Crown Prince Frederik's Suitability to be King

[Empress]

Frederik's suitability as King of Denmark is frequently debated here at the forums. We wish to allow people to discuss this topic, but at the same time, experience has taught us that it might be good to have some boundaries in place before we begin.

As always, we're interested in having opinions from all sides as long as they're backed up by facts or examples, and members from all countries are welcome to join the discussion.

We hope that you can stay on-topic in this thread. If you think there is the possibility of a new and interesting discussion arising from this discussion, but it is off-topic in this thread, please search for a thread, or open a new one.

Please be polite, and avoid attacking other users as they are entitled to their opinions, no matter how you might feel about them. Everyone's opinions are equally valued by the moderating team.

As mentioned before, it helps to get an interesting debate going, if you give some examples or facts regarding Frederik’s suitability as king. The discussion stops fairly quickly if all we get are a few statements such as "Frederik will be a great king." or "Frederik will be a mediocre king." If you can expand on your opinions and share why you think as you do, it will lead to a more interesting and produictive discussion with less empty posts.

If you have a problem with anything or anyone in this thread, don't hesitate to contact a moderator, rather than conduct an open warfare in the thread and destroy other posters' enjoyment. Always remember the rules.

That being said - here is some food for thought to get the discussion going:

1. What particular instance has helped you to form your opinion regarding Frederik?
2. Do you think that his education and experience thus far has helped learn what he must do as king?
3. Do you think that having children of his own has helped him to become more mature and to really accept the role that he must play in the future of Denmark?
4. If you have another topic that relates to Frederiks suitability to be king, please feel free to throw that in as well.

Please remember that this in not a thread to discuss Frederiks relationships past or present!

Please save us all trouble and read/follow the TRF Rules and FAQ

[lyndaW]

I (personally) think that Prince Frederick is a most reluctant Crown Prince, he would have been much happier if he had been either the second son or a Prince Consort. Prince Joachim would have been happier if he had been the elder...much more articulate, and does a lot of speaking engagements...but that is not how it worked out.
I think CP Frederick will do his duty, but personal happiness ?

[agnessa]

I think too that Joachim would have been better crown prince because for me it seems that Frederick doesn't want to be on spotlight so much. But I think that it's quite wrong give some deciocions to somebody who I don't know. Only times could show does Frederick is appropriate for his role or not!

[bbb]

personally i believe he is suited to be king. he seems well educated, caring,
even-tempered, good natured, soft hearted and kind. Good attributes for his job of doing his best for the Danish people. He was a frogman in the navy (which prince or not he had to pass the training and achieve on his own merits) which imo makes him daring, brave, strong willed and stout hearted. you have to be one of the toughest guys on the block to achieve the tasks to become a seal, again good qualities in a king. perhaps the complexity of a man that can "tear up" and be a loving human being while at the same time being able to kill everyone in the room with his bare hands makes him more attractive to me (he's my favorite) but i really think he's more than up to the job. i understand his reticence and shyness aren't assets but some of the most brilliant people i know aren't comfortable around people or attention but have done very well in business(just don't ask them to give a talk or accept an award, they'd give up their fortunes first).
perhaps that's the strength in having a supportive family, everyone pulls together and any short comings evens out.

[Empress]

I think perhaps if he had been raised in a more warm environment, it might have been more beneficial to the modern take on what a king should be. I think that he was raised in the old school way of royals, which might or might not help him in the future. Although it appears that he has taken that lesson to heart and is raising little Christian with a more hands on touch.

[soCal girl]

Out of all the future monarchs in Europe, I do feel that Frederik is the least prepared. He seems to have lightest agenda and doesn't look all that comfortable being in the spotlight. That being said, Frederik's confidence has been boosted considerably with Mary in the picture. I think being married and having a family has given him a sense of peace that he didn't have before. With Mary and his family by his side, I do believe he'll step up to the plate and become a King the Danes will be proud of. Perhaps he doesn't feel the need, whether that be right or wrong, to take charge and be assertive since Margrethe will most likely not abdicate.

[Madame Royale]

A very grounded indavidual, I think. Perhaps at times unsure of himself, but who can honestly say that they haven't had moments of self doubt in whatever capacity? And if they did it would surely be a blatant lie.

A warm and kind hearted man with evident leaderships kills (armed services training), a good knowledge of diplomacy and government proceedings, I think Frederik has exactly what it takes to be a successful and affectionately regarded Monarch.

