Frederik & Farr 40 World Championship update

On Monday evening Crown Prince Frederik sailed from Amalienborg across to the Copenhagen Opera House for the opening ceremony of the Farr 40 World Championships. The Commodore of the Royal Danish Yacht Club David Holm welcomed competitors from thirteen countries: Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, UK, Ukraine and U.S.A. The opening was suitably informal for sailors, even though it was in grand surroundings. Afterwards the guests sailed back across the harbour.

The opening ceremony at the Opera House (photos Rolex/Daniel Forster):



And racing, 1) and 2) the start of the 2007 Farr 40 World Championship, 3) "Nanoq", Crown Prince Frederik, 4th in Race 5 (photos ©Photo:ROLEX/Carlo Borlenghi):



Tough day at the office Regatta News.com's latest report on the 2007 Farr 40 World Championship
Rolex Farr 40 Fleet Takes it light and shifty

Søren Steffen's gallery (from 29 August)

From Yachting World 'Rolex Farr 40 World Championship'

After day two of racing in the Rolex Farr 40 World Championship, Copenhagen, Denmark, the top four boats overall are all familiar names - Mascalzone Latino, Alinghi, Nerone and Barking Mad - all are previous Rolex Farr 40 World Champions. Yet several other boats picked the shifts well enough on a difficult day to move up in the standings. Struntje Light (GER), Siragusawa (FIN), Nanoq (DEN), and Norwegian Steam (NOR) all had a top five race finish, which is no mean feat in this 36 boat fleet. The day began overcast with scattered rain and a WSW breeze at 12-14 knots, dropping to 8 knots for the start of the second race. A third race was postponed as the wind was forecast to drop even further.

After winning the first race, Barking Mad's tactician Terry Hutchinson went on to describe the uncertainty of the second race. "We got an awesome start in the middle of the line just to leeward of Alinghi and to weather of Nerone. [We] got our bow out - just trucking along - sailing a left shift, tack, cross everybody to the right of us. [We] go for about 2-3 minutes, sail back into a right shift and tack…looking just sweet. Cross two lengths ahead of Nerone. Nerone goes about four lengths beyond our line and tacks and just sheer off of us. We went from easily launched to being engulfed by the pack. Basically the light spot was on us, it was on no other boat. It was a little random." Racing concludes 1 September.

Results after five races:

(Position - Country - Helm - Tactician - Points)
1. Mascalzone Latino - ITA - Vincenzo Onorato - Adrian Stead, 24
2. Alinghi - SUI - Ernesto Bertarelli - Brad Butterworth, 34
3. Nerone - ITA - Antonio Sodo Migliori - Vasco Vascotto, 39
4. Barking Mad - USA - Jim Richardson - Terry Hutchinson, 39
5. Infinity - USA - John B. Thomson Jr, - Jens Christensen, 48
6. Sputnik - AUS - Ivan Wheen - Tom King, 48
7. Opus One - GER - Wolfgang Stolz - Kelvin Harrap, 57
8. Calvi - ITA - Carlo Alberini - D Pietro, 68
9. Ichi Ban - AUS - Matt Allen - Michael Coxon - 68
10. Enfant Terrible - ITA - Serena Gianluigi - Paolo Cian, 68

Press Report/Yachting World, 31 August 2007

TV2 flash clip (0:26)
DR.dk news clip (1:20)
DR.dk news clip (1:06)

Margrethe has the family under control

Niels Ole Qvist of B.T. (29 August 2007) has written a thought provoking story on the state of the Danish royal family in 'Margrethe har styr på familien' (Margrethe has the family under control):

If the DRF was a firm listed on the stock exchange then the shares would be at their highest ever. And the chairman of the board, Queen Margrethe, would be in for a golden bonus.
The manager of the royal firm is currently completely in control of her “vice managers” and enjoy almost blind trust from the share holders, i.e. the Danish taxpayers who invest a little less than 88 million DKK in the enterprise annually.
“Yes, it goes fantastically well. The DRF has probably never signalled more harmony than now,” says anthropologist and royal expert Anne Skelborg Jensen.
Other royal watchers who are used to interpret the slightest movement in the royal chambers use sentences such as "Happier than seen for a long time!" and "In total harmony!"
It was the British Queen Elizabeth who used the vivid description annus horribilis about the terrible year in the BRF after a string of juicy scandals.
If you stay in that terminology then the royal experts agree that 2007 is well on the way to becomming annus jubilus for the DRF.
“What shines through it all is that Margrethe has 35 years of experience in running her house. She has the experience, she has the overview and she understands how to navigate in the modern media reality,” says historian and museum manager Steffen Heiberg.
Queen Margrethe and the court have learned one thing: that even small things can grow big with a lightning speed.
“The court has been good at crisis management. They are attentive to all stories in the media, big as well as small, and they react quickly. That can be to move the focus of the media from something negative to something positive,” explains Steffen Heiberg.
Queen Margrethe has two perfect “fire extinguishers” on her 'staff', Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary. They can at any time be sent out in the field when things are hot.
“They are young, they are beautiful, well educated, dynamic and they seem incredibly happy together. And then they have delivered the goods: a prince and a princess. That fairy tale couldn’t have been written any better,” says anthropologist Anne Skelborg Jensen.
There have been several issues in the past few years that could have given Queen Margrethe some sleepless nights. First and foremost there was the divorce between Alexandra and Joachim in 2004, but also there was Prince Henrik’s highly dramatic exit to France in March 2002, where he went into a short lived exile in anger over the lack of respect about his person.
It was then he said the famous words to Bodil Cath from B.T.:
“I feel discarded, put aside and humiliated.”
Queen Margrethe had to muster all her crisis management expertise and went to France, where the eager amateur archaeologist put the pieces back together and induced her husband to come back home.
Since then the happiness of the Crown Prince Couple's wedding and christenings have outshone all crises in the DRF.
Even in Møgeltønder [Prince Joachim's residence Schackenborg] there is apparent harmony. Prince Joachim who in the chaotic time after the divorce changed epithets from the Corn Prince [alluding to his agriculture business] to the Party Prince, is no longer staggering around on the dance floor of provincial discotheques [alluding to a bit of tabloid exaggeration here!].
The question now is just when he intends to announce the upcoming engagement with his girlfriend Marie Cavallier.
“Joachim’s sweetheart also seems to have things under control. She has obviously been to “princess school” and now knows a little bit more about what it takes,” remarks Anne Skelborg Jensen.
While the DRF at the moment is thriving big time, their Norwegian counterparts are struggling with bad press. The case of Princess Märtha’s “angel school” is a textbook example of how fast things can explode, according to historian Steffen Heiberg.
“Margrethe would be forced to step in if that sort of thing happened in the DRF. If Mary suddenly started to talk to angels, well, then everything could quickly start sliding. The royals live from their prestige and reputation and the public in Denmark would not allow that sort of foolishness."
Steffen Heiberg assesses that the DRF – and Queen Margrethe – enjoy something close to a historically high reputation among the Danish population.
And apart from the current family bliss, that is probably the deeper reason for Queen Margrethe smiling so broadly these days. As King Frederik VII said:
“The love of the people, my strength.”
The article mentions four examples of well-managed crisis:
1) Frederik’s many girl friends, a number of whom were hardly princess material! Margrethe dealt with that by simply not acknowledging them until the right one, Mary, came along.
2) Henrik sulking in France. In three days the family was gathered around him and the crisis contained [Margrethe called Frederik and Joachim to France].
3) Joachim and Alexandra’s divorce, which was handled admirably, without any dirt being thrown around.
4) The various illnesses suffered in recent years by Queen Margrethe. She is now on top again and Steffen Heiberg believes that there is no way Margrethe would ever abdicate. Frederik will become king to the words of “The Queen is dead. Long live the King”. (Written by Niels Ole Qvist and kindly translated by Muhler)

