Princess Estelle of Sweden, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, Prince Christian of Denmark, Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium on Oct. 15, 2023.Photo:Keld Navntoft, Kongehuset
Keld Navntoft, Kongehuset
Prince Christianof Denmark’s glamorousbirthday bashdoubled as a mini royal reunion.
Prince Christian was all smiles beside Princess Estelle of Sweden, 11, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, 19, Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, 19, and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, 21, in the snap that the Danish Royal House shared toInstagram. Like Prince Christian, the princesses all follow their parents — Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and King Philippe of Belgium — in the line of succession as their first-born children.
The birthday gala came with aglamorous dress code, and Prince Christian completed his white tie ensemble with his new Order of the Elephant regalia. The Danish Royal HouserevealedthatQueen Margretherecently privately awarded her grandson Denmark’s highest honor of chivalry. Meanwhile, Ingrid Alexandra, Catharina-Amalia and Elisabeth sparkled in tiaras and their own honors, while Estelle — still too young for a tiara — sported a sweet bow in her hair.
The guest list for the birthday gala also included Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s parents. Princess Estelle of Sweden similarly attended alongside her parents, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel.
The Scandinavian royal families are extremely close in both their royal duties and their personal connections. It’s not rare to see the Swedish, Norwegian and Danish royal familiesvacationing togetheror attending significant events like weddings, funerals and christenings. They also often act as godparents to each other’s children — in fact, Princess Victoria, Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit are all godparents to Prince Christian!
Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s 18th birthday gala in June 2022.LISE ASERUD/NTB/AFP via Getty
The picturewas reminiscentof a similar shot taken at Princess Ingrid Alexandra’sbirthday galain June 2022. Princess Ingrid Alexandra sat in the middle of Princess Estelle, Princess Catharina-Amalia and Princess Elisabeth, with 3-year-old Prince Charles of Luxembourg adorably perched in a chair beside her. Even at his young age, Prince Charles is second in the line of succession to the Luxembourgish throne behind his father, Prince Guillaume, making all five royals destined to rule one day.
Another royal gathering earlier this year also called for a group photo. WhenCrown Prince Husseinof Jordan married Rajwa Alseif in June, the Royal Hashemite Court released aninstantly iconic shotfrom theevening banquet, whereKate MiddletonandPrince Williamposed with the newlyweds and other royalty from around the world, including the Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Dutch and Belgian royals.
Prince Christian of Denmark’s 18th birthday gala.MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty
MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty
“The dance floor was set in motion when Benjamin Hav & Familien gave a concert after the gala event 🎶🎸,” courtiers captioned a clip, where Christian danced and clapped beside his family next to the stage. The prince’s 18th birthday was also a major night for his parents Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary, plus younger siblingsPrincess Isabella, 16, and 12-year-old twinsPrince VincentandPrincess Josephine.
“The concert was Her Majesty the Queen’s surprise for all the guests,” the caption continued.
The court recapped the magic onInstagramMonday, sharing shots from the dance floor and Prince Christian’s words of thanks for his guests from the stage at the end of the evening.
“It has been an absolutely unforgettable evening, and I really appreciate that you all came from far and wide to celebrate me!” the Danish Royal Court quoted him as saying.
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Crown Prince Frederik, Prince Christian and Crown Princess Mary at Christian’s 18th birthday gala.Shutterstock
Shutterstock
Prince Christian gave his first official speech earlier that evening, where he shouted out his peers in the crowd and touched on the challenges of starting a new school last year
Prince Christian’s birthday gala also welcomed representatives from some of Denmark’s youth organizations plus young people “who have distinguished themselves in the world of sport, art and culture.” Extending the guest list, the palace invited around 200 young people from the Danish Commonwealth, allowing each of Denmark’s municipalities, Greenland and the Faroe Islands to invite two 18-year-old guests to the party.
“I would like to thank everyone who helped celebrate me. Both you who are here and all of you who have sent greetings and gifts. I will never forget today. But maybe I will remember it as less challenging already tomorrow,” he said in hisaddress, per a translation.
“I have to find my way, even if it leads to a familiar place. I have roots in many places in the world and I enjoy traveling. But home will always be here. Because I love my country,” the future king concluded.
Queen Margrethe, Prince Christian and Prince Frederik from the balcony of Frederik VIII at Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen.MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty
In an interesting twist, Christian’s birthday festivitiescontinue next month. On Nov. 14, the royal will attend a meeting of the Council of State (which is comprised of government ministers) and declare that he wishes to comply with the Danish constitution.
“Prince Christian will then be able to be appointed as head of state. Prince Christian will not get a seat in the Council of State until a change of throne has taken place,” the Danish Royal House said of the important step.
“His Royal Highness Prince Christian turns 18 on 15 October 2023,” courtiers said in a statement onInstagram, posting the prince’s cypher. “Prince Christian’s main priority in the coming year will be the completion of the Prince’s upper secondary education. In continuation of this, the Royal Palace will provide information on Prince Christian’s further youth and education courses when the time is right.”
source: people.com
