Danish Royal Family, Current Events Part 4: June 2012 - May 2016


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150-året for Slaget på Dybbøl Banke - Kongehuset

Today 18th April the DRF will commemorate the 150th aniversary of the battle of Dybbøl 1864.

If you wish to hope ever to understand current Danish mentallity and politics there is no way around the two Schleswigan Wars, especially the second in 1864.
It was such a traumatic event that it completely changed Danish mindset and we only started to emerge from that during the 1990's.
It can very much be compared to the feelings the white population in the southern states went through in the generations after the American Civil War.

I will write two posts.

The first will provide a brief and somewhat simplified historical background.
The second post will be illustrated.

Since the start of Denmark becoming a nation the areas now known as Schleswig and Holstein (S&H from now on) were border regions and as such were contested areas with a more or less constant military precense.
As the Danish kings had to be constantly on the move in order to rule the kingdom, a military governor was put in charge of that area, with a standing army at his disposal, to form a buffer until the king could mobilize the rest of the country.
Such a governor, an earl (jarl in Danish) naturally had a lot of power, so when the king was weak, the earl was powerful. When the king was strong, one of his greatest headaches was how to maintain control over S&H.
By the time DK emerged from Medieval times, that was resolved by the Danish king automatically becoming duke (but not king) of S&H. And everybody was happy.
S&H thus remained a, German, nation within the then multinational Danish realm.

Centuries went by and in the 1840's it was time for a reform. It was time to abolish Absolutism and introduce a Parliament for the kingdom, which now after the loss of the ancient Danish lands in southern Sweden in the 1600's and the loss of Norway in 1814, now mainly consisted of Denmark itself and S&H.
In the 1840's a wave of nationalism swept across Europe. There were revolutions and troubles everywhere and the map was constantly being changed.
Nationalism also emerged in both Denmark and S&H. A new constitution for the whole kingdom was being drafted with the intention of taking effect in 1849. It was practical, it would be a more efficient way to administrate the realm, rather than having different regional legislations, that were more or less identical anyway.
"No way"! They yelled down in S&H. "We are not Danes, we are Germans. We are not a part of Denmark and we do not intend to become a part of Denmark. The abolishment of Absolutism and having a new constutions is a great idea, we love it - we just want our own".
From DK the response was: "Come on! The point is to make this somewhat backward realm work more efficient. We've de facto been the same country for a thousand years. It's crawling with Germans here in DK, and can you hardly turn around down in your end without bumping into a Dane".
- So feelings flared up. You can understand S&H, they feared being swallowed up by Denmark and lose their national identity. On the other hand people had intermarried for centuries and moved about freely. Danish history is full of prominent German names and S&H is to this day heavy influenced by Danes.

More rationel heads started to suggest that it was perhaps time to split. Holstein (and the smallest duchy Lauenborg) could become independent and Schlewig could join Denmark. They were shouted down by the nationalist on both sides: "No way"!! In Holstein in particular they maintained that the duchies had always been together and it should remain that way. In Denmark the nationalists chanted: "Denmark to the river Eider". The whole thing was complicated by S&H getting considerable political and later military support from emerging German nations to the south.
And that's how the First Schleswigan War began.
Ironically the Danes fought in the name of the King, while S&H fought in the name of their Duke, who initially at least happened to be the Danish king...

It ended three years later with a kind of compromise. S&H de facto became a part of Denmark, but were allowed to retain their language and with a number of basic rights being respected.
Three years of war leads to a lot of bitternes. Family members and friends had fought each other, the resentment on both sides was great.
Unfortunately the nationalists on both sides gained ground, not least spurred on by even more nationalist newspaper editors.
By the early 1860's there was trouble on the horizon again. The Parliament decided, led by nationalists, to override the considerations to S&H and impose a pure Danish administration. After all: "Who won the bloody war, eh"!?!
The by now even stronger German nations, led by Preussia and Bismarck protested. International negotiations started. Some cooler heads suggested that Schleswig could be divided and that would mean that the border would go almost exactly where it is now. But common sense wasn't on the agenda and the Second Schleswigan War started quietly in 1864.
Denmark mobilized and and Preussian and Austria took over the military bit from S&H, no amateurs here, please!