Frederik, Mary & Christian @ Gad-Foss christening

SE og HØR and photos by Hans Bølcho

The weekend before last, on August 18, SE og HØR (no. 34/2007) reported on the christening of the third baby of the Crown Prince Couple's friends, ballerina Rose Gad and Holger Foss. The couple already have two boys and around the time of the birth of Princess Isabella they welcomed Dagmar Louise into their family. SE og HØR rather bizarrely took the angle that little Christian, who is not yet two, had his first experience of flirting with little Clara (not yet three!), who is the daughter of Mette Boetcher and Henning Jensen. It is a pity that SE og HØR should make children the objects of such ridiculous sexualisation. The christening was at Sankt Soerens Church in Gammel Rye, Silkeborg. Little Princess Isabella was there but didn't attend the church service.



SE og HØR and photos by Hans Bølcho

It appears Mary is wearing this ring from Georg Jensen as well as this bracelet. (thanks cph!)

For those who follow Mary's recycling, you will observe that this dress is recycled from an August 2004 visit to the ballet three years ago, and the shoes and bag are also recycled. A kind blog reader has sent us some scans and pics of others wearing this obviously popular dress by Prada, worn by Ellen Pompeo, Kylie Minogue, Gwyneth Paltrow and also by Queen Rania (unpictured):


(thanks Caroline!)

Happy birthday to Prince Nikolai!

A happy birthday for Prince Nikolai today who turns eight years old. Nikolai was born at Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen University Hospital) on August 28,1999 and was the first grandchild for Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik. It is not an official flag flying day in Denmark, but we will fly the flag here at the blog. We are sure the Dannebrog will appear at his birthday celebrations with his family. Nikolai has returned to school for the new school year at Krebs School in Copenhagen and is looking quite a big boy these days.

New book by PET bodyguard to be reviewed

Denmark's Danish Security Intelligence Service (PET) is set to review a new book written by a former PET officer who was a former bodyguard of Crown Prince Frederik.
From TV2 PET-kritik af Frederiks ekslivvagt - PET criticism of Frederik's ex-bodyguard:

The Police Intelligence Service (PET) is now criticising one of Crown Prince Frederik's former bodyguards, who is publishing a book about his work at the court, writes B.T.
The head of PET, chief constable/commissioner Jakob Scharf is not thrilled about the publication of I Majestætens tjeneste - In the service of Her Majesty.
"One must sometimes wonder what people will do for money, but I can note that a former employee in PET, who was last (before leaving the service) attached to our IT service apparently intends to publish a book about PET's protection of the DRF".
According to the publishing firm Aschehoug the former "shadow" of the Crown Prince, Jesper Lundorf, will give an "insider story about work as bodyguard for Crown Prince Frederik".
According to the plan Jesper Lundorf's book, which he has written in co-operation with Ivan Rod, will be published on October 22. But the publication can harm PET's work, believes Jakob Scharf.
"In order for PET to protect the people who need protection, it is absolutely crucial that the PET bodyguards do not publish information that is part of their private life [a criminal offence]. This applies during and after employment in PET. When a former employee breaks these guidelines, it harms PET's possibilities for providing effective protection. And it does also say quite a lot about the qualities of that person as a bodyguard," said Jakob Scharf to B.T.
The top management in PET will carefully study the book when it is published.
"If the book is published we from PET will go through it very carefully and if it contains information which the author is not allowed to disclose, we will take the necessary steps," says Jakob Scharf.
Jesper Lundorf, who was bodyguard for the Crown Prince for seven years declines to comment on the stance of Jakob Scharf and PET in regard to the book.
At the publishing firm Aschehough the manager received the reaction from PET with calm.
“I cannot imagine that there will be anything in that book that will give reason for PET to worry. There is a dialogue with PET going on, which we expect will continue. Everyone talks about a book which no one has seen before it is published. We don’t mind talking to PET about the book before it is published,, says Erik Barfoed to B.T. (with thanks to Muhler!)

From Jyllands Posten Frederik’s bodyguard causes consternation by Anne Funch, 24 August 2007:

A book about former bodyguard Jesper Lundorf’s work as bodyguard for Crown Prince Frederik is causing great consternation even before it has been published.
One of Crown Prince Frederik’s most entrusted associates will publish a book about the work inside the royal walls at the end of October. Jesper Lundorf was a royal bodyguard to the Crown Prince for ten years and the book is causing concern even before it has been published.
Danish users of internet chat and blog sites are afraid that the book will reveal work methods and gossip which can harm the royals.
Jeppe Marker, who is editorial chief at publisher Aschehoug do not believe Danes have reason for concern.
He told Ekstra Bladet that Aschehough as a publisher does not have any interest in ruining the security around the DRF or the security of the realm in general.
Neither is it a wish of the former bodyguard nor the publisher to gossip about what goes on privately in the DRF.
The book is about Jesper Lundorf’s training at the police and training to be a bodyguard at PET, the time with the DRF and the challenges of being so close to a royal person, whom you must protect with your own life.
The author has been a martial arts instructor for many years specialising in training bodyguards. He is today working as a highly paid security advisor for and in the private sector. Apart from that he is also a sought after lecturer. (thanks Muhler!)

Update: From B.T. 27 August 2007 PET skal ind over bog om Frederik (PET will be consulted on book about Frederik).

After the chief of PET publicly vented his displeasure about the book I Majestætens hemmelige tjeneste (In the secret service of Her Majesty), written by a long time former member of the security detail protecting the Crown Prince, Jesper Lundorf, the publisher, Aschehough, now seems to have cold feet.

The manager of the publishing firm, Erik Barfoed, has now invited PET to have a "dialogue". PET can have a look at the book. No problem. After all the book hasn't even "gone to press yet". It has not been edited for the last time and we are really talking about something that doesn't even exist, says Erik Barfoed. (thanks Muhler!)

Frederik in Farr 40 pre-worlds

©Photo:ROLEX/Carlo Borlenghi

The Rolex Farr 40 pre-World Championship has ended after 2 days of sailing in Øresund out off Copenhagen since Friday. The Royal Danish Yacht Club (RDYC), host of Worlds, welcomed thirty-five boats from twelve countries to their new yacht club headquarters on Tuborg Harbour, in Copenhagen (recently opened by the Queen).

"Barking Mad" skippered by Jim Richardson (USA) again took first place in the pre-worlds as he did in Newport RI last year. Richardson ended up 4th in the Worlds last year.

A number of boats had to retire from racing on the last day because of collisions.

Friday was the first day of racing in the Rolex Pre-Worlds, a tune-up for the Rolex Farr 40 World Championships, beginning next Wednesday on 29 August through to 1 September. Teams from USA (7), Denmark (6), Italy (6), Australia (4), Norway (3), France (2), Germany (2), Switzerland (1), Ukraine (1), Finland (1), Brazil (1), and Sweden (1) will compete.

The race course is situated just north of the yacht club in the waters of Øresund - the strait between Denmark and Sweden.

