait’s creation.

Paintbrushes and art supplies offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of the King’s new portrait.

Davidsen, born in 1972, is recognized as one of Denmark’s leading contemporary artists. Her work spans painting, drawing, ceramics, textiles and installation and is known for weaving together references to nature, mythology, memory and art history.

While the complete portrait remains under wraps until September 25, the intimate studio photographs offer a fascinating first look at how Frederik’s image is being transformed into a permanent piece of Danish royal history.

Frederiksborg Castle’s Great Hall is home to historic portraits of Danish monarchs from the Glücksburg dynasty.