The usual story. The politicians had not allocated enough funds for the military, while at the same time steering straight towards a war with their nationalist politics.
In the winter of 1864 the shock came. The Danish army had withdrawn from the ancient border defence, Dannevirke. In the mind of the public Dannevirke had become mythical, it was a veritable Maginot Line and now the army had left! - The truth: A few hopelessly inadequte positions and the generals made a very sound decision in withdrawing, or they would have been outflanked and destroyed. - It was a militarily briliantly executed retreat that later on became glorious.
Okay, ready for the second blow? The army withdrew to the flanking positions of Fredericia and Dybbøl. Flanking positions have always been the key in the defence of Denmark, because the Danish navy has always controlled the sea. So an army marching up through Jutland would eventually have to withdraw or risk being cut off by a Danish army landed by sea in the rear.
That was also the case here. Dybbøl, which is located very close to Gråsten was hastily prepared and the Germans followed and took up positions. In the meantime negotiations continued. Alas, the Danish politicians were at best inexperienced and naive - at worst inept and blind fanatical nationalists. Not helped by the King who did not wish to see his realm reduced by two-fifths. The negotiations broke down and in April 1864 the Germans prepared to storm Dybbøl.
The German artillery was better and the Danish redoubts were blown apart and finally on 18th April the storm came. Heavy fighting but also a well executed retreat across a sound to the nearby island of Als. The Danish army had suffered severe losses but it wasn't beaten yet. The navy still controlled the sea and there was still a sizable army ready to fall in the back of the Germans.
More negotiations. In vain.
In the summer of of 1864 the Germans managed to get across to the island of Als in the cover of darkness. A very daring and well executed operation. It was however possible to extricate a large part of the Danish army from Als, but the war was over. The Danish losses had been too heavy, not least in materiel.
S&H ceeded from Denmark - and became de facto a part of Preussia... No independence.
Northern Schleswig voted to return to Denmark in 1920 after a referendum.

What was left was a small, deeply traumatized country, an insignificant country that was close to joining the German league. You can say fortunately for DK Bismarck at the time was not interested in antagonizing Britain and France by taking control of the Baltic Sea.
Well, it's nerver the politicians who are at fault. So 1864, in the collective memory, became a glorious defeat. A small, defenceless country, betrayed by S&H attacked by the Germans and abandoned by our Nordic bretheren the Swedes and Norwegians. We became introvert, assumed a kind of national foetus position after that thrashing. Politically speaking there was no way, we would put up our heads again. The Danish version of the Tall Poppy Syndrome, Janteloven, very much sprang up around that time.
We also became very nationalist. What is Danish was cultivated and elevated and still is today. Quietly. We don't want to antagonize anyone.
It also meant that we genuinely pulled ourselves together and rebuild the nation, from a somewhat backward nation to a much more progressive nation.

Now that we are finally emerging from the trauma, the notion of us being the victims has become more nuanced and that's where we are today and that's why the Second Schleswigan War 1864 is a defining event in our national psyche.
 
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150-året for Slaget på Dybbøl Banke - Kongehuset

Today 18th April the DRF will commemorate the 150th aniversary of the battle of Dybbøl 1864....

Fascinating! I once wrote a piece about the Berlin Victory Column - Siegessaeule - which originally was supposed to commemorate Prussian achievements at Dybboel, but which subsequently acquired other bits, pieces and associations.

It reminds me of Jorge Luis Borges's definition of history being what we choose to remember and to forget.

Or, stated differently, thought is geographical.

("Vérité en deçà des Pyrénées, erreur au-delà" - Blaise Pascal)
 
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Right, let's have a look at some pictures in relation to 1864.