The Royal Danish Yacht Club's commodore David Holm and his Team Monick/Tuborg had a successful pre Worlds finishing 4th, which is very promising for the World Championship. David Holm said “We're not first runners in this race, we're not the most experienced ones, but we're moving up in the fleet and we're very happy with that." He said with a laugh, “Well I believe we are all stars! But I definitely know that some of these guys on board are the real stars. It's fun and it's fantastic to attract such an incredible bunch of world class sailors to this wonderful spot in Denmark.”

"Nanoq" was 19th overall out of 36 entrants. The final result for "Nanoq" was on course side (OCS, which broke rule 30.1) in race 1, 9th in race 2, 9th in race 3, 32nd in race 4 and 5th ins race 5.

The Farr 40 season has a busy one. The owners have had a meeting in Copenhagen in which the mood of the class and owners was described as buoyant and positive about having had ten years of successful racing for a class to which everyone is committed.

“Blu Moon” follows “Barking Mad” to overall win from Regatta News on the Rolex Baltic Week in Neustadt, Germany, which was from 17 to 23 August 2007. Frederik and "Nanoq" didn't participate.

1) The start of the first race on Friday, 2) "Nanoq" tactician Bouwe Bekking and Frederik, 3) and 4) sailing, 5) the "Nanoq" bowman catches the spinnaker drop:



B.T. ('Sejlerprinsen prioriterer familien højest - Sailor prince's family is top priority) B.T. reports on an interview Frederik gave in Børsen about his involvement with sailing and attempts to increase the profile of sailing as a sport in Denmark. He was invited to sail in the America's Cup just finished in Valencia in Spain by the Alinghi team (also Farr 40 competitors from Italy), but declined and has not pursued it because his family is his first priority and also has Farr 40 sailing commitments. Frederik has been regent for most of Ausgust while his mother the Queen has been holidaying in France.

More photos from Regatta News

Added: Rolex Farr 40 Pre-Worlds sets the tone from Regatta News

All photos © Rolex, Carlo Borlenghi and Daniel Forster

To keep track of Frederik's boat, the sail is marked DEN 7, it has a dove grey hull and bow number 24.

Large fire at Fredensborg Palace averted by tourist

A fire in a large garage behind the Chancellery House at Fredensborg Palace where the Crown Prince and his family live was stopped after a Swedish tourist raised the alarm on Friday afternoon around 4pm. The fire was caused by a short circuit in an electric golf cart which was charging in the garage at the time.

Thanks to the alert Swedish tourist the fire didn't develop into a large fire at Fredensborg Palace. The golf cart was being charged in a large garage, which is situated behind the Chancellery House in the palace estate. This is the home of Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik. The Crown Prince is currently regent for his mother, who is on holidays.

According to the local police in Helsingør, a spark probably occurred in the afternoon causing a short circuit which ignited the car. The smoke was seen by a Swedish tourist who happened to be going past at the time. He raised the alarm on his mobile phone and informed the palace staff. A palace police officer got a dry-powder extinguisher which contained the fire sufficiently that he could push the cart out of the garage. In the meantime the fire service came with the sirens sounding and extinguished the last sparks.

The garage has space for 14 cars, but is used as a workshop and also contains fuel and wood which is used in the palace. The fire might have erupted violently if it wasn't for the quick action.
B.T.
Jyllands Posten
Berlingske Tidende
Politiken
TV2

From the local radio website Humbleborg.dk, the fire occured on Friday afternoon a little after 4:00pm in 'the wood shed' at Fredensborg Palace.

Some alert tourists prevented a big fire at Fredensborg Slot on Friday afternoon. It was the old wood barn which is just beside the Crown Prince and Crown Princess's home that was close to going up in flames.

An electric car which stood in the shed was probably the cause of the fire, in the same area as a fair amount of oil and petrol were stored.

Some Swedish tourists saw smoke and could smell that there something was amiss. They contacted the staff at the palace, who immediately attended to fighting the fire, and North Zealand's fire fighting service attended to help immediately afterwards.

If the fire had started during the night, stored petrol and oil would very quickly have contributed to a bigger explosion, with a catastrophic effect on the neighbouring buildings. The closest buildings are garages for the royal house's car fleet.

That did not happen, and nothing is interrupted for the many tourists who visit Fredensborg.

Mary, Marie & Alexandra: at home, at play, at work

Turns out being a princess is not all fashion shows and champagne it would seem. Hello magazine ('Princess Mary of Denmark not too grand to empty the bins') has Mary in domestic mode with Ziggy at Chancellery House at Fredensborg.


On the Marie front, SE og HØR ('Weekend-kærester' - weekend sweetheart) reports Marie Cavallier visited Copenhagen last weekend (arrived Friday from Geneva and left Monday). Joachim, Marie and Apple (the doggy in the bag) went to Copenhagen's harbour area at Langelinie with their friends Oscar and Britt Siesbye on Sunday. Billed Bladet ('Marie i prinsesselære' - Marie to princess apprenticeship) notes the pattern of weekend visits, meeting the family, a public kiss, fashion shows and attending a friend's christening as very similar to that of the public courtship of Mary and Frederik.

Arriving and with Prince Joachim:



With Britt Siesbye and at the Malene Birger show and then at the Jens Laugesen show:



Clips:
See Marie Cavallier at the By Malene Birger show here at Her&Nu (as usual, this can take a while to load depending on connection speed, if yours is slow leave it to load with sound down and then it will play over and over in a cycle...)
Compare Mary's first (known) fashion show appearance in 2003: Berlingske Tidende link page scroll half way down page to 'Mary til modeopvisning sammen med veninderne' and 'Mary til modeopvisning'
So much in common! it was hot at both shows and much fanning was required. Marie's companion is Britt Siesbye, wife of Joachim's friend and racing partner Oscar.
Mary's companions are good friends Julie Mølsgaard and Ellen Hillingsø, both of whom we often see at official and informal occasions among the Crown Prince Couple's circle.


And SE og HØR, B.T. and TV2 report Countess Alexandra may have a job in her future. At a Danish Radio Girls' Choir training day recently (she is the patron), Alexandra was asked about a possible job by a reporter and said an announcement will be made soon. The implication is something is definitely in the works and it will no doubt be seen as a 'coup' for the employer who has enticed her to work for them. Alexandra herself was non-committal saying she hadn't said yes to anything defininte yet, according to B.T.

And, from Times Online 'Great Dane: the rise of Copenhagen Fashion Week - Yes they're stylishly idiosyncratic, but the Danes are aiming to be important on the international stage, led by the label Noir...'

German program on Mary & Frederik

The German channel ZDF.de has been broadcasting a six week series of programs Die Königskinder which focus on each of the European heirs. The last broadcast featured Mary and Frederik which some may like to have a look at. It is 43 minutes long and in German, but features interviews with Danish commentators and a family friend of the Donaldson's and John Bertrand. The programs which have been shown featured Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria ("Mid-Summer Night's Dream"), Netherland's Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima ("Tulips and Tango"), Norway's Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit ("Cinderella and the Prince") and Spain's Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia ("The Crown Prince and the Journalist"). The links to these earlier programs and the future one on Prince William (next week's "Prince and rebel") are on this page.

To see the program on Mary and Frederik ("Schatz des Wikingers" - "The treasure of the Viking - Mary and Frederik of Denmark") click on the following:
ZDF start page
ZDF direct webcast
Windows Media Player

If you have trouble with ZDF, you might try downloading the VLC media player for Windows (VideoLAN is a free community software project begun by French students as a cross-platform player which overcomes a lot of online video access problems).

ZDF.de is a public service German television channel based in Mainz and is an independent non-profit broadcaster run by the German federal states (Bundesländer). ZDF is funded through a television licence and advertising and is broadcast throughout Germany and over the web.

Mary, Alexandra & Marie @ fashion week

Copenhagen Fashion Week (CFW) was last week (from last Wednesday to Sunday) where Danish and Scandinavian designers presented their Spring/Summer 2008 collections for more than 50,000 fashion professionals and Danish and international media.

This season CFW presented three large fashion fairs, CIFF (Copenhagen International Fashion Fair), CPH Vision and the newly established fair, Gallery, for fashion professionals, all promoting an industry which is one of the top three earners in the Danish economy.

The week was launched at the CIFF Trend show 2008 on Wednesday. The same day IN magazine announced the winner of the Nordic design award which went to the Icelandic designer STEiNUNN Sigurdardottir.

There was also the ready-to-wear collection of Elise Gug and the Whiite show which were attended by Countess Alexandra (see Countess Alexandra checks out designs for Spring 2008 in Hello).

Susanne Rützou presented her 15th CIFF show where many design colleagues and competitors were spotted among the guests including Peter Ingwersen (Noir), Michael Kristensen (COS), Malene Birger (By Malene Birger) and Henriette Zobel (Pureheart). Then there was the show attended by Crown Princess Mary, the Baum und Pferdgarten presentation of ’Poetic Globetrotters at high speed’, by the two designers of the label Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave. Mary was wearing a dress from their collection. (See Berlingske Tidende 'Baum und Pferdgarten: Sofistikeret succes' B&P: sophisticated success)

Marie Cavallier attended the Malene Birger show. (See SE og HØR, Marie was at the By Malene Birger show in Hellerup)



CPH VISION
Designers' Nest (Mary is the patron)
denmarkfashion.com
See Danish designers & brands here
Links to Danish fashion magazines here (six in Danish, two are in English)
CIFF website in English
CIFFKIDS in English with a Pippi Longstocking theme "When you are strong you should be nice"
Gallery lots of links
Copenhagen Fashion Week SS08
Danish Fashion Institute
David Report blog
Face Hunter blog

See Fashion finds its stride in The Copenhagen Post

Also, as a point of interest about Denmark as a whole see There is nothing like a Dane for an economy-savvy lead by Adele Horin in The Sydney Morning Herald

Berlingske Tidende photo gallery various
Berlingske Tidende photo gallery the Day Birger et Mikkelsen show (extra click through the 3 or 4 ads)
Politiken slideshow gallery (1:34) Anne-Sophie Back
Politiken slideshow gallery (1:52) Designer's remix
Politiken slideshow gallery (1:20) Annehagen
Politiken slideshow gallery (1:15) Bruun Bazaar

Added: See Marie Cavallier at the By Malene Birger show here at Her&Nu (as usual, this can take a while to load depending on connection speed, if yours is slow leave it to load with sound down and then once loaded it will play over and over in a cycle...)
Compare Mary's first (known) fashion show appearance in 2003: Berlingske Tidende link page scroll half way down page to 'Mary til modeopvisning sammen med veninderne' and 'Mary til modeopvisning'
So much in common! lol! it was hot at both shows and much fanning was required. Marie's companion is Britt Siesbye, wife of Joachim's friend and racing partner Oscar.
Mary's companions are good friends Julie Mølsgaard and Ellen Hillingsø, both of whom we often see at official and informal occasions among the Crown Prince Couple's circle.

Frederik visits Save the Children Denmark

On Wednesday (August 6) Crown Prince Frederik visited the Danish Save the Children headquarters as its patron. During the working visit Crown Prince Frederik was briefed on the Save the Children Fund's projects to help children at risk both nationally and internationally.

In particular Frederik was given an update on the progress of the upcoming national collection campaign on September 9 which will focus on the Fund's work in Angola. The Fund's secretary general, Mimi Jacobsen, reported on her visit to Angola, where 1.5 million children do not attend school and where children still suffer the consequences of the now ended civil war, where Save the Children works to get children into schools and organises the education of teachers. (In the northern province of Uige, Save the Children Denmark is working towards rehabilitation of the war afflicted school system. The objective is to increase the number of children going to school and also to improve the quality of early and primary school education.)

Frederik was also very happy to receive greetings from old acquaintances in Greenland and saw a display of photos from Qaanaaq in northern Greenland. The day care centre which he personally initiated and has given money to, is working just as Frederik hoped it would, as a haven for children and youth.

Frederik spent plenty of time finding out about all the project areas, from children in war zones, child protection, foster families, to the anti-bullying project 'Fri for Mobberi' which Crown Princess Mary heads with the Save the Children Fund.

"It's a great pleasure for the Save the Children Fund to have a such an active patron as the Crown Prince, who shows such interest to the degree that he goes deeply into our work, and who is already very aware of conditions around the world. This allows for stimulating and constructive conversations," says Mimi Jakobsen, secretary general for the Save the Children Fund.




Red Barnet photo gallery (11 photos)

Kronprinsen besøger Red Barnet

Margrethe & Henrik's annual press conference: snails!

Photo Scanpix/TV2

At the annual press conference of the Regent Couple yesterday, Marie Cavallier was a topic as expected. As we have already posted, Queen Margrethe declined to comment on an upcomming engagement but said she had met Marie and that she was very happy for Prince Joachim. Prince Henrik added that they had both met Marie and that they think very well of her. (Muhler's note here: the wording here is very positive but can also interpreted as non-committal or fairly neutral.)

Then the Queen ended the topic in style. She smiled "I find it inappropriate to talk about when my son himself is not present."

Prince Henrik also said that there is not much new news under the sun and that no one would be hurt if another year passes, as Joachim and Marie have known each other for several years.

B.T.'s top story from the press conference is about snails. More accurately, Iberian Snails, which in Denmark are a menace and known as 'killer sails'. Apparantly B.T.'s royal reporter Bodil Cath asked the Regent Couple whether they had been plagued by snails at Cayx. Prince Henrik could fortunately assure everyone that they had not. The snails were perhaps not that fond of grapes.
(Note from Muhler: I believe it was Bodil Cath who quite a few years ago asked Queen Margrethe whether a future wife of Crown Prince Frederik should be blue-blooded, at which the Queen laughed: "We certainly don't intend to ask for a blood-sample. What a funny question.") Indeed, there are stories about the snails in the Danish media today!

Even the enfant terrible of the Danish press, Ekstra Bladet, can't add more as to any engagement. It only adds that the question was forwarded numerous times in various forms. Until the Queen, in her usual style, ended the topic. (Muhler: you have to get up early to outwit Margrethe and no journalist has been able to do that yet.)



From Jyllands Posten (7 August 2007) 'Marie har sans for pligt' (Marie has a sense of duty):

French Marie Cavallier has princess potential according to the assessment of Prince Henrik, but he and the Queen will leave it to Prince Joachim and the young French woman to make the relationship official.
The setting [in southern France] is French, as is the candidate for the office as a new daughter-in-law in the Danish royal family, but it wasn’t at the yearly press conference at Caix that the parents of Prince Joachim announced an upcoming engagement between the prince and his French sweetheart Marie Cavallier.
“We’ve met her and she is sweet and has a sense of duty,” said Prince Henrik, presumably to be understood that she has an understanding of her place in a royal sense.
The Queen also declared her sympathy for the pretty French brunette, but in the end swept the many questions about the relationship off the table. That is the business of the son.
“It’s nothing new. They have known each other for two years. Let him do it himself, when he is ready to say anything about it,” remarked Prince Henrik in a part of the chateau’s private wine cellar, where the press conference was held due to a downpour of rain.
The Prince Consort revealed a past as graffiti 'artist' when he was asked about how he felt about his sculpture outside Strib which had been been graffiteed. “Oh, you have probably read in a book how I did it myself on a statue here in Luzech when I was seventeen,” said the Prince with a grin.
It rained in the Cahors area on Tuesday morning but the Prince is not worried about his 44 hectares of vinyards. In Caix you normally harvest in the end of September or beginning of October. “The grapes are still green, so it doesn’t matter that it rains, but we would like some sun later on,” he said.
“Killer snails are not among the plagues in southern France,” answered Prince Henrik to a question about the cursed menace. “The grapes are too strong for them,” answered Prince Henrik, visibly pleased about being on his home turf. His parents lived in Cayrou, fifteen kilometres from Caix.
The soil of the vinyard fields is too dry too, supplemented the Queen.
She declared herself pleased with state of her family and herself since the last French press conference last year. She has one grandchild more and she is no longer plagued by pain in the back and in her replaced knees. “I’m looking forward to get around, healthy in body and happy in mind,” she says.
Se & Hør [their 'story'] wanted to know what the Queen thought about the photos of a naked women in the royal representions chambers at Christiansborg [home of the Danish parliament], which were recently published by the magazine.
“That is pretty vulgar,” was the short comment by the Queen. She remarked that the case is being investigated and that she is being informed about the investigation. (written by Else Boelskifte and translated by Muhler)

On TV2's 7pm news (link immediately below) they also talked about snails! Slow royal news period!

TV2 video clip (2:45)
TV2 whole press conference
Berlingske Tidende web clip (2:24)

It is apparent from the media speculation before this year's press conference that the media was hoping for a similar 'sign' about Joachim and Marie as they had at the summer 2003 press conference about Frederik and Mary. It was clear by the Queen's statements then that Mary was going to be 'the one' and an engagement was coming up in the near future. Such an expectation was quashed at yesterday's press conference and the Queen's remark indicates the ball is in Joachim's court. The Queen is on record as saying she does not interfere in her son's lives. Henrik's remark about perhaps waiting another year would indicate no one should hold their breath. Of course that could be to take a bit of heat out of the speculation, but since the DRF are generally pretty straight forward, some sort of wait is on the cards.

TV2 photo gallery

Oh! lol! but they have kissed in public!

Joachim & Marie: no engagement

News from the annual press conference at the Château de Cayx. TV2 article (Margrethe: Marie er god nok). At the annual press conference today the Regent Couple said they had met Prince Joachim's girlfriend Marie but dismissed suggestions they are engaged. The Queen said that she and the Prince Consort had met Marie and like her but no engagement is planned. They are very happy for Joachim. Prince Henrik said there is nothing new, that Joachim and Marie have known each other for several years and they go on getting to know each other better. (We will have more about the whole press conference to come...)

TV2 article
TV2 photo gallery of Joachim and Marie this last weekend


(Photos Mikael Rieck/EB)

Earlier Ekstra Bladet reported Marie was present at the Grand Prix on Sunday but not on Saturday. The picture they have of them kissing is used to suggest an engagement is near and says Joachim had just given a big smile when asked if an engagement is near. Ekstra Bladet makes a big deal of the photo (although the angle doesn't make the kiss a sure thing) and compares it to the first kiss between Frederik and Mary in 2003 in Hobart. (thanks Janne!)

From Billed Bladet 6 August 2007: 'Marie and Joachim together'

This [last] weekend, just as in years before, Prince Joachim took part in this year's Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix in Faelledparken in Copenhagen, but this year he had a very special guest by his side, his sweetheart, Marie Cavallier. Marie, who enthusiastically followed the race from the stands, smiled proudly at her prince, and when Joachim was not behind the wheel, she quickly found her way to his side. The couple showed clearly that they are very happy together.

Joachim has expressed that he is happy not to have to hide his relationship with 31 year old Marie Cavallier any longer, and everything points to the relationship being serious. The only thing missing is the engagement for the relationship to be fully established. (thanks Janne!)

SE og HØR reports Joachim and Marie were at last night's Rolling Stones Bigger Bang Tour concert in Parken, Copenhagen
Ekstra Bladet's Joachim and Marie gallery

TV2 video clip of the Queen and Prince Henrik at Cayx at the press conference on Marie



Also Jyllands-Posten 'Prins Henrik: Marie har sans for pligt' (Prince Henrik: Marie has a sense of duty) - more details to come on the press conference

Joachim in car crash but okay

File photos (Billed Bladet) of Prince Joachim at a race earlier this summer and below Joachim racing in his Cortina.

B.T. ('Joachim crashed in a borrowed car') has reported that Prince Joachim has crashed in a borrowed car at the Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix Saturday, after the accelerator got stuck and he had to pull out using the hand brake.

“It’s more the annoyance and the embarrassment.” That’s what a very sheepish and shaken Prince Joachim said yesterday after he had crashed at this year's Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix in Fælledparken.

The Prince who is taking part in the big race at present, did not get far on the two nearly kilometre race track before he lost control of the car.

At one of the first bends Joachim shifted to first gear, but instead of getting through the bend quickly and smoothly, the accelerator got stuck and the Prince had to pull on the handbrake.

The car was then flung onto the opposite side of the track and directly into the safety fence. Prince Joachim himself was not injured, but the car had its entire right side smashed in the accident.

“It was the kind of experience you do not wish for,” a very shaken Joachim told B.T. (thanks Muhler!)

For the car enthusiasts a B.T. web clip (2:00) about a 1936 MG participating in this weekend's Historic Grand Prix.

Added: B.T. also reports that the doctor on stand-by at the races had a look at Joachim. Joachim said he was fine and then walked away with a very visible limp before giving a big grin. Obviously though he might just as well make a little fun out of it.

B.T. article

B.T. web clip (0:39) of Joachim's car crash (well at least we know he is good at jumping over the safety fence!)

See Søren Steffen's photos of Joachim

The car, ouch! (photo Lars Rievers/B.T.)

Frederik at Homeless Football World Cup

Today Crown Prince Frederik has attended the 5th Football World Cup for the Homeless in Town Hall Square in Copenhagen. Scotland won the final over Poland 9-3.



DR1 video clip (1:25) the final and Frederik's visit
TV2 video clip (0:20)

Royal concert at Grasten Castle

Queen Margrethe, Princess Benedikte, Frederik, Mary, Alexandra, Gustav and Carina Axelsson set off across the courtyard at Gråsten to the chapel for another of the Gråsten traditions, the royal concert hosted by the Queen. This was last Thursday evening. The program included L. Boccherini, A. Glazunov and F. Schubert in three string quintets.


