Danish New Year Courts: 2004, 2006-2021, 2023, 2024

[Viv]

Maybe you never were an Army officer, but don't tell us that you're never were an Army man ..!

Godt nytår!

Viv

 

[Muhler]

That I was.

And If I may venture a little guess, you have relatives who were in the navy?

- And naturally we can look away from the air force, they are just kids, but in a couple of centuries they may have developed some traditions of their own... That at least is something the navy and the army can agree on.

Happy New Year to you as well.

 

[Roskilde]

Quite a beautiful picture of F+M taken from the opposite angle than all the other pictures.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/450a48c5e1d54e793bc539a25a2b53c3/tumblr_myu8hq92HM1r6jme9o1_1280.jpg

 

[Muhler]

Billed Bladet has this week compiled some trivia about the New Year Courts, some of it new to me as well.

The origin of the New Year Courts is unknown, but it's an old tradition. So old that back in the 1600's it was referred to as "an old costum". - (So a qualified guess would be some 600 years).

The grandest of the New Year Courts take place on 1st. January, which is also the birthday or whatever you want to call it of the Order of the Elephant, as such it is one of the three days a year when the Order must be worn on a chain.
The Order goes back to 1460 and originally it was a Catholic inspired order depicting the Virgin Mary and the Jesus child. But after the Reformation in the 1530's and the introduction of the much sterner Lutheranism, they were replaced by elephants in 1580.
Why elephants were chosen is not known. Apparantly they symbolize faith.

Since the beginning there have been 890 recipents of the Order. During the reign of QMII 68 people have recieved the order - which must be returned upon the death of the recipient.

During the reign of Frederik III (who also became the first absolute monarch. There are good reasons to suggest that he actually preferred a kind of Parliament representing all levels of society, nobles (with whom the Danish kings had endless problems), burghers, clergy and peasants. But alas, they couldn't agree among themselves and the peasantry lost - big time!) anybody could go to the palace and watch the King dine at New Year. People simply lined up along the walls and watched the King and his family. Some would also present a New Year verse, as was costum back then.
That ended during the reign of Christian VI, when he moved to the newly build Christiansborg Palace. Here there was no access for the public.

On Monday the court of the diplomatic corps takes place, that always takes place in the forenoon at Christiansborg Palace.
The diplomats often show up in their national attire and line up along the wall based on seniority. The doyen or doyenne give a little speech on behalf of all the diplomats and wish the DRF a Happy New Year.
Then all the diplomats shake hands with the DRF with a short Happy New Year. PH wish Happy New Year in French, which considering the circumstances is perfectly acceptable. Mary and Frederik switch between English and Danish.

When that is over, the diplomats are offered champagne, alternatively water or juice and served canapeers.

On Tuesday it's time to greet the highest members of the offcial Denmark as well as invited representatives for charitable organisations and protections of the Regent Couple.
While M&F drive ahead in a car to Christiansborg, the Regent Couple go by the gilded carriagde from 1840. The trip lasts fourteen minutes sharp and they are escorted by Guards Hussars.

Around 1.000 well wishers are expected.

Nowadays there are five classes of rank and only the three uppermost have a permanent standing invitation to attend. Which means that they in contrast to the representatives I mentioned above, don't get an invitation. If they want to they just show up and sign in a Christiansborg.

1. class consists among others the Counts of Rosenborg and the Counts of Danneskiold, the Countess of Frederiksborg i.e. Alexandra, the Prime Minister, the President of the Supreme Court and holders of the Order of the Elephant. (BB omitted to mention the Chairman of the Parliament).

2. class consists among others of "lensgrever" = tricky to translate = counts with a fief = more posh than a normal count and that's as close I can come, so if anyone has more info, please come forward. Senior honorary members of the court, the Chief of Court, the Master of Ceremonies, the Director of the National Bank, the bishops (QMII is head of the state church) and the dean of Copenhagen University.

3. Class consists of among others counts and barons, judges from the regional courts (there are two such regions in DK. I.e. below the Supreme Court but above local courts), colonels (full colonels), the Archivist of the Realm (*) chapter deans and the police chiefs.

Alas, the vast majority of Danes do not belong in one of the five classes.

(*) It sounds so much more impressive when translated to English. In Danish the title (Rigsarkivar) sounds much more business-like, but it's a direct translation.

 

[Viv]

And If I may venture a little guess, you have relatives who were in the navy?.

Yep!