The papers today are packed with articles about 1864, so this event will be very well covered!

https://app.box.com/s/o4znnz9glhqxfumfistp
Danish conscripts on sentry duty in 1864. They wouldn't survive a casting for a Hollywood movie today, but that's how they looked.

https://app.box.com/s/onfwta61v5y9pcrpdjki
German, or rather Preussian soldiers on sentry duty in the middle of the winter.
The Preussians were generally professionel soldiers and to a large extent 1864 was a realistic manouvre for the Preussian general staff. Quite a number of later famous German generals were junior staff officers in the Second Schleswigan War.

https://app.box.com/s/nevuuid3gryclja4dsgg
Danish reencators in uniforms from the First and Second Schleswigan War.
The red uniforms were already being replaced during the first war.

https://app.box.com/s/ws8ehnqah5o483dmfkbd
As it is in every war, most of the time, nothing happens. Action war photography was still not practical, so most photos depicts quiet, daily life scenes like these. Danes eating behind the lines. Germans eating in their trenches.

https://app.box.com/s/ypjcpfx8iamuqbcsv0b9
But people were nevertheless killed daily. There were countless skirmishes.
Again, it wouldn't survive a Hollywood manuscript today. The soldiers lines up behind an appropriate cover and maintained a slow fire towards the enemy. The officer and the courier are placed simply to add some action to the picture in the bottom.

https://app.box.com/s/quav0xydhvhpamijb648
Plan over the battlefield at Dybbøl.
The Danish redoubt are to the right. The German trenches creeping towards the Danish position under cover of artillery are at the lower left.
The Island of Als is across the narrow strait to the right.

https://app.box.com/s/hij4nptekz89zbncdtyg
A scene from the attack 18th April, from a TV series to be aired later this year.

https://app.box.com/s/sntacmfhj43clck3eas0
Danish redoubts after the battle. They were smashed to pieces by the artillery.

https://app.box.com/s/ca6li7i3l0ioj8rpr5qo
More redoubt after the battle. As you can see even antiquated naval cannons had been brought into service.

https://app.box.com/s/t9o96j462xybt71267gy
But civillians suffered too in this modern trench war. Here is the small town of Sønderborg after the bombardments prior to the storm.

https://app.box.com/s/scv1rm93a5g3rdzdbms4
But it wasn't all glorious defeats. The navy held its ground. Austria dispatched a warship to the Danish waters, supported by a Preussian warship, which prudently remained in the background.
Against tehm was the Frigate Jylland. Jylland was hypermodern. A hybrid between a ship of the line under sail and a steam-screw ship.
The Austrian and Preussian ships had no chance.
The black dots on the drawings mark hits.
Today Jylland is on display in the town of Ebeltoft and she is a must for anyone interested in navy ships during the period when ships went from sail to steam.

https://app.box.com/s/9mcmvjuv1wck92zd7z6c
The crew onboard Jylland. Not particularly heroic looking, eh? Yet, they were professional sailors and very competent.
The photo is taken from the "bridge" of Jylland. Hence the modern name. Because it really was a bridge across the deck.

https://app.box.com/s/vvovkbeweu0crimhyzzq
After the war, the notion of the glorious defeat began. This painting is typical.
The soldiers being cheered. Dannebrog everywhere. The brave soldier being recieved by his wife and children - and trusty dog. With the dignified widow and her child in the background.

https://app.box.com/s/deozvz5sot9wle88leuu
But the soldiers were genuinely honored. This statue in Fredericia is claimed to be the first statue in the world honoring the private soldier.

https://app.box.com/s/0qm6tznq8f2wtevdxtfp
If you can say that a building has become the symbol of 1864 it is without a doubt this mill: Dybbøl Mølle. During the battle used as an observation post until it was shot apart by artillery.
That mill has become the motive in countless, embroideries, paintings and plaques in practically every Danish home with just a minimum of selfrespect in the decades after the war.

https://app.box.com/s/p6szzjz8rtepx9e4ugi2
In recent years German soldiers have also come to Dybbøl to pay their respect. After all quite a number of Germans died as well.