Photos Sipa/Her&Νu/Wenstrup

Gråsten Palace photocall

As is the custom, the royal family has been at Gråsten for several weeks, although it is not as big a gathering as it was last year. Queen Anne-Marie was present earlier during the visit with her sisters but left last weekend to go to Greece, where she and Constantine are planning on setting up a new household to retire to. The Queen has been busy with a number of duties, as was Prince Henrik before his departure to France. The family attended a performance by the Royal Danish Ballet in Sønderborg several days ago, also another traditional activity. Present were the Queen, Princess Benedikte, Frederik, Mary, Gustav, Carina Axelsson, Alexandra of Berleburg and Gunilla and Carl Johan Bernadotte, who is the youngest brother of the late Queen Ingrid. Then as we already know Mary and Frederik have been horseriding and Mary, Frederik and Alexandra visited Legoland with the children on Wednesday. Prince Joachim is not present this year as he has car racing on his agenda. The Queen will be leaving Gråsten shortly to join Prince Henrik in Cahors where their annual press conference will take place at Château de Cayx on August 7. You can almost hear the journalists' brains thinking how to word their questions to find ways to ask the Queen about Joachim and Marie!









TV2 SYD video clip (4:38) the royals attended the Royal Danish Ballet performance in the park at Sønderborg
TV2 photo gallery
TV2 video clip (0:38) first time we hear Christian cry since he was christened?
DR1.dk video clip (0:19) short but essential viewing - 'riverdancing Christian' marching to the band's music
TV2 video clip (0:30) it seems both littlies had their moments
DR1.dk video clip (1:57) where Christian squirms, marches and gets a good licking from the Queen's dachshund Heleke! German tourists enjoy the royal show
TV SYD video clip (1:26)
(thank you jema!)

Added: See some fantastic photos here from Søren Steffen

Added: Her & Nu video clip shows the photoshoot, can take a while to load but once it does it will run through on a cycle. This was a tough gig! All the children were reluctant posers and the sun was in their eyes. Perhaps Christian is teething, if the fingers in the mouth at Legoland are an indication, and Frederik wiping his mouth with a tissue. Hmm, you can hear the photographers calling to Mary throughout...

Christian's first trip to Legoland

2 August 2007. Crown Princess Mary, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Christian ride on a train together with Princess Alexandra zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and her children Richard and Ingrid during a visit to the Legoland theme park in Billund, Denmark. When asked, Mary said Christian likes playing with Duplo and tries to make a stack as high as he can.



Photos IPA/Sipa/Wenstrup




TV Syd article and photos Christian wanted to go on the train more, but Mary was firm that he shouldn't. Perhaps she was aware the royal visit was holding up the other visitors?
TV2 photo gallery
Hello magazine 'Day of high-flying summer holiday fun for Danish royals'
TV2 video clip (0:33) brief view of the visit
TV2 video clip (0:38) another brief clip at the end of the news
TV SYD video clip (2:06) a longer clip where we may well hear Christian for the first time. He says "no" in Danish - he doesn't want to get off the train....
DR1.dk video clip (1:04)
TV2 video clip (1:43) longer clip, Mary is obviously the family photographer! After getting off the plane Christian wanted to return to the train.
(thanks jema!)

Frederik & Mary @ Gråsten Castle

Photo Her&Νu/Wenstrup

DENMARK - 31 August 2007. Crown Princess Mary is once again back in the saddle after the birth of Princess Isabella in April. She and husband Crown Prince Frederik rode in the beautiful forests surrounding Gråsten Castle in southern Jutland, where they are spending the last part of their summer holidays. Mary, an excellent horsewoman, traditionally rides in the mornings whenever she visits Gråsten Castle, formerly the summer residence of Frederik's grandmother, Queen Ingrid. Once they dismounted, the couple hopped on bikes to return to the castle and their children Christian and Isabella.


Photos: Her&Νu/Wenstrup


Gråsten 1 August 2007. Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik spent this week at the Gråsten Castle in South Jutland together with Queen Margrethe, Prince Henrik (now gone to France), Princess Benedikte, her son Prince Gustav and his girlfriend Carina Axelsson, and her daughter Princess Alexandra of Berleberg with her children Richard and Ingrid. The two little children of Mary and Frederik Prince Christian and Princess Isabella are there also. Every morning the Crown Princess and her husband go for a ride on the bridle path in the woods near the castle. The couple have their own horses with them on the holiday and after riding Mary and Frederik take their bikes back to the castle where little Christian and his little sister are waiting for mum and dad.



Hello magazine 'Royal couple Frederik and Mary spend a day in the saddle'

Frederik in Farr 40 regatta Skagen

Crown Prince Frederik and the crew of Nanoq (bow no. 24) came sixth in the Farr 40 regatta in Skagen in July. According to Billed Bladet (no. 29), Frederik and the crew had a bit of a scare when Nanoq collided with another boat. Fortunately it wasn't serious and no great damage was done. The results must have felt good for the Nanoq boys who must be keen to do well in the upcoming World Championship in Copenhagen. The Germans and Australians finished well in Skagen and USA's Jim Richardson of Barking Mad is always 'up there'.

Practicing in Copenhagen:



From a report at the Danish boat magazine site Bådmagasinet is the account by an old friend of Frederik's, Aage Venø Jensen, who is chief of the rescue station at Skagen. He went out on a training sail on the Farr 40 Nanoq south of Skagen Harbour and said, ”Damn …that was an experience. I have rescued hundreds boats at sea, but I never thought it would be like this to sail in one. I have never experienced anything like it.” Frederik visits his friend every summer when he is in Skagen. That's Aage in the bright orange below.

From the Danish Royal Yacht Club Farr 40 race report:
The sun shines on Nanoq

Carl Erik Kjaersgaard on board Nanoq emphasises how pleased they all are with three fifth places in one race day "We are delighted, it is our best ever day of racing."
What was the reason for the improved performance? Carl Erik puts it down to better boat handling in general as well as better routines on board. He also suggests that because Nanoq has been part of the North Sails Practice Racing Series and have been racing recently in harder conditions that it has helped themto make fewer mistakes, for example their handling of the spinnaker.

And racing!



B.T. photo gallery of Frederik in Skagen. Includes a photo of one of his tattoos, the shark on his leg. Grandfather Frederik IX was extremely well decorated with tattoos!

TV2 NORD video clip (2:50) from Skagen during the regatta

More that 1000 photos of the Skagen regatta here (!!)

Nanoq in the thick of it on the last day of the regatta:

Frederik & Mary & kids leave Croatia

2007-07-21 Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary with kids Christian and Isabella ended up their cruising holiday in Croatia. They were cruising with friends in the Adriatic aboard a rented luxury yacht, the Seagull.


And from Billed Bladet (no.31, 3 August 2007): 'Warm summer with mum and dad'

The holiday in Croatia was a present from Henry Jørgensen who wanted so much to show the Crown Prince Couple his beloved Croatia. Henry had recommended Mary and Frederik travel in September because it’s often hot in July and August. But a late summer holiday did not fit into the schedule of the Crown Prince Couple, so it was in July that they took Isabella and Christian on a cruise.

And Henry Jørgensen was right. Mary's and Frederik’s holiday in Croatia did become warm, and not least for their two small children who were therefore dressed lightly most of the time. Little Princess Isabella was usually with a little white sunhat over her dark locks, while big brother Christian settled for an unbuttoned shirt. When Crown Princess Mary carried her little daughter around she was dressed in a strapless light and airy dress of marine blue fabric, while Frederik had chosen blue pirate pants and a thin long sleeved sweatshirt. When the sun became too strong in the middle of the day, everybody sheltered in the shade on the deck of the yacht Seagull II, but even there it could become so hot that you had to jump into the sea once in a while. Prince Christian was naturally too small to do that, but fortunately there was a small Jacuzzi on the upper deck in which he could cool his feet.

