Death and Funeral of Prince Henrik of Denmark: February 13 and 20, 2018


If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
See posts with no answers
This is sad to hear, though as others have said I'm relieved that Henrik managed to have a peaceful passing at home surrounded by his wife and sons after his suffering with Dementia. May he rest in peace.
I loved the little letter by seven year old Sigrid, that was very sweet.

Muhler said:
Indeed a colorful man is no more.

And I will miss him to a considerable extent.

Just as often as I've wanted to hit him on the head with a shovel, just as often has he delighted me with his goofy humor, his flamboyant attire, his quirky ideas and art designs. Few people in their late 70's manage to become a cult-figure for the young, many of whom were also very much to the left of the political spectrum. PH managed that because he managed to often act out of the royal box. - Something Frederik has also managed.
Just as often as I have felt he embarrassed especially QMII, but also his sons, just as often have I wanted to slap him on the back for being wonderfully politically incorrect.
He has given me many a chuckle, and many a times he has made my eyes roll way back in the head. - Both things can be equally delightful, as you know... ?
Whatever he was, he was rarely boring.

PH was a man like most of us, with good sides and flaws as well.
But first and foremost he was a devoted farfar. And that is what I liked most about him.
Click to expand...

That was a lovely sentiment Muhler and I've appreciated your thoughtful and insightful posts in this thread - and throughout your time here on the forums. I agree; Henrik was certainly a colourful character and whilst some of his actions did make some of us royal watchers want to bang our heads on a wall; he was at the same time a very interesting and lively figure. I'm sure that Denmark will miss him. I know that I will.
 
:previous: Me too.

The word on the streets, as far as I have heard it, other Danes please correct me if wrong, is that the Danes not only accept and respect his funeral wishes but think they are a good compromise.
I have yet to hear anyone think it's a bad idea.

Yes, I also like the idea.
It means QMII will lie alone in the sarcophagus, under both their effigies. (Unless that is changed, which I doubt). Well, that's a little twist future custodians can tell about to visitors and tourists.
After all her predecessor, Queen Margrethe I, has beeing lying there alone for 600 years now.
Had PH been entombed at Roskilde, next to his wife, even if a will was to be procuced priwing that it really was what he wanted, there would still, also in the back of my head, by a little voice wondering whether they had overridden his last wish.

Well, they haven't. QMII has proved herself unselfish once again and her public esteem will rise even more.

Apart from that it's a nice touch burying his urn at Fredensborg. Now his family can visit him whenever they wish to in peace and quiet. In homely surroundings, in a place they are all very fond of.
Should QMII decide to retire, either de facto due to health reasons, or for other reasons... - I'm sure she'll settle at Fredensborg. A place she loves and with the love of her live nearby.

It's also fitting that PH wish to have his ashes strewn across the sea. The sea is so very much affiliated to the entire history of Denmark, even before we became a nation. And PH loved the sea.
 
Last edited:
Sad but at least he is at peace now,it must be very hard for his family to lost a beloved one but also a relieve now he is no longer suffering
my heart goes to his family especially his wife
 
My deepest sympathies to the Danish Royal Family during this time. May they know that this is a blessing that he passed away in his home with his family around him and his suffering is over. Knowing the deep love between Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik, may that bring her comfort during this time and the years to come.
 
A Google search engine of his late Royal Highness is an apt example of the cynical times we live in...all of the major news outlets (CNN, BBC, ABC) playing the angle that Henrik was a "bitter" man who "rejected" Royal burial in a final act of revenge against his queen and wife.:bang:

Seriously? Henrik was a free spirited brilliant bon vivant who wrote poetry and spoke a multitude of languages including Vietnamese and Chinese...but his place of burial is going to define him for all ages, I guess.:ermm:
 
Last edited:
Has the collection of his poetry been published?
 
Moonmaiden23 said:
A Google search engine of his late Royal Highness is an apt example of the cynical times we live in...all of the major news outlet (CNN, BBC, ABC) playing the angle that Henrik was a "bitter" man who "rejected" Royal burial in a final act of revenge against his queen and wife.:bang:

Seriously? Henrik was a free spirited brilliant bon vivant who wrote poetry and spoke a multitude of languages included Vietnamese and Chinese...but his place of burial is going to define him for all ages, I guess.:ermm:
Click to expand...