And now back to 2014 and the DRF today.

A fifteen pic gallery from BT: Se alle billederne: 150-året for slaget ved Dybbøl | www.bt.dk
As you can see German soldiers are present and being honored by the Regent Couple as well.

And that's it from me.
 
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Right, let's have a look at some pictures in relation to 1864.

The papers today are packed with articles about 1864, so this event will be very well covered!...

thank you so VERY much Muhler for your most informative and fascinating account of the troubled history between Germany and Denmark. I had no idea that even before WWII there were difficulties between the two countries so that your contribution helps my understanding of the relationship.:flowers:
 
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.

Here are some more pics of Queen Margrethe, Prince Henrik and Prince Joachim at the Memorial Day in Dybbol today:



** gettyimages/zimbio gallery **


** b.dk gallery: Se billederne fra 1864-mindeceremonien **

thank you.
Not sure if I should post these here or in the j&M thread but
at night Joachim and Marie attend the evening event to mark the 150th anniversary of the seizure of Dybboel ( I thought I had seen on the DRF calendar that the queen and Henrik were suppose to attend along with J&M)
http://www.corbisimages.com/images/...e=67&uid=1f2df5e9-3fa8-4a93-b9c6-fd5cc0e62993
http://www.corbisimages.com/images/...e=67&uid=5f855ee3-4848-4a8d-b7c0-04a4784b5593
http://www.corbisimages.com/images/...e=67&uid=636eb44e-47e6-4186-a675-9adf009bc790
http://www.corbisimages.com/images/...e=67&uid=a210875f-76f9-41f1-9802-469d0dea8984
http://www.corbisimages.com/images/...e=67&uid=e75eb2ad-affa-400b-a22a-b831d2271792
 
Nice touch with the reenactors as an honor guard.

You are welcome Gerry & MarcosFenn. :)

And please tell about Canadian culture, traditions and history. It's the little details that are interesting IMO.
 
thank you.
Not sure if I should post these here or in the j&M thread but
at night Joachim and Marie attend the evening event to mark the 150th anniversary of the seizure of Dybboel ( I thought I had seen on the DRF calendar that the queen and Henrik were suppose to attend along with J&M)
http://www.corbisimages.com/images/...e=67&uid=1f2df5e9-3fa8-4a93-b9c6-fd5cc0e62993
http://www.corbisimages.com/images/...e=67&uid=5f855ee3-4848-4a8d-b7c0-04a4784b5593
http://www.corbisimages.com/images/...e=67&uid=636eb44e-47e6-4186-a675-9adf009bc790
http://www.corbisimages.com/images/...e=67&uid=a210875f-76f9-41f1-9802-469d0dea8984
http://www.corbisimages.com/images/...e=67&uid=e75eb2ad-affa-400b-a22a-b831d2271792

Thank you for the pictures.
The calendar only mentions Joachim & Marie :)
 
Summary of article in Billed Bladet #17, 2014.
Written by Ken Richter.

The Regent Couple and Joachim commemorated the 150th anniversary of the battle at Dybbøl 1864.
Joachim and PH wearing the full dress uniforms of a full general and lieutenant colonel in the army.
It started with a military ceremony where the Regent Couple placed a wreath at the communal graves 362 (unidentified) German and Danish soldiers.
In all 1.700 Danish and 1.200 Preussian soldiers died that day. Since 2010 both Danish and German military have honored that day together.

Later on a civillian ceremony took place at one of the redoubts.

QMII, who also took part in commemoration in 1964, gave a speech where she said about the purpose of being there: "To remember those who fought and suffered and those who paid the very highest price, and to remember those who lost (loved ones).
Today we again remember the fateful battle. And we can view the battle through the eyes of the present - in an age where Danish and German flags can fly peacefully side by side.
The 18th April 1964 has never been forgotten. It was initially an open wound, which left a scar that sometimes ached, but over time the day has become a memory, which we remember and which we honor".