- And naturally we can look away from the air force, they are just kids, but in a couple of centuries they may have developed some traditions of their own... That at least is something the navy and the army can agree on. .

Yep! And I still remember a cheeky me asking uniformed RDAF man where he parked his bus ............


viv

 

[Muhler]

I thought I would share this pic with you: https://app.box.com/s/p6zref5nvtx8hjtys3ei

It depicts the Regent Couple, as well as M&F at a New Year Court in 2006 in the Knights Hall/Great Hall at Christiansborg - and all the employees of the court, and also the adjutants and LiWs.
- Minus of course those employees who are absent because they are on holiday or sick or have had to stay behind at work for some reason.

As far as I can judge there are some 125 people in the picture.

M&F's as well and Benedikte and Joachim's tiny courts are not represented. ADDED: they are actually. I see Mary's first LiW is there and the head of their court as well, Søren Haslund Christensen.

The picture is fascinating because it shows the machinery behind the DRF.
It is also a little amusing because I'm sure we all remember the stories in the Aussie press in the beginning of the scheming intrigues at the Danish courts, the hordes of "palace insiders" who were quoted and the fierce infighting among the fractions at court.
Apparantly the Aussie press thought that the DRF must be like the BRF, with many hundreds of employees.
I remember thinking: What?? They are not even 200 altogether and as you can tell from the picture the majority are cleaners, footmen, drivers, kitchen staff and office workers who are unlikely to intrigue in any way, so that leaves precious few to scheme against or for Mary.

ADDED: Yes Viv, if there is one thing that can really piss off an airline pilot (they mostly have a background in the airforce and they still think they are the maincast of Top Gun and looking absolutely dashing, potbelly and all) it's to tell them that they are basically overpaid busdrivers.

 

[ashelen]

Quite a beautiful picture of F+M taken from the opposite angle than all the other pictures.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/450a48c5e1d54e793bc539a25a2b53c3/tumblr_myu8hq92HM1r6jme9o1_1280.jpg

thank you for the photo, it is incredible how with Mary's short hair she can have this incredible updo! her hiardresser is superb!
and I love the 2 pins on the heair! although with such impressive and heavy tiara the 2 pins can looks like too much, but in this case I think it works very well, I guess she has good muscles in her neck to hold all that heavy on her head

 

[rchainho]

frederik has a strange way of walking.

 

[Roskilde]

Billed Bladet has this week compiled some trivia about the New Year Courts, some of it new to me as well.

The origin of the New Year Courts is unknown, but it's an old tradition. So old that back in the 1600's it was referred to as "an old costum". - (So a qualified guess would be some 600 years).

The grandest of the New Year Courts take place on 1st. January, which is also the birthday or whatever you want to call it of the Order of the Elephant, as such it is one of the three days a year when the Order must be worn on a chain.
The Order goes back to 1460 and originally it was a Catholic inspired order depicting the Virgin Mary and the Jesus child. But after the Reformation in the 1530's and the introduction of the much sterner Lutheranism, they were replaced by elephants in 1580.
Why elephants were chosen is not known. Apparantly they symbolize faith.

Since the beginning there have been 890 recipents of the Order. During the reign of QMII 68 people have recieved the order - which must be returned upon the death of the recipient.

During the reign of Frederik III (who also became the first absolute monarch. There are good reasons to suggest that he actually preferred a kind of Parliament representing all levels of society, nobles (with whom the Danish kings had endless problems), burghers, clergy and peasants. But alas, they couldn't agree among themselves and the peasantry lost - big time!) anybody could go to the palace and watch the King dine at New Year. People simply lined up along the walls and watched the King and his family. Some would also present a New Year verse, as was costum back then.
That ended during the reign of Christian VI, when he moved to the newly build Christiansborg Palace. Here there was no access for the public.

On Monday the court of the diplomatic corps takes place, that always takes place in the forenoon at Christiansborg Palace.
The diplomats often show up in their national attire and line up along the wall based on seniority. The doyen or doyenne give a little speech on behalf of all the diplomats and wish the DRF a Happy New Year.
Then all the diplomats shake hands with the DRF with a short Happy New Year. PH wish Happy New Year in French, which considering the circumstances is perfectly acceptable. Mary and Frederik switch between English and Danish.

When that is over, the diplomats are offered champagne, alternatively water or juice and served canapeers.

