Count Nikolai of Denmark and his girlfriend, Benedikte Thoustrup, lit up the 83rd edition of the Venice International Film Festival, which runs through next Saturday, September 12. The couple posed on the red carpet of la Mostra last Friday, the 4th, putting their chemistry on full display. Although they’ve been together since their teenage years and have attended countless public events side by side, this time their connection was more evident than ever.
© Daniele VenturelliThe Count of Monpezat couldn’t take his eyes off his partner, who stunned in a striking navy-blue Armani gown, the brand that invited them both to the city of canals. The couple stepped onto the red carpet shortly before the premiere of the film Basics of Philosophy, directed by American filmmaker Paul Schrader.
It’s worth remembering that this is not their first time attending the Venice International Film Festival together. Nikolai and Benedikte, who share a passion for the fashion world, made their debut at la Mostra in 2025, also as guests of Armani. On that occasion, they enjoyed La Grazia, the film by Italian director Paolo Sorrentino. This year, however, they appeared even more at ease and relaxed in front of the cameras, showing an even deeper sense of complicity.
Nikolai and Benedikte posed both together and separately. When it was the model’s turn, Prince Joachim of Denmark’s son couldn’t stop watching his girlfriend, following her every move with a broad smile that made it clear just how in love with her, and proud of her, he is. The Count of Monpezat, like a true celebrity, also showed how approachable he is with photographers when he was shot solo. Smiling and very relaxed, he even blew a kiss to the cameras.
© Pascal Le SegretainBenedikte Thoustrup shared some of these red carpet moments on her Instagram, where she has 84,000 followers. “It is an honor to attend the 83rd edition of the Venice International Film Festival. Thank you so much for inviting me,” she wrote alongside a carousel of photos that drew a quick reaction from Nikolai of Denmark, clearly still in awe. “Wow,” the Danish royal commented, adding two heart-eyes emojis.
Their first public appearance with Frederik and Mary
Moments like the ones they just lived at la Mostra, along with other recent outings together, only confirm that the relationship between Queen Margrethe of Denmark’s eldest grandchild and his girlfriend is moving steadily forward. On August 22, they attended the wedding of Gregers Carl Preben Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille, godson of King Frederik of Denmark and a close friend of Nikolai, and Cecilie Juhl, held on the island of Funen.
© Pascal Le SegretainIt was a very significant step, as it was the first time Prince Joachim’s son attended a society wedding with the model and with prominent members of his family present. At the ceremony, he crossed paths with his uncle and aunt, King Frederik and Queen Mary. Also in attendance were Princess Benedikte, sister of Queen Margrethe, and two of her grandchildren, Countess Ingrid and Count Richard.
In one of the photos published in the local press, Benedikte appears perfectly integrated into the family, greeting Frederik and Mary with clear affection. The model can be seen exchanging a kiss with the monarch, while the Queen watches them with a wide smile. Just behind Thoustrup stands her boyfriend, Nikolai, about to greet his uncle. It was a telling moment that marked the first public image of the Count of Monpezat with his girlfriend and the King and Queen of Denmark. The local media even described the occasion as “a milestone in their relationship.”