The day ended for the Regent Couple with a lunch at nearby Sønderbog Castle, followed by a memorial service.

Joachim is patron of the Historical Centre at Dybbøl and as such he and Princess Marie retuned later on, in civillian, for a tour of the redoubts and a memorial concert with tunes and songs from the period.

- The most wellknown song from that period is "Dengang jeg drog afsted", also known as in "I 1864" = "Back when I left" & "In 1864" and it is very much comparable to the US "Battlehym of the Republic". Just as iconic and with just as many versions.
Here is one version (the pictures are illustrative and depicts the DRF as well): Dengang jeg drog afsted / Den Tapre Landsoldat - YouTube
 
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Today, Grandpa Henrik and Frederik with Christian and Bella opened the Boat Tour on Esrum lake. It was private, or at least unofficially - it was not written in the calendar.

It was Christian who cut the red ribbon - one is the future king, right :cool:

Esrum lake is located right at Fredensborg, so I think we can expect Frederik, Mary and children to now have taken the Chancellery House in use. Henrik and Margrethe moved to Fredensborg earlier this week.

Pictures:
http://www.gribskovavisen.dk/files/cache/344180eb31bd0958f8cecc3730482610_f15219.jpg
http://www.gribskovavisen.dk/index.php/download_file/view_inline/15214/

Article:
Kongehuset kastede glans over åbningsreception

And a gallery from sn.dk :)
Se de søde billeder: Kronprins Frederik tog Isabella og Christian med til søs - sn.dk - sn.dk - Lokal - Fredensborg

The whole event seems very relaxed. The article tells:
"The speeches were held in front of an audience of about a little less than 100 people in an atmosphere there was neither marked by excessive security measures or aggressive paparazzies."
 
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lovely family time on a sunday and a good way to introduce christian and isabella to royals duties..daddy frederik looks very proud :wub:
 
Aw, how sweet. It must be nice for Margrethe and Henrik to be able to spend more time with some of their grandchildren when Mary, Frederik and the kids are living at Fredensborg as well (albeit with M+F in Kancellihuset). And I agree, Frederik looks really proud of his oldest children.
 
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I agree with all, what a nice warm event. Its so lovely that the Danish royal family can join in such events with the danes.
and i agree, Margrethe and Henrik must love their grandchildren closer by.

Frederik does indeed look so happy and proud of his kids
http://www.gribskovavisen.dk/files/cache/344180eb31bd0958f8cecc3730482610_f15219.jpg
http://www.sn.dk/modules/xphoto/cache/23/549923_700_415_0_0_0_0_2.jpg

and my, is Frederik handsome :wub:
http://www.sn.dk/modules/xphoto/cache/34/549934_700_415_0_0_0_0_2.jpg
 
Thanks for sharing the photos of yesterday's event, everyone. I agree with those who think that Frederik seemed to be proud of his children. I love this photo of him and Isabella. And it's nice to see Margrethe and Henrik enjoying time with their grandchildren too.
 

Thanks Polyesco, that's some nice large HQ pictures.

A few observations:

Always greet people properly
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...986/PH/0/4/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626

I see it wasn't only Christian, but also Bella who cut the red ribbon - real royal siblings teamwork.
Dad Frederik keeping a close eye
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...986/PH/0/8/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626

Christian being all like: Oh Granpa, please... :lol:
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...86/PH/0/26/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626

Frederik isn't a sailor for nothing.. Crew just relax, I do it myself :cool:
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...986/PH/0/3/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626

Henrik has gotten the good upholstered chair - Frederik, Christian and Isabella have to "settle" with a folding chair :p
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...86/PH/0/14/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...986/PH/0/9/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626

Highly popular summer dish in Denmark (probably other countries as well). Pølser (sausages) and bread on the grill and lots of ketchup and mustard.
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...86/PH/0/25/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626
 
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Thanks Polyesco, that's some nice large HQ pictures.

