Happy 75th for Prince Henrik
Today Prince Henrik celebrates his 75th birthday. Born in France, he has lived in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Paris, London and, of course, Denmark. Henrik is a most interesting consort, who speaks multiple languages and has talents including author, poet, sculptor, pianist, cook, sailor, tennis player and winemaker. By his own admission, Henrik was a strict father, but appears to be a very attentive and fondly loving grandfather to his now five grandchildren Nikolai, Felix, Christian, Isabella and the yet-to-be-named newborn prince of Joachim and Marie. Henrik doesn't come out top in royal family popularity surveys among Danes (maybe it is his imperfect Danish accent? although his knowledge of the language is said to be superior, or, his 'Frenchness'?), but he has been a loving and supportive husband to Queen Margrethe and dutiful as her consort for 42 years. The Regent couple celebrated their 42nd anniversary yesterday. He is popular among journalists who cover the royals and see him regularly up close for his good humour and ability to put people at their ease. But some recent opinion polls have not been so kind (...more to come). This morning there was the traditional birthday morning greeting to Prince Henrik from family, members of the court and friends at Fredensborg Palace and it was followed later by a parade by Royal Guards and the Music Corps.
Photos © Hanne Juul/Billed Bladet, Jesper Sunesen/Billed Bladet, Lars Laursen/Billed Bladet, Martin Høien/Billed Bladet, Keld Navntof/Berlingske Tidende, Thomas Lekfeldt/EB
More to come, including on opinion polls, Henrik's dogs and more on his birthday
Labels: birthday, Christian, Fredensborg Palace, Frederik, Isabella, Margrethe II, Mary, Prince Henrik, Ziggy
