The newly crowned Danish monarch, King Frederik X, has taken the realm by storm with the release of his surprise book, Kongeord, just days after ascending to the throne.
The unexpected literary offering not only sheds light on the monarch’s personal journey to the throne but also pays a heartwarming tribute to his wife, Queen Mary.
The Danish Royal Family made the announcement of the book’s release via their official Instagram channel, leaving royal watchers eager with anticipation. The Instagram post included a poignant quote from the book: “I am the person I am. I will endeavour to show that as King of Denmark too.”
The title, Kongeord, translates to “King’s Word” and serves as a nod to King Frederik’s inaugural balcony proclamation, “United, committed, for the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Collaborating with author Jens Anderson, King Frederik delves into the intricacies of his life, sharing his thoughts on marriage, family, and the unexpected joys that have come with his union with Queen Mary.
The book offers a candid account of the King’s transformation from a well-known playboy to a contented family man, shedding light on the profound influence Queen Mary has had on his life.
“I love marriage, my wife, our children and the whole happy base that arises for the people who manage to stay together and persevere,” the King said in the book.
The book also takes readers back to the early days of the royal couple’s courtship, revealing Queen Mary’s role in bringing peace and joy to the King’s life, as noted by Queen Margrethe in her 2004 wedding speech.
“I remember how my mother, Queen Margrethe, said in her wedding speech in 2004 that I had found peace and joy with Mary,” Frederik said.
In a surprising admission, the King reflected on his desire for a normal life and the struggles he faced as the heir to the throne.
“I remember my 18th birthday as something similar to the end of the world. It was the feeling that now everything that was fun and exciting was coming to an end,” he said.
“Fortunately, it didn’t.”
Considering that 2024 has been an absolute whirlwind for the recently crowned King Frederik, it’s quite remarkable that he managed to carve out the time to compile a book.
It all began when Queen Margrethe II, Europe’s longest-serving monarch, announced her abdication after an illustrious 52-year reign during her traditional New Year’s Eve speech.
In the poignant moment, the 83-year-old Queen reflected on her decision, citing a successful back operation earlier in the year that prompted contemplation about the future.
Mere weeks after her announcement, in a ceremony rich with tradition and historical significance, Queen Margrethe II signed the declaration that would reshape Danish history and make her son King of Denmark and his wife the Queen.
After signing the declaration, the queen rose and gestured to Frederik to take her seat, proclaiming “God save the King” before leaving the room. Against the backdrop of Christiansborg Castle, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed Frederik as the new King of Denmark with the words “Long live his majesty King Frederik the 10th”.
Frederik was joined on the balcony by Queen Mary and their children: Christian, 18, who is the new heir to the throne, Princess Isabelle, 16, and 13-year-old twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent.
As Queen Mary and King Frederik shared a kiss on the balcony, the crowd erupted into cheers as the Danish national anthem echoed through the capital. Among the sea of red and white Danish flags, sporadic Australian flags paid homage to Mary’s homeland.
-with DPA.