The Danish royal family is embracing a season of both celebration and transformation as King Frederik and Queen Mary prepare to host their loved ones for the holidays at Marselisborg Castle. This year’s festive gathering marks a significant moment in history, as it is the first family Christmas since the abdication of Queen Margrethe, who reigned for over five decades. With the royal couple now in command, their holiday celebrations signal not only a continuation of traditions but also the evolution of the Danish monarchy.
A Royal Move: Marselisborg Castle as the Holiday Hub
Situated on the picturesque eastern coast of the Jutland peninsula, Marselisborg Castle has become the royal family’s holiday headquarters. King Frederik, at the mature age of 56, and his wife, Queen Mary, aged 52, have chosen this location to create a warm environment for their children and cherished relatives. The couple’s four children—Crown Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine—add youthful energy to the festivities. Remarkably, this marks the first occasion all four siblings have been photographed together since Crown Prince Christian returned from a gap year in East Africa, an experience that has contributed to his growth and maturity.
Frederik’s eldest son, the 19-year-old Crown Prince Christian, spent three months immersed in agricultural practices and operations on two farms in East Africa. His return and notable physical growth—outshining his father in height—illustrate how quickly the next generation is emerging. As the family reunites, they cherish moments such as the touching greeting between Christian and Queen Margrethe, 84, evoking joy as she embraces her grandkids once again in this festive season.
The royal family’s holiday gathering wasn’t just about heartfelt reunions; it also featured their unique takes on winter fashion. Queen Mary exuded comfort in a high-necked knit, while her daughter Isabella showcased a chic, modern look with a suede jacket paired with wide-legged jeans. Meanwhile, Princess Josephine opted for a classic grey tailored coat—an ensemble choice that reveals a young royal understanding of contemporary style.
The males of the family mirrored each other’s elegance in dark blazers, maintaining a cohesive royal aesthetic. Prince Vincent, in a funnel-neck coat, rounded off the family portrait, showcasing a unity that reflects both familial bonds and the evolution of royal attire appropriate for the occasion.
An Evolving Lineage: The Absence of Prince Joachim
Although festivities unfold at Marselisborg Castle, there are notable absences, particularly that of Prince Joachim and his family. In a significant departure from tradition, Joachim and his wife, Princess Marie, are spending the holiday season with Marie’s family in France, a choice influenced by their relocation to Washington D.C. earlier in the year. This decision underscores the shifts in family dynamics and priorities, as Joachim navigates his new professional responsibilities as the defense industry attaché at the Danish Embassy.
Interestingly, Prince Joachim’s two older sons from his previous marriage, Count Nikolai and Count Felix, have also charted their paths outside of Denmark. Nikolai is reportedly celebrating in Tasmania with his model girlfriend, pointing to the diverse lifestyles the younger generation is beginning to adopt.
As the family gathers to celebrate, the shadow of Queen Margrethe’s recent abdication looms large. The queen announced her decision earlier this year after an extensive back surgery, hinting at the importance of transferring royal duties to her son, Crown Prince Frederik. Her emotional farewell emphasizes a profound moment of reflection on legacy and family responsibility within the monarchy.
The firm transition of power, marked by Frederik’s heartfelt proclamation as King from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace, resonates with both the royal family and the Danish people. It signifies not merely a changing of the guard, but a reinvigoration of the royal family’s presence as they adapt to modern times while holding fast to longstanding traditions.
As King Frederik and Queen Mary celebrate the holidays with their family, they embody a new era in the Danish monarchy—one filled with hope, change, and the timeless values of love and togetherness.