Sad yet Moonmaiden, isn't that to be expected of the media to turn everything into something negative and to create drama. I have no faith in anything the media says, why would any intelligent person believe them is beyond me.

We here know better don't we....?:flowers: for we follow the royal families in their daily lives.
 
Muhler said:
The Danish TV-coverage in special is 24/7 right now on most channels! In fact I've only tuned in at the main news updates but it's bordering on hysteria, even for a hardcore royalist like myself.
And you can hear it on the journalists, they are talking themselves into a frenzy. Hence why they are using expression that IMO are over the top.
If the ducks in the city parks hadn't sought refuge in the middle on the lakes, they would right now be asked to comment on the death of PH and what he meant to them!
Click to expand...
I know. The DR hosts even said that ''millions of Danes are saying goodbye to the whole country's PH'' at around 21:20 on DR1 (and he was again called ''beloved''). I have also noticed that many of the Danish commentators are trying to make the ''want to be King'' stuff to his advantage (even Christian Eugen-Olsen and Ulla Terkelsen).

BTW, I think the coverage was a bit more balanced in the last TV Avisen at 21:30.
 
Last edited:
Mbruno said:
If it is a "private message", I understand the text of the message won't be released to the public, correct ? The King of Spain apparently also sent QMII a private message which was not disclosed. The Kings of Sweden and Norway, who are much closer to the DRF, chose instead to post public condolence messages.

I expect other European monarchs to send private messages as well.



I don't think so. The Danish court has announced that PH wanted a low-key, private funeral with only friends and family in attendance. I expect the Swedish , Greek and maybe Norwegian royal couples to attend, but, otherwise, I don't think any other foreign royals will be present.
Click to expand...

Princess Beatrix is a good friend of queen Margrethe (she is the godmother of king Willem-Alexander) and the fellow (former) monarch who knows what it mens to loose your husband, so the queen might invite her for the funeral as well (probably together with her godson and his wife).

Muhler said:
- There will presumably be a ceremony of some sort in regards to spreading PH's ashes over the sea. Presumably by a navy ship, where the DRF can be present.
Probably not Dannebrog, she is in dock undergoing refitting at this time of year.
I imagine the burial of PH's urn at Fredensborg will be very private.
Click to expand...
I noticed that a lot of the pictures that were shared in his memory were taken at the Dannebrog, so it is a pity that the Dannebrog cannot be used, however, it might explain why the prince wanted part of his ashes to be spread over the sea.

Moonmaiden23 said:
A Google search engine of his late Royal Highness is an apt example of the cynical times we live in...all of the major news outlets (CNN, BBC, ABC) playing the angle that Henrik was a "bitter" man who "rejected" Royal burial in a final act of revenge against his queen and wife.:bang:

Seriously? Henrik was a free spirited brilliant bon vivant who wrote poetry and spoke a multitude of languages including Vietnamese and Chinese...but his place of burial is going to define him for all ages, I guess.:ermm:
Click to expand...

I don't think we can blame the press for that. Of course that is what makes the headlines and the prince himself clearly wanted that in life. It wasn't a 'last minute issue' but something he felt very deeply about and wanted the world to know.

I am glad that it seems the queen and prince seemed to have found a middle ground with the burial of part of his ashes at Fredensborg. Still it must be hard for her that he won't be buried at her (future) side but comforting how the Scandinavian press has responded to his illness and death, remembering him the special character he was and all that he brought to his family and Denmark..
 
Last edited by a moderator:
It's interesting that the royal house isn't releasing his cause of death. They've been relatively open with details about his illnesses, and cause of death is usually a matter of public record.

They're also not releasing the guest list for the funeral. I suppose that is understandable, since it will be a private event.
 
Somebody said:
I am glad that it seems the queen and prince seemed to have found a middle ground with the burial of part of his ashes at Fredensborg. Still it must be hard for her that he won't be buried at her (future) side but comforting how the Scandinavian press has responded to his illness and death, remembering him the special character he was and all that he brought to his family and Denmark..
Click to expand...

