Royal Danish New Year Court & Banquet 2011

Photo © Hasse Ferrold / ICC

Queen Margrethe, Prince Henrik, Crown Prince Frederik, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie have attended one of Royal Denmark's grandest occasions of the year, the New Year's Court and Banquet for the government, representatives of official Denmark and the Court in Christian VII's palace at Amalienborg. Princess Elizabeth (cousin to the Queen) was on the guest list, but we did not see her arrive. Crown Princess Mary sent her apologies some time ago due to her advanced pregnancy. One of the ways we can tell this is a grand occasion - for the uninitiated - is that the royals wear their Order of the Elephant on the chain, not on the blue ribbon.

Photos © Hasse Ferrold / ICC, Zimbio / Bauer Griffin

The guest list at Kongehuset.dk
The banquet menu at Kongehuset.dk

TV2 article - 'Skål i rosenborgvin på Amalienborg' ~ mentions Mary's absence with apologies and names some of the guests who drank some historical Rosenborg wine with the soup course. They have a single glass of what is probably the world's oldest Rhine wine which arrived in Denmark at the end of the 16th century. The wine, which has some fresher vintage added to make it palatable, is apparently not the greatest tasting wine to be had - but this is an interesting Danish historical tradition.

Photo © Berlingske Tidende - Riddersalen (Knight's Hall) where the court banquet is held in Christian VII Palace, Amalienborg. This is last January 1, 2010 as the Queen enters.

Berlingske Tidende gallery
B.T. gallery
Billed Bladet's gallery - scroll down

TV2 clip (01:37)
TV2 clip (00:55)

~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, all the 'news' saying the twins will arrive any moment is getting a bit tiresome - but of course, as time goes on, inevitably the news will be right!
Sunrise/Seven Network news clip (4:00)
The Sydney Morning Herald - 'Princess Mary strikes a pose for coochie couture coup'

With thanks to Hasse Ferrold :))