A few observations:

Always greet people properly
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...986/PH/0/4/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626

I see it wasn't only Christian, but also Bella who cut the red ribbon - real royal siblings teamwork.
Dad Frederik keeping a close eye
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...986/PH/0/8/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626

Christian being all like: Oh Granpa, please... :lol:
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...86/PH/0/26/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626

Frederik isn't a sailor for nothing.. Crew just relax, I do it myself :cool:
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...986/PH/0/3/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626

Henrik has gotten the good upholstered chair - Frederik, Christian and Isabella have to "settle" with a folding chair :p
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...86/PH/0/14/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...986/PH/0/9/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626

Highly popular summer dish in Denmark (probably other countries as well). Pølser (sausages) and bread on the grill and lots of ketchup and mustard.
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...86/PH/0/25/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626

spot on comments :D
 
Who dressed the kids??? They were so cold, had to cover themselves in blankets and get warmed up by the barbecue. Maybe they are too stubborn by now to take parents' advice. All adults are wearing warm jackets, long trousers, scarfs while the kids are out in shorts, Isabelle even wearing sandals.
 
:previous: Yep, looks like the typical "I can dress myself" and "M u u u m m I don't need a coat/shoes, gloves etc." They look like the right age for that one. Maybe next time they may go . . "Ooooo Kaaay" instead. :lol:
 
There are other kids with blankets,
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...986/PH/0/9/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...86/PH/0/14/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626

if they are like a lot of kids i know, they think they wont get cold until they get there ;)

nevertheless, a wonderful event with father and grandfather :flowers:

just noticed this pic, grandpa Henrik once again teasing his grandkids
http://plimg.no.publicus.com/galler...86/PH/0/26/PH-505009986.jpg&Maxw=939&Maxh=626
:lol:
 
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:previous:that video is so cute

I think Christian and Isabella are so use to grandpa Henrik and his ways and of his stealing some of their food:p:D.

I noticed in the beginning of the video some cute looks between Isabella and Henrik.
 
Who dressed the kids??? They were so cold, had to cover themselves in blankets and get warmed up by the barbecue. Maybe they are too stubborn by now to take parents' advice. All adults are wearing warm jackets, long trousers, scarfs while the kids are out in shorts, Isabelle even wearing sandals.

Fred doesn't look much warmer and he has long pants on. My guess is they dressed themselves...they are certainly old enough to do so!
 
I almost had to laugh out loud in the last part of the video. Christian's facial expressions when grandpa takes a so-called bite and only half of the sausage return :lol: Christian looks like :blink:

Try to translate:

On the way to the car grandpa Henrik asks Bella: Where's you brother? Isabella says she don't know, but Frederik laughingly walk past and says: He (Christian) is just about to eat his sausage, can he take his sausage with him?

Grandpa Henry says to Christian: You give a mouthful to your grandpa, right... Christian who finally have gotten his sausage have to obey orders when Frederik says: He will just take a little 'haps'. Both Frederik and Christian became wiser...

Isabella who otherwise had tried to sneak herself to tasting Christian's sausage before grandpa was rescued in the end when a lady calls "Isabellaa" and comes with a sausage for her. Isabella says a deeply: Oh thank you.

Then it was time to finally drive back home. Grandpa Henrik half a sausage richer. Christian half a sausage poorer.
 
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Summary of article in Billed Bladet #19, 2014.
Written by Henrik Salling.