I agree. But half of his ashes will be buried in Fredensborg, which means Margrethe can visit him as often as possible when she resides there without making a fuss. So I hope she can take comfort in that too.
 
kalnel said:
It's interesting that the royal house isn't releasing his cause of death. They've been relatively open with details about his illnesses, and cause of death is usually a matter of public record.

They're also not releasing the guest list for the funeral. I suppose that is understandable, since it will be a private event.
Click to expand...

I suspect the doctor upped the morphine drip and allowed nature to take its course. It’s also a private funeral so mabye the guest list won’t be released until afterwards?
 
Can someone please tell me why the transference from Fredensborg to Amalienborg?
Then to Christiansborg?

I understand Fredensborg to Christiansborg as that is where the funeral will be but why Amalienborg?

Also they must have mortuary services come into Fredensborg to prepare the body then? No?

Thanks
 
Biri said:
Has the collection of his poetry been published?
Click to expand...

He had a few books published over the years, a few of them of poetry

Prince Henrik translated several books into Danish, as well as publishing several other books.
In 1981, under the pseudonym H.M. Vejerbjerg he and the Queen translated Simone de Beauvoir's Tous les hommes sont mortels.
Chemin faisant, 1982, a volume of French poems.
Destin oblige, 1996, his memoirs as Prince Consort.
Ikke Altid Gåselever (not always foie gras), 1999, a selection of favourite recipes.
Cantabile, 2000, poems.
Les escargots de Marie Lanceline, 2003.
Murmures de vent, 2005, poems.
Frihjul, 2010, poems.
Click to expand...

One of them I found on amazon.
https://www.amazon.ca/Cantabile-Poèmes-Prince-Henrik-Danemark/dp/2251441735
 
Does anyone know whether any of Henrik's poems, in their entirety, have been published online? I'd like to read some.
 
King of the Jungle said:
Does anyone know whether any of Henrik's poems, in their entirety, have been published online? I'd like to read some.
Click to expand...

Not exactly the poem, but Cantabile (his most well known book of poems) was actually put to music as a symphony by Frederik Magle. Part was performed for Henrik's 70th birthday. The second and third for his 75th birthday.

This is the music based on his second poem:


And the third

Sorry cant find the written poems, but thought this was interesting.
 
Somebody said:
Princess Beatrix is a good friend of queen Margrethe (she is the godmother of king Willem-Alexander) and the fellow (former) monarch who knows what it mens to loose your husband, so the queen might invite her for the funeral as well (probably together with her godson and his wife).
Click to expand...

Prince Henrik has wished for a private funeral with

"kun hans nærmeste familie og ganske få andre"

only his immediate/closest family and only a few/not many others.
(If my translation is correct)

That doesn't sound to me like there will be the good friend Princess Beatrix or Queen Elisabeth's representative present.
 
Alisa said:
Can someone please tell me why the transference from Fredensborg to Amalienborg?
Then to Christiansborg?

I understand Fredensborg to Christiansborg as that is where the funeral will be but why Amalienborg?

Also they must have mortuary services come into Fredensborg to prepare the body then? No?

Thanks
Click to expand...

That's because there will be a mini funeral procession Friday, when the casket is transported from Amalienborg to Christiansborg.
Normally there is a procession after the service. From the church to Roskilde. But since he is to be cremated that's not an option.

Today at 10.00 PH will be driven from Fredensborg to Amalienborg, a drive that is expected to last about an hour, so it will take place at a moderate speech.
I expect quite a few people will show their respect. especially at the beginning around Fredensborg and towards the end when the hearse and the cars with the DRF enters Copenhagen city.

In 20 minutes, a 40 minute salute will start.

You can rest assured there will be live coverage from both events all forenoon.

https://www.dr.dk/tv/live/dr1
Are you able to watch this live link outside DK?
 
.

Out of respect of the deceased all posts and comments comparing Prince Henrik to the Duke of Edinburgh and discussing their fidelity have been removed. This is not a thread for such posts. Thank you for your understanding.
 
Great. ?

I will likely write a few comments over this afternoon, in a post that will be continuously updated.

It will be an 81 shot salute this morning. The shorts will be fired every 30 seconds.
81 shots is the most grand salute there is and reserved for the most important occasions. So PH is being honored as a majesty.