The Crown Prince Couple had with them good friends, the two couples Caroline and Peter Heering and Birgitte and Jeppe Handwerk. Their children too sweltered in the heat but they still enjoyed the days onboard, where India Handwerk and Prince Christian played well together.

They are basically of the same age, while Emilie and Rosemarie Heering are a bit older. It can be presumed that the pregnant Birgitte Handwerk had her problems with enduring the heat.

The dream vacation at sea was a present to the Crown Prince Couple from the Dane Henry Jørgensen, and because he is so enchanted by Croatia and the islands off Croatia, he had laid out a route in order for Mary and Frederik and their friends to see as much of the beautiful places as possible.

Even though a lot of the islands are uninhabited, you can easily go ashore, but whether the Crown Prince couple did that or whether they preferred to stay onboard with the little ones has not been disclosed to Henry Jørgensen yet.

The yacht Seagull II's home port is Split, but when the Crown Prince Couple boarded the ship it lay at anchor off the small port of Zaton a little north of Dubrovnic. A large rubber dinghy sailed them to the ship and it was also used when the vacation ended and everybody returned to ashore again – and home to Denmark. They went tanned and with one more experience under the belt. (by Anna Johannesen and snappily translated by Muhler)

Muhler also notes there is also a background feature on the 74 year old Henry Jørgensen who presented Mary and Frederik with the cruise. He is himself married to a Croatian. They live for half the year in Denmark and in the other half in Croatia. Seagull II is owned by the wealthy Croatian Juroslav Buljubasic, but Henry J. has been in charge of refurbishing and rebuilding the ship for luxury cruises. The ship is at his disposal for a period each year.

Henry Jørgensen wrote to the court and proposed a cruise for the Crown Prince Couple in the Adriatic. He was then asked to a meeting at the office of the chief of court, Per Thornit. Mary’s lady-in-waiting Caroline Heering and a couple of gentlemen from PET (Danish security) were also present. He made it clear that this was to be considered a gift without any conditions or other motives. Frederik joined the meeting towards the end and they all agreed.

Frederik, Mary & Christian at the beach in Skagen with friends

Hi 5!

11 July 2007 Skagen, Denmark. Crown Princess Mary, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Christian on the beach at Skagen with friends Marie-Louise and Jörgen Skeel, their son, and Ziggy and the Skeel's dog. Frederik was competing in the Farr 40 regatta in Skagen, but it is now customary for the couple to spend time with friends in Skagen and Blokhus in northern Denmark at the beginning of summer.


Photos by Klavs Bo Christensen/HerogNu

Blue over turning forty...

From Billed Bladet (no. 26, 26 June 2007), on June 23 Frederik's friends from secondary school Peter Heering (nice hair!) and Ulrik Trolle celebrated their 40th birthdays together at the Danish student's rowing club on Copenhagen Harbour. The party had a blue theme, just in case it isn't obvious. If you have been eagled-eyed you will see the photo of Caroline Heering was used with other photos to "add something special" to Christian's order of service booklet during his little sister's christening. He was kept amused by photos stuck in for his own special edition which also included his parents, a bicycle and the Teletubbies. His hunger was kept at bay by raisins in his father's pocket. This "blue party" for around 150 guests was the week before the christening and included the brother of Peter Heering, Gregars, and his girlfriend designer Britt Sisseck (in the blue dress to match the carpet) plus many friends from the circle of the Crown Prince Couple: Ellen Hillingsø, Helle Reedtz-Thott, Caroline Fleming (speaking with Mary below) and Christian Dalum (below with Mary)

Fleming christening media wrap

This goes way back to the end of June when Marie Cavallier joined the christening party for Caroline and Rory Fleming's second child. This was the first time we had seen Marie Cavallier in public with the Crown Prince Couple. See the original post about the christening here. For Australian readers you will see just how laughable the current issue of Woman's Day is (not that we expect more from a tabloid which "loves Mary" one week and attacks the next). Early last year when Mary was out shopping in Copenhagen with Christian, Caroline Heering and Anja Camilla Adajdi before they went to a friend's place for lunch/coffee/chat (?), she was asked by a journalist what she thought about Marie. Right from the start Mary was positive and discreet and said she was extremely happy for Joachim. Royal girlfriends are a different kettle of fish to the Hollywood celebrity phenomenon - and that goes for royalty in general for that matter. We are always suspicious of that hoary old chestnut "the palace insider" who is generally a copywriter with access to the internet, given the job of writing the week's hatchet job. We don't really know anything about how the royals get on - it is their private life and we don't have access to that. Ever!

Billed Bladet(no. 25, 21 June 2007) reported: 'Mary and Marie partied together'

During Easter they were together at Marselisborg Slot in Århus and during the weekend Crown Princess Mary again met Prince Joachim’s sweetheart, Marie Cavallier. This it was at the beautiful Valdemar's Palace at Tåsinge [an island], where both couples were invited for the christening. The Crown Prince Couple arrived on Saturday morning along with their two children, while Prince Joachim and his girlfriend rolled up in front of the castle stairs in Joachim’s new Masarati just in time to get dressed for the christening at 4:30pm.

Crown Princess Mary, age 35, and Marie Cavallier, age 31, who with their dark hair and brown eyes resemble each other to some extent, had also both chosen clothes in light colours and they both smiled heartily when they arrived at the castle church. Marie with Joachim were arm in arm, while Mary arrived without Frederik because she was one of the sponsors (godparents) had to go with the other four, among them Sofie Sibley, who is a childhood friend to the mother Caroline Fleming.

When the baptism was over Frederik and Mary however did go together down the stairs to the church and right behind them went Joachim and Marie.

French Marie Cavallier has now been sweetheart to Prince Joachim for a couple of years and only had to be introduced to very few of the guests by Joachim [since she already knew many]. The host couple Caroline and Rory Fleming had long since been introduced to her, among other places they have met on skis in Switzerland, but it was actually the first time she really got to meet Joachim’s cousin, Prince Gustav of Berleburg. He also brought his girlfriend Carina Axelsson, so now it is wondered about which of the two couples will be engaged first. Will it be Joachim and Marie or Gustav and Carina? No one got an answer to that question at the weekend’s party on Tåsinge.

The Crown Prince Couple and their children spent the night at Valdemar Palace and so did Joachim and Marie, so even though Frederik and Mary went away fairly early on Sunday, Mary and Marie did have an opportunity to chat cosily at the breakfast table. When they last were together at Marselisborg, Mary was heavily pregnant, but now Marie has also seen the little new princess.

To the question at to whether she will also show up by Joachim’s side at the Christening in Fredensborg, the answer was…… a big smile.* (by Anna Johannesen and kindly translated by Muhler) * We know of course that Marie did not attend the christening of Isabella. It was always extremely unlikely if you read royal protocol like some people read tea leaves.

And another Billed Bladet (no.25, 21 June 2007) story: 'With daddy to christening'

Prince Christian was wearing a fine blue blazer...he went to the christening at Valdemar's Castle. Crown Prince Frederik carried his son when they arrived but as soon as they had entered the church Christian was placed on a chair next to his father. The one and a half year old Prince had brought his own maracas with him, a toy percussion instrument for children, so they beat the rhythm themselves, which is what Christian indeed did, when the grown ups sang “I østen stiger solen up” ('The sun rises in the east', an extremely well known hymn in Denmark).

