Frederik joins welcome for Denmark's handball team

Crown Prince Frederik joined in the welcome back to Denmark of the national men's handball team - in a little bit of catch up - at the end of last month (January 28). In a huge win for one of Denmark's nationally significant sports, the Danish Handball team won the European Championship for 2008 in Norway. There was a reception at the Copenhagen Town Hall, which you can see from photos and clips, was a great day for Denmark. Frederik told TV2 that it was an honour to be at the reception for people who are to be admired for their courage and worthy of looking up to. He also revealed that at home there was a tussle over the TV remote control because Christian wanted to watch cartoons. Christian didn't win that one. Frederik also confirmed he would be at the Olympics in Beijing in August.



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Metroxpress 'Kronprinsen holder fast i Beijing-rejsen' - Crown Prince Frederik sticks to his intention to go to the Beijing Olympics
English Prince Charles doesn't plan to go to the next Olympic Games in Beijing, and SF [Socialist People's Party] now encourages Crown Prince Frederik, who is a candidate for a seat on the International Olympic Committee, to follow the example and stay at home from his planned trip to China for the Games. But the Crown Prince doesn't intend to alter his travel plans. At his Tuesday press conference Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that he takes a position that there should be distance in mixing sport and politics, and that he would find it strange if the Crown Prince doesn't participate, particularly as Denmark will be sending athletes to the Games. Amalienborg has noted [Prince Charles'] decision to withdraw, said Lene Balleby, spokewoman for the Danish court. "We have made a note that the Prime Minister hasn't wanted to dissuade the Crown Prince from participating in China at the Olympic Games, and we follow these recommendations." The royal family traditionally participates at the Olympic Games and the Crown Prince's participation at this year's Games in this instance reflects an interest in sport and support for the Danish athletes' performances, the royal house's communication boss, Lene Balleby told Ritzau's Bureau [press agency].
According to the BBC, Prince Charles hasn't visited any Olympic Games since Montreal in 1976 when his sister, Princess Anne, participated in the equestrian competition [for Britain].

Fyens Stiftstidende article 'Håndboldfest i rødt og hvidt' and photos (in Danish)

Billed Bladet (in Danish)

TV2 article (in Danish) and clip 'Kronprins: Beundrer deres mod' - Crown Prince: Admire their courage
Crown Prince Frederik was among the many people who received the European Championship heroes at Copenhagen's Town Hall Monday afternoon, but unlike the majority, he had the honour of greeting each team member personally. "It is a honour to greet those we look up to and admire for their courage", the Crown Prince told TV2 Sport after the ceremony. "It is good to feel so good within and for everyone to share in the whole nation's delight in supporting something this big," he also said. At the same time Crown Prince Frederik revealed that he had had a smaller challenge close to home about what the television was to be used for on Sunday afternoon. "I sat at home and fought against my son over watching cartoons, but he didn't win - it was the European Championship," recounted Crown Prince Frederik, who at the same time confirmed that he'll be there when the Olympic Games begin in Beijing in China in August.

B.T. article (in Danish) 'Tag bare til Kina, Frederik' - [It's okay] go to China, Frederik
Amnesty International has given Crown Prince Frederik a green light to travel to the Olympic Games in China, B.T. writes on Friday. Amnesty International doesn't want to encourage Crown Prince Frederik to stay at home - or to avoiding the opening ceremony in Beijing, which takes place in August. The debate about the Crown Prince's presence at Olympic Games has flared up after Prince Charles announced he will not go because of China's policy towards Tibet. "To begin with we'll wait for the next six month report, which comes in February. We have a hope that the conditions may have improved... says the spokesperson of Danish branch of Amnesty International Dan Hindsgaul to B.T...

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