As you know by now, grandpapa Henrik invited his oldest son and two grandchildren to one of his more merry duties, the opening of the tourist boat season at Esrum Lake near Fredensborg.
At Fredensborg PH really lets his hair down and it was in typical fashion that he dispensed with a driver on the short drive from Fredensborg, and sat himself behind the wheel in Buick Centurion 1972. (Vintage cars have dispensation from using seatbelts. Alas, not having a vintage Bugatti myself, I'm not too familiar with the rules).
The last stretch towards the lake and the boat house was with Christian sitting on the lap of PH and with his hands too on the steering wheel. With daddy Frederik on the passenger seat and with an adjutant and Bella in the rear.
Normally that's an offense that would cost you a hefty fine, a major dressing down by the police in front of your children and you having to pass a drivers test. And that's expensive too because you have to have a number of lessons first!

Anyway, such technicalities aside, Christian and Bella were equipped with lifejackets and hand in hand with grandpapa (*) they went to the boat bridge where a ribbon had been placed. Equipped with a pair of scissors they helped each other (sort of, since they both seemed to insist on having their hands on the scissor) cutting the ribbon, with a delighted dad looking on and grandpapa announcing: "WE hereby declare the boat-tour open".
Then it was time for a little ride on the boat and the children learned the hard way, that the adults were perhaps right, when they told to dress more warmly...
But back on land it was time for a speech or two, while the children buried themselves under some blankets. - Not as the only children btw. I've noticed blankets were issued to other children that age as well.
But consolation came switftly in the shape of freshly grilled sausages. While the adults sipped wine at the boathouse, Christian and Bella darted like guided missiles towards the BBQ. (It's funny to notice Christian and Bella. Christian warmed his hands at the BBQ, Bella warmed her hands too. I'll bet five bananas it was Christian who decided that a shirt, shorts and a west would be adequate for a boat ride in early May - so Bella did so too).

Then it was time to drive home. This time with the children and the adjutant in the backseat, munching away on their sausages.

With them, but not in the same car, went the film photographer Jakob Jørgensen, who is making two portraits of PH to be aired on TV on PH turning 80 next month.

(*) I've heard PH referring to himself and being called grandpapa, that's why I don't write grandad or grandpa, in case you were wondering.

Not sure if this belongs here. Anyway.

Summary of article in Billed Bladet #19, 2014.
Written by the omnipresent Ulrik Ulriksen.

Who was actually in Tivoli, Copenhagen, last week to cover a show, when unexpectedly Mary and our Marie walked in through the entrance side by side. Followed by Joachim and a number of friends they went through the garden to the Glass Hall, where the show was to begin.
The weather was great as you can tell from their light attire.

Frederik wasn't there, he was in Korea for an IOC meeting, but the friends Anna and Klavs von Lowsow, as well as Mette and Christian Ahlefeldt-Laurvig were there.

It was the satircal trio Platt-Form who entertained. It requires a considerable mastery of Danish and not least danish humour to apprciate let alone understand the typical mix of irony and more or less dirty innuendoes. Marie surprised me a a year or two ago by cracking up when she saw other comedians from Rytteriet. That's after all subtleties on a pretty advanced
level!

Our reporter observed that they seemed to fully enjoy the show and they did also go backstage to meet the trio after the show, where they stayed for about half an hour.
When they left the Glass Hall Mary said: "It was really funny". Then she and the others strolled over to a restaurant also located in Tivoli, Restaurant Nimb's Terrace.
It was dark when they left and Marie had prudently wrapped a shawl around her.
- Joachim has really become relaxed after marrying Marie! Wearing smart blue pants and would you imagine, no less than two of his buttons in his shirt was left unbottoned! I mean, the man was practically flashing the public...! :eek:

Since I know that two or three among you may be interested in having a closer look at what Mary, Marie and not least Joachim was wearing, here is something to feast your eyes on:
https://app.box.com/s/3skcdbqfcutimx51d9ir
https://app.box.com/s/stjwecxep118epvfp2vj
https://app.box.com/s/zr1ecxwtf04adxj0fds4
(Feel free to copy the links to whatever thread about fashion that is appropriate here on TRF).
 
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Joachim certainly knows how to make use of a good tailor!

I think both Felix and Athina look very much like their father.
 
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