It was Caroline and Rory Fleming’s little daughter who was christened and when her big brother three year old Alexander was allowed to come to the baptismal font during the baptism, Prince Christian followed suit. That’s why he has an idea of what will happen when his little sister will be baptised in ten days.

The preparations for the baptism of the little princess is in full swing...[information about the coming christening of Isabella follows which we already know]. (written by Anna Johannesen and translated by Muhler)

Also in an overstated B.T. article 18 June 2007: 'Now Marie is part of the family' Yes, the groundwork for this to be the case looks clear, but it is not fact yet.

It was almost official when Prince Joachim left the castle church at Valdemar's Palace holding the hand of his French sweetheart Marie. They were right behind Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary who had little Prince Christian in her arms on the way out from the church.

They had all been to christening of their friends in common, Baroness Caroline Fleming, who owns Valdemar's Palace and who is married to multi millionaire Rory Fleming.

Marie looked so happy and she was super elegant in high heels and pink that not only matched the flower decoration of the church, but also Prince Joachim’s very pinkish tie.

That the couple came so close behind big brother Frederik also means that Marie and the Crown Princess have long since has gotten to know each other well. But Marie will however hardly have the opportunity to attend the baptism hosted by Frederik and Mary and the 1st of July in Fredensborg Slotskirke. It’s simply a question of royal etiquette. But new times, new customs. So who knows? [again, we know she didn't, and another clue it really wasn''t expected]

At least everyone enjoyed the baptism at Valdemar's Palace, where Caroline and Rory Fleming had their second child, a little daughter, who was christened Josephine Margaretha Victoria Fleming. Crown Princess Mary was one of the child’s seven sponsors (godparent).

Prince Joachim’s ex-wife, ex-princess Alexandra, now Countess of Frederiksborg was there too along with her husband Martin Jørgensen. They too arrived hand in hand and looked so happy. But Joachim and Alexandra’s sons were not present.

Caroline’s little daughter's behaviour was exemplary too, “She was really good,” said the proud mother, who carried her daughter, born at Christmas, herself.

Josephine’s second name, Margaretha, is after Caroline’s mother who died when Caroline was very young.

Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary were among the first guests to arrive at the castle. Prince Joachim and Marie arrived somewhat later driven by Joachim, who sat behind the wheel in his Masarati. Both were casually dressed ...When they walked up the stairs they waved.

“Joachim has become more colourful (in the way he dresses) after he met Marie. His hair is much fresher (less conservative) and he seems super happy,” was one of the remarks from a bystander. (written by Bodil Cath and, yes, you guessed it! translated by Muhler)

Photos first 3) from Se og Hør: Rory Fleming and Prince Gustav of Berleberg, Caroline, Mary and Christian, Caroline Fleming and Josephine and Prince Joachim and Marie Cavallier arriving:




Many familliar faces among the guests, including the Heerings, the Reedtz-Thott's, the Ahlefeldt-Laurvig's:

Felix is five!

A belated happy birthday to Prince Felix who turned five years old on July 22. After the holidays Felix will continue in kindergarten as decided by Prince Joachim and Countess Alexandra, which is normal in Denmark, where children usually begin school at 6 years old. Following are some photographs taken August 28 by Steen Brogaard at Fredensborg Palace when the grandchildren were together with their grandparents for photographs to mark the 40th wedding anniversary of the Queen and Prince Henrik. These additional photos were released to mark Felix's birthday. Felix has been in France with his father and in Greece with his mother during the holidays.





From Billed Bladet (no.30, 29 July 2007): 'Felix celebrates birthday with a smile'

So far all indicates that Countess Alexandra and Prince Joachim were spot on when they gave their second son the name Felix, which means “the happy one”.

Since he entered the world at Rigshospitalet on the July 22, 2002, the name has fitted the little prince well, who is now getting big and is developing his own personality.

Prince Felix is a very happy, secure and lively boy even though he is also still “kid brother” and sometimes a bit shy. But anyone who sees the little boy can be in no doubt that he’s a real Felix and is glad and happy. This is despite the fact that he has had a chaotic life during the his first five years.

Felix was only a couple of years old when his parents got divorced and his mother, Countess Alexandra got a new man, Marin Jørgensen, in her life.

That has no doubt caused confusion and bewilderment for the little boy, but both Alexandra and Prince Joachim have done everything in their power in order to create a secure environment for their two children. And even though Felix was small and did not quite understand what happened around him, he could easily feel the dramatic changes. But Countess Alexandra, Prince Joachim and later Martin Jørgensen too have together managed to give the children and not least Prince Felix loving caring and a lot of sympathy, so he has developed into a harmonious and happy boy.

A boy who has a great appetite for life and who tackles every big as well as small challenge, but who is also in possession of a gentle and amiable disposition.

“Felix is the smaller one, but he is like a rugby player, who just gets up again and takes the beatings that follows from having a big brother,” said Prince Joachim about his son at Château de Cayx. He has had a fantastic teacher and mate to look up to in his brother Prince Nikolai.

When Felix was born, Nikolai was proud and happy to have a little brother, even though he thought he was a bit dull to play with in the beginning. But as soon as Felix started to walk and could take part in the playing, the bond between the two brothers became strong.

They play fantastically well together and even though they can argue and fight like all brothers, their companionship and joy for each other is enormous. They are almost inseparable and they have a great time in each other's company, even though the two of them are very different in their personalities and appearance.

Since he was little Felix has had a puzzled and almost magnetic look in his sky blue eyes. Often a little thoughtful and a bit shy, with a reserved look, he is a quick witted lively child who can charm everything and everybody – and almost invariably wearing a cap.

During the next year Felix will be allowed to be the bright spark of the family without major duties or responsibilities. He will remain in Garnisons Sogns Menighedsbørnehave (the Congregation Kindergarten of Garrison Parish at St Annæ Square in Copenhagen) along with his mates of the same age and he will get one more year to mature before he starts in pre-school.

Prince Joachim and Countess Alexandra had talked about letting Felix start in pre-school at Krebs School, but they have decided that he should be allowed to be “small” for one more year.

So Felix could smile untroubled and happy when he was celebrated on his birthday by his mother Countess Alexandra with cakes, flags, balloons and lots of presents after fourteen days of a great holiday with dad, Prince Joachim, in France. (by Trine Larsen and thanks to Muhler for translation)

Dear readers ...

It should be a truth universally acknowledged that there is some sort of 3 dimensional real life for your trusty bloggers outside the 2 dimensional walls of the blog. As many of you know, we do this blog in our free time and we have some catching up to do. Thank you to our many, many readers who have contacted us to ask how we are - "both very fine thank you". This is to let you know we will have a number of catch up posts coming up and then we have a photocall at Gråsten Palace to look forward to, Farr 40 racing in Copenhagen and back into the post summer swing of things after that. Get ready for a lot of catching up!

And also to you our readers, thanks for making this the little Danish royalty watching blog that could. We recently passed more than one million visits and nearly double that number of page views. We didn't expect the blog to take on quite such a life of its own, but it has. We are indebted to the many Danish and other media sources which are tolerant of us posting material, translating and linking to them. From what our readers tell us, it is much appreciated by non-Danish speakers who follow the Danish royal family.

We must also thank the many, many friends of the blog who help us with information of all kinds. We are sure you must know who you are - your efforts are always much appreciated. We cannot finish without a huge thanks to some especially close friends who help with translating. And here a special mention must go to Muhler, who is our own Danish 'kong' of translation, and long may he reign!