The sun is getting up and the scene around Kronborg is spectacular!

The pieces that are used at Kronborg are from the first half of the 1700's and they are the oldest cannons still used for salutes in the world.

----------------

As said before the salutes will be fired from two places. Battery Sixtus in Copenhagen harbor. These are relatively modern canons, previously used aboard warships. Here fired by the navy military police.
The salute here takes place next to the official flag of Denmark. The First Flagpole so to speak.

The second place is Kronborg. These are heavy artillery pieces and they had a range of about 3 KM. Across the sound, in what is now Sweden, is a similar fortress, with artillery that also had a range of about 3 KM. As such they could close the sound between the two coasts for ships.

---------------------------

It is as I expected - and feared!

The journalists are babbling away! They are going on and on and on!
They talked incessantly all day yesterday and they seem determined to continue doing that today as well!
There is a salute-whatever-thing going on right now, but lets keep talking!

Give me strength!

-----------------------

Sorry, I cut the sound on the TV.

It's too idiotic how they babble!

I fear they are going to babble away during the ceremony Tuesday as well.
I seriously expect they will any moment now cut to a reporter standing in a rowboat in Greenland!
 
Last edited:
In 15 minutes the hearse will leave Fredensborg.
First the hearse will take a tour of Fredensborg, a kind of farewell to a palace PH was very fond of staying.
Then it will drive along a fairly direct route to Amalienborg.

Following the hearse will be a car with QMII, then one with M&F and presumably their children, and finally a car with J&M and their children.
The cortege will be escorted by policemen on motorbikes.
Now a number of locals have lined up along the road to Fredensborg.

-------------------
 
it was a quick passing for henrik. i feared it would be so when he was released from hospital and the official press release said 'he would spend in fredensborg his remaining days'. it would have otherwise have been communicated simply as 'he was discharged from hospital and is recovering'.

i am saddened to see that he is not receiving a state funeral though. henrik was prince consort and has given a lot of his life to representing denmark. it is only fair that he gets a proper farewell, whatever his comments and actions were in the past - specially given his latest episode (on not wanting to be buried with the queen) was in a time when he was diagnosed with dementia. surely they could come up with a more 'private' state funeral that gives him proper honors without too much pomp, for good measure. it is rather childish and ungrateful to not do so.

edit. i just read that it was his wish not to have a state funeral. shame, but i guess it was his choice.
 
Last edited:
The DRF are leaving Fredensborg. Isabella is visibly sad, not crying, but sad.

--------------

The hearse passed the employees at Fredensborg who were standing outside and they showed their last respect by bowing or curtsying.

--------------------
 
Last edited:
At which time the coffin of Prince Henrik is expected to arrive at Amalienborg?
 
principessa said:
At which time the coffin of Prince Henrik is expected to arrive at Amalienborg?
Click to expand...

Shortly before noon. - Correction, about 11.15.
Before the changing of the guards at noon.

They are right now driving on the highway, so not much will happen until they are in Copenhagen.
 
Last edited:
Reporter outside Fredensborg
"What did you just see?"
Kids "The Prince came riding in a cake"
R "what bear is that?"
K "Its a bear friend"
R "Who is it for?"
K "Its for the kids“
R “Dont you mean the Queen?"
K "No“
Mum in hushed serious voice "This has left such a big impression on them"
Camera pans to kids not giving a ....

The staff of the American Embassy was up on the roof watching the cortege pass by.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

iceflower
  • Sticky
Denmark: Birthday and Anniversary Wishes 2024
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
An Ard Ri
An Ard Ri
Blog Real
King Carlo Emanuele III (1701-1773) and Wives
Replies
1
Views
347
CyrilVladisla
CyrilVladisla
Somebody
  • Sticky
The Royal House of Serbia: Birthday and Anniversary Wishes 2024
Replies
3
Views
588
Biri
B
Marengo
  • Sticky
Liechtenstein: Birthday and Anniversary Wishes 2024
2
Replies
35
Views
2K
doro
doro
Blog Real
King Louis XVIII of France and Marie Joséphine of Savoy
Replies
2
Views
598
An Ard Ri
An Ard Ri

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom