Muhler - as I watched the video of the arrivals and saw that people go stag to these levees, it occurred to me - are these New Year events any fun for those attending? An honour, compelled attendance, part of the job - I get all that. But does one look forward to the time spent in attendance as a politician, military leader, whatever?
I know some few people that would see going stag to a dress up event as a great thing. But I know far many more that would think it was the seventh level of hell. But that's just the people I know and an American thing.
I'm sure the food is quite entertaining, the drinks are good, etc. but do people beg off ever? How long does the event last? Since it's a stag event, what do people do beside eat, do the reception line thing and seeing/being seen? It's not as if one could bring along a deck of cards and poker chips? It's not as if people can dance? Stream Sherlock on their phones?
Certainly the Grand New Year Court and the Court for the Diplomatic Corps, has consistently been described as a festive occasion, (the DRF appear to be lively hosts) and as an experience.
It is after all rarely people get an opportunity to really dress up and do it in an atmosphere that is formal, but not stiff.
It's also an experience because they are taking part in a tradition that goes back some 500 years.
And the taste of the more than 500 year old Rosenborg Wine is certainly an experience!
Okay, it's now become drinkable, but it nevertheless has a certain... flavor...
What are they doing? They chat and enjoy the food. Even government ministers don't have that many opportunities to just meet and chat at an occasion where they don't have to talk business. And they do it without any press listening in.
For the diplomats. Well, it's a festive occasion where they for once have an opportunity to show up in their finest, often national attire. And not least mingle and chat with the other diplomats.
Here they are all on neutral ground and protocol wise they are all equals. So some diplomats get an opportunity to talk with diplomats they may not necessarily talk with for all sorts of reasons.
But first and foremost, on that day you genuinely represent your country to the general public. Which is also a reason why so many dress in traditional attire.
The courts with other high ranking members of the society i.e. judges, high ranking administrative civil servants, officers may be shorter and perhaps not exactly a party. But most will know each other, either from previous jobs or because they studied (or served) together and often they don't get an opportunity to meet that often either and catch up and talk about old days. Now they can.
Let's see what happens at the Court of the Diplomatic Corps.
The diplomats will be lined according to seniority and that is also the order in which they greet the DRF. QMII gave a speech wishing the diplomats a Happy New Year.
The doyen of the diplomatic corps will give a speech wishing the DRF a Happy New Year with all best wishes for Denmark.
For newer members: The doyen or doyenne is the ambassador who been in Denmark the longest. It's traditional the doyen acts as spokesperson for all the diplomats in any given country, when it's necessary.