All hail the Danish King and Queen!
Why the British Royal Family could learn a few things from the Danes
There’s a new King and Queen in Denmark, as King Frederik and Queen Mary are crowned today. And we think King Charles could take a few tips from them on how to modernise the monarchy.
The Danish Royals have been streamlining their monarchy for some time and Queen Margrethe II continued the innovation, when she announced on New Year’s Eve that she was abdicating and handing the throne on to her son, Frederik.
But not for them a lengthy process of planning a huge Coronation – just two weeks later, the new monarch is being crowned and even the ceremony is super-speedy. Instead of a long, formal service, the new King and Queen will be sworn in during the Council of State meeting, when Queen Margrethe signs a declaration of her abdication. The Danish Prime Minister then makes proclamation on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace, with Frederik and Mary.
They will ride in a carriage and wave at well-wishers (phew) and there will be a grand fireworks display in The Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. And to mark the event, new portraits have been released, showing Australian-born Mary and Frederik. Mary looks wonderful in her Lasse Spangenberg gown and the Ruby Wreath Tiara.
Kerry wrote an opinion piece for The Sunday Telegraph, suggesting Charles could take a few tips from the Danes. For, despite trimming his Coronation down, last May, to one hour and inviting 6000 less guests than his mother did in 1953, he could probably get on with some of his long-awaited modernising of the monarchy.
After 16 months on the throne, it’s time for the newish monarch to show his hand and implement many of his promised changes, from updating the residences to redistributing the royal warrants. And while we would never want to see our traditions dismantled completely – after all, British monarchs have been crowned following much the same service since the 14th century – we do think it’s time for Charles to look to the future.
There’s no law that says there has to be an actual Coronation – only the Coronation Oath Act which expects there is one. The last King William (IV), had to be forced to have one at all, in 1831 and cut it down so much it was dubbed, ‘the penny Coronation’.
By the time it’s Prince William’s turn, whenever that is, we are certain he’ll view the lengthy, lavish proceedings a little anachronistic. They need to start making future-proof plans and when they do, we know just who to ask for advice.
Our favourite birthday girls
Celebrating her 42nd last Tuesday The Princess of Wales kicked off the January birthdays, while this week two other fabulous royal females, Mia Tindall and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, have their big days.
Mia reaches double figures on Wednesday, and we’re 100% certain this newly minted ten year old knows how to have a fun time. Zara and Mike’s eldest child was last seen on Christmas Day walking to church at Sandringham, entertaining her royal cousins, George, Charlotte and Louis, in signature Tindall style.
Come Saturday the bunting will be up at Bagshot Park, with Sophie celebrating her 59th. We hope the Duchess has an indulgent day planned as she definitely deserves several. From highlighting the devastating effects of sexual violence in far-flung conflict zones to championing women in the workplace living through the menopause, plus so many more causes, this is why we can’t get enough of this compassionate and clever royal.
William gives ‘brothers in arms’ Rob and Kevin their CBEs
The Prince of Wales took a surprise trip to Headingley Stadium on Thursday to give former Leeds Rhino rugby league teammates, Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield their CBEs and congratulate them on their amazing efforts in raising awareness and funds to fight Motor Neurone Disease.
The best friends were awarded CBEs in the New Year’s Honours list after raising more than £15 million. Rob was diagnosed with MND in December 2019, and ever since the two friends have been dedicated to their cause. In May 2023, Kevin carried Rob over the finish line at the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon at Headingley Stadium.
Touchingly, as William presented Rob with his CBE, he said: “The most amount of thank yous and congratulations for all the inspirational work you have done Rob, you’ve been amazing… everyone’s been following your case and all the money you’ve been raising.”
Action Anne visits Sri Lanka
In typical style, the Princess Royal kicked off the year with the first overseas tour from the Royal Family. And she did it in her usual no-nonsense style, photographed carrying her own luggage off the commercial plane as she arrived in Sri Lanka with Sir Tim Laurence. Oh, how we love Princess Anne.
In Colombo, she toured a tech factory, visited Save The Children’s Sri Lanka head office – she’s patron of the charity – and Lady Ridgeway Hospital. She also met with the President and First Lady of Sri Lanka and enjoyed a varied programme of events, including visiting The Halo Trust, Mines Advisory Group and touring the historic Buddhist Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.
Our verdict on The Crown Auction exhibition
We told you about Bonhams bumper Netflix exhibition last week and, after a Saturday afternoon spent ogling the lot (or should that be lots), Maria reckons it’s a must-see if you’re visiting London from now until 5 Feb.
Curated over four floors of the auction house, some of the displays, especially the lavish gowns and outfits are reminiscent of a V&A fashion exhibition. The room sets and standout pieces, such as the Gold State Coach, are jaw dropping, as is the Coronation Chair and robes which open the tour.
You can spend hours examining in forensic detail the thousands of props on show, from monogrammed luggage sets, Philip’s Balmoral BBQ, Churchill’s pipe to the two small Beswick Porcelain corgis on the Queen’s desk (Maria’s tempted to bid for those). The Netflix videos, workshop masterplans and moodboards are an added bonus. Book your free tickets here.