On Tuesday it's time to greet the highest members of the offcial Denmark as well as invited representatives for charitable organisations and protections of the Regent Couple.
While M&F drive ahead in a car to Christiansborg, the Regent Couple go by the gilded carriagde from 1840. The trip lasts fourteen minutes sharp and they are escorted by Guards Hussars.

Around 1.000 well wishers are expected.

Nowadays there are five classes of rank and only the three uppermost have a permanent standing invitation to attend. Which means that they in contrast to the representatives I mentioned above, don't get an invitation. If they want to they just show up and sign in a Christiansborg.

1. class consists among others the Counts of Rosenborg and the Counts of Danneskiold, the Countess of Frederiksborg i.e. Alexandra, the Prime Minister, the President of the Supreme Court and holders of the Order of the Elephant. (BB omitted to mention the Chairman of the Parliament).

2. class consists among others of "lensgrever" = tricky to translate = counts with a fief = more posh than a normal count and that's as close I can come, so if anyone has more info, please come forward. Senior honorary members of the court, the Chief of Court, the Master of Ceremonies, the Director of the National Bank, the bishops (QMII is head of the state church) and the dean of Copenhagen University.

3. Class consists of among others counts and barons, judges from the regional courts (there are two such regions in DK. I.e. below the Supreme Court but above local courts), colonels (full colonels), the Archivist of the Realm (*) chapter deans and the police chiefs.

Alas, the vast majority of Danes do not belong in one of the five classes.

(*) It sounds so much more impressive when translated to English. In Danish the title (Rigsarkivar) sounds much more business-like, but it's a direct translation.

Thanks for that explanation, Muhler

Which leads me to: Weren't there some years where Mary wasn't attending the last (the third) New Year Court, but instead held her own New Year reception for her patronages?

And do we know if she still holds those New Year receptions? (Although she now participates in all the New Year Courts together with Frederik, and QMII and Henrik?)

Article from B.T. from 2009 about Mary's reception:
Til champagne hos Mary - Royale | www.bt.dk

 

[carlota]

I thought I would share this pic with you: https://app.box.com/s/p6zref5nvtx8hjtys3ei

It depicts the Regent Couple, as well as M&F at a New Year Court in 2006 in the Knights Hall/Great Hall at Christiansborg - and all the employees of the court, and also the adjutants and LiWs.
- Minus of course those employees who are absent because they are on holiday or sick or have had to stay behind at work for some reason.

As far as I can judge there are some 125 people in the picture.

M&F's as well and Benedikte and Joachim's tiny courts are not represented. ADDED: they are actually. I see Mary's first LiW is there and the head of their court as well, Søren Haslund Christensen.

The picture is fascinating because it shows the machinery behind the DRF.
It is also a little amusing because I'm sure we all remember the stories in the Aussie press in the beginning of the scheming intrigues at the Danish courts, the hordes of "palace insiders" who were quoted and the fierce infighting among the fractions at court.
Apparantly the Aussie press thought that the DRF must be like the BRF, with many hundreds of employees.
I remember thinking: What?? They are not even 200 altogether and as you can tell from the picture the majority are cleaners, footmen, drivers, kitchen staff and office workers who are unlikely to intrigue in any way, so that leaves precious few to scheme against or for Mary.

ADDED: Yes Viv, if there is one thing that can really piss off an airline pilot (they mostly have a background in the airforce and they still think they are the maincast of Top Gun and looking absolutely dashing, potbelly and all) it's to tell them that they are basically overpaid busdrivers.

quite an impressive picture indeed! it's amazing to see how many people work for the RF.
i do spot mary's LIW but i don't think i see joachim in the picture - did he not attend the reception then?

 

[An Ard Ri]

The menu for the annual New Year Court:

- Pheasant Consommé
- Ballotine shellfish, lobster bisque and salad dressing
- Roast venison, green beans and potatoes
- Chocolate cake and custard
- A selection of wines (including Castle Cayx 1989 and Rogomme Cayx 2012)

Source: Menu du dîner de gala de Nouvel An 2014 à Amalienborg | Noblesse & Royautés

I'm sure it was all delicious but I'd skip the Chocolate cake and custard,that sounds a bit sickly!

I wonder if the wines were French and perhaps from the Prince Consorts home?

 

[Viv]

I'm sure it was all delicious but I'd skip the Chocolate cake and custard,that sounds a bit sickly!

I wonder if the wines were French and perhaps from the Prince Consorts home?

An Ard Ri, the menu says ' creme Anglaise' and while the ingredients look somewhat similar to what I know as 'English' custard - this is probably a more refined version! Surfing the net for a recipe I noticed that one of our TV-chefs is vouching for 'chocolate cake with Creme Anglaise', so I suppose it's in order!

Except for the infamous Rosenborg wine accompanying the pheasant Soup all wines originate at chateau de Caix!

i do spot mary's LIW but i don't think i see joachim in the picture - did he not attend the reception then?

The Photo is from one of the morning receptions a few years back, and I can't say whether Prince Joachim attended or not. However this is clearly a case of protocol, presenting the regent and heir apparent! I must admit that I don't follow these levees meticuously, but I'd think that Prince Joachim plays a minor role in these, if any!

Viv

 

[Roskilde]

I thought there was an event right after this one during the day. It seems the Queen and PC and then Fred and Mary attend.

I don't think I've seen something about that? Where have you seen it?

 

[ashelen]

I really can't see Mary's LIW. is she on the right?

 

[Viv]

I really can't see Mary's LIW. is she on the right?

No, I think she's the one in greyish-beige to the left of HM's LiWs (in red uniform dresses). She's the American born Countess Victoria Bernstorff-Gyldensteen, who was Mary's LiW the first couple of years, meaning that the Photo is either from 2005 or 2006.

Viv

 

[Lady Rosie]

I thought I would share this pic with you: https://app.box.com/s/p6zref5nvtx8hjtys3ei

It depicts the Regent Couple, as well as M&F at a New Year Court in 2006 in the Knights Hall/Great Hall at Christiansborg - and all the employees of the court, and also the adjutants and LiWs.
- Minus of course those employees who are absent because they are on holiday or sick or have had to stay behind at work for some reason.

As far as I can judge there are some 125 people in the picture.

M&F's as well and Benedikte and Joachim's tiny courts are not represented. ADDED: they are actually. I see Mary's first LiW is there and the head of their court as well, Søren Haslund Christensen.

The picture is fascinating because it shows the machinery behind the DRF.
It is also a little amusing because I'm sure we all remember the stories in the Aussie press in the beginning of the scheming intrigues at the Danish courts, the hordes of "palace insiders" who were quoted and the fierce infighting among the fractions at court.
Apparantly the Aussie press thought that the DRF must be like the BRF, with many hundreds of employees.
I remember thinking: What?? They are not even 200 altogether and as you can tell from the picture the majority are cleaners, footmen, drivers, kitchen staff and office workers who are unlikely to intrigue in any way, so that leaves precious few to scheme against or for Mary.

ADDED: Yes Viv, if there is one thing that can really piss off an airline pilot (they mostly have a background in the airforce and they still think they are the maincast of Top Gun and looking absolutely dashing, potbelly and all) it's to tell them that they are basically overpaid busdrivers.

Muhler. Thank you again for that information. I am struck by the small number of employees. Not a bad thing- it means the DRF are still "real" and not totally insulated from outside life.

RE: Mary's LIW, Countess Victoria Bernstoff-Gyldensteen was quite possibly still LIW at that time.

My husband is an airline pilot (not ex-airforce though) and yes the overpaid bus driver comments annoy our pilots too!

 

[Viv]

My husband is an airline pilot (not ex-airforce though) and yes the overpaid bus driver comments annoy our pilots too!

Lady Rosie, just to put things right !
I have the deepest respect for especially airline pilots! They are responsible for getting the passengers safely from A to B and they cannot pull over if they get problems en route!
The core of my joke shared with Muhler was that when I was young many busdrivers wore a uniform of a colour and design similar to that of the Royal Danish Air Force, and in spite of not knowing Muhler's age I suppose that he's old enough to have encountered those busdrivers too.

Viv

 

[Lady Rosie]

Viv,

Funny! The Australian joke comes from another angle

A former head of an airline/or the PM (statesminister -learnt that from Borgen!) at the time (will check on that) said that airline pilots were just overpaid bus drivers in an attempt to sway public opinion in favour of the airlines during a pay dispute.

Quite funny how the same comment about an obscure thing can have two different meanings in two countries.

Thank you for your post.

 

[Viv]

A former head of an airline/or the PM (statesminister -learnt that from Borgen!) at the time (will check on that) said that airline pilots were just overpaid bus drivers in an attempt to sway public opinion in favour of the airlines during a pay dispute.

Thanks, Lady Rosie!
Well, wherever it came from the 'overpaid bus-driver' joke is universal, I'm afraid! I know that some carriers used to pay their pilots amply, but that was before the deregulation set in! It's different in today's highly competitive market. With all due respect, I hope that your husband is paid more than a bus driver. He deserves it !

viv

 

[Tarlita]

When will the next New Year court event be?? And will it be the Diplomatic corp gala? Patiently waiting on pics. Hope Mary wears the Blue gown next time.

 

[Lady Rosie]

From Kongehuset.dk and translated as best I can from Google!

6th January
The royal couple will hold New Year's reception for Supreme Court judges, the Royal Guard and the regiments Officer Corps in Christian VII's Palace, Amalienborg, at. 9.50.

The royal couple will receive Supreme Court judges, the Royal Guard and the regiments officer corps of cure.
Royal Couple are present.*

6th January
The royal couple will hold New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps at Christiansborg Palace, Copenhagen, at. 11.30.
Royal Couple are present.*

7th January
The royal couple will receive at Christiansborg Palace following the New Year's Shed:
Kl. 09:30

Officers from Defence and Emergency Management.

Kl. 10:00
I., II. and III. Rank Class.
Kl. 12:00

Invited representatives of major national organizations and royal patronage.

Royal Couple are present.*

*assume this means Crown Prince Couple? Translation may not be exact.

 

[Viv]

The royal couple will receive Supreme Court judges, the Royal Guard and the regiments officer corps of cure.
Royal Couple are present.*
-------
*assume this means Crown Prince Couple? Translation may not be exact.

Well, Lady Rosie's understanding of Danish is better than of Google translator . Apparently it can't cope with the word
'kronprinsparret'! Maybe it's because that the title ' Crown prince' is virtually unknown in the Anglophone world!

viv

 

[Roskilde]

I found this close-up picture of the Order of the Elephant, maybe some of you will find it interesting
(Pic: From a state visit back in September)

http://25.media.tumblr.com/80890b44056c009c90bf51b450dd5f1e/tumblr_mywniu65201sq4lwho1_500.png

 

[Muhler]

I found this close-up picture of the Order of the Elephant, maybe some of you will find it interesting
(Pic: From a state visit back in September)

http://25.media.tumblr.com/80890b44056c009c90bf51b450dd5f1e/tumblr_mywniu65201sq4lwho1_500.png

Thanks Roskilde,

I can add that the elephants are not identical, depending on when they were made there are distinct differencies.

 

[Tarlita]

Thank You Lady Rosie, that answers my question as to when the next levee takes place. Many Thanks for your efforts.

 

[Lady Rosie]

Pleasure Tarlita. I am looking forward to seeing the coach and the DRF in their finery.

Viv. Google translate needs to polish it's Danish!

 

[Emmily]

I don't think I've seen something about that? Where have you seen it?

Lady Rosie posted a schedule that starts on the 6th. For some reason I thought this usually took place the day after, but I was wrong.

 

[polyesco]

T

While not an expert I happen to know that Danish naval officers
never wear caps indoors and thus never salute indoors!
In this case CP Frederik was wearing the naval gala dress with a
'sauce boat' hat, and I don't know whether the same tradition - not saluting - applies when in a 'ceremonial mode' as the gala dress would normally call for! The gala uniform is only worn by the very top brass!
IIRC we may have seen a navy styled Prince Consort wearing his 'sauce'boat' indoors, but having honorary - 'a la suite' ranks in all three services he may confuse the various traditions from time to other .

Last but not least in Denmark the Navy enjoys taking the mickey out
of the Army and their far more formal ceremonial and rigid traditions!
Now you could argue that an occasion like a New Year's gala is not the time and place to do so, but I for one wouldn't be surprised if it were the case ..

thank you Viv
it certainly makes since.
i know in the US, there is also "rivalry" /good jokes and differences between the military branches.

 

[marfre]

First photos.

http://www.bt.dk/danmark/se-billederne-nytaarskur-paa-christiansborg-her-ankommer-dronningen

 

[muriel]

An Ard Ri, the menu says ' creme Anglaise' and while the ingredients look somewhat similar to what I know as 'English' custard - this is probably a more refined version! Surfing the net for a recipe I noticed that one of our TV-chefs is vouching for 'chocolate cake with Creme Anglaise', so I suppose it's in order!

As far as I am aware, Crème Anglaise is really just custard.