The Danes (a very very great majority) have truly endeared themselves to him but the Dane's (from my personal expereinces in Denmark) are very supportive and rather protective of their immediate royal family. Not because there's any real need to protect their institution, but because there is a real affection held between the royal family and 'her' people. It's really quite lovely to see.

[capricorninin]

A lot of people rely on educational qualifications and work ethics to determine the suitability of the current crop of crown princes. While these criteria may work when you are looking at the business and political leaders, I find them really unreliable and unscientific for royals. The reasons being it is more to do with the whole family as a unit than one individual. I think the objective of most of the royal families apart from the welfare of the people is also to maintain the line of royal family in the next century. Not an easy task when democracy has captured a lot of people's imagination and a Royal's political role is being curbed. Forget the extended family, people are wary to fund even the regent's immediate family especially the spare heirs. Yes we all indulge the babies with oohs and aahs, but this is the honeymoon period. Would the general public really want to contribute to the lavish lifestyles of these youngsters when they are in their 30's. So most of the royal families are devising ways to curb any ill feeling which could be generated later on. We have Prince Sverre not getting courtesy of HRH. And Princess Isabella has been shielded away from the public marking the difference that though the Queen's Granddaughter, she will be a private citizen.

Coming to Denmark, Q.M and P.H have themselves maintained a light workload. This is evident as both have got time to pursue their hobbies and I doubt that this has to do with a lack of seriousness from either one of them. Even the other members of the team constitute of only Crown Princely Couple, Prince Joachim and Princess Benedickte, None of them are swamped with work.
I think the lack of seriousness which is perceived in Frederick is simply him not disturbing the status quo and sending a contradictory message to the general public. It is not that he never works or never steps up when it is evident Margarethe is suffering due to ill health. It just seems that the workload in Denmark comes in periods of blocks.

In my post I am not supporting the view that he is suitable for his job, not even that there are not a lot of unsuitable traits in him but rather that as a king he may turn out pretty decent. After all the reactions of a king may not come through backstage preparation but rather instinct. It will be only in history that we will know of how he fares for himself and his country.

[UserDane]

Originally Posted by capricorninin

Coming to Denmark, Q.M and P.H have themselves maintained a light workload. This is evident as both have got time to pursue their hobbies and I doubt that this has to do with a lack of seriousness from either one of them. Even the other members of the team constitute of only Crown Princely Couple, Prince Joachim and Princess Benedickte, None of them are swamped with work.
I think the lack of seriousness which is perceived in Frederick is simply him not disturbing the status quo and sending a contradictory message to the general public. It is not that he never works or never steps up when it is evident Margarethe is suffering due to ill health. It just seems that the workload in Denmark comes in periods of blocks.

I am rather curious to know what has given you the impression that the workloads of queen Margrethe, her husband and her sister are light? I have not heard that claim before and it is not something I would agree with. Yes, QM pursues some hobbies but it that indicative of a light workload generally? Actually, I think these 3 people are extremely active if you follow them. Now they are at an age where it is only fair to allow them some more slack in their schedules (not that I am sure they will take things easier...). Joachim runs his own estate and I don't think that any of us royalty viewers can make a fair judgement of his workload since the major part of it is out of the limelight.

As to Frederik's suitability as a regent, I have no worries. I was 13 when his mother became queen and I remember very well the discussions of whether this young woman would ever be able to fill her father's shoes; how uncomfortable she seemed in the spotlight, how she shuttered and seemed shy etc. Today, few Danes complaint about the queen. The joke here is that the republicans want a republic - and with 'Daisy' as the president. Her qualities as a regent has become increasingly evident over the years. My late grandmother (a fervent royalist) said to me that 'they said the same when Margrethe's father succeeded his own father'. And I think it is true that we tend to all look backwards and compare (mostly unfavourably for the 'newcomer').
Being a good regent is IMO very much an ongoing process where the regent should have good instincts and be able to react to the times he or she is regent is. It would have been lovely if Frederik had been the world's greatest speaker - but frankly I don't think that will have anything to do with his qualities as a king. I could wish that he would do more media supervised events - and that would be because I give in to the attitude that he is not seen doing events enough. An attitude which really annoys me because IMO everyone must know that travelling round, opening things etc. is not the royals' main work load; much like politicians it has to take place out of the media's spotlight. But in our super-surveillance world we, the onlookers, seem to demand tangible proof - pictures! - before we believe that our royals are worth their pay. Too bad really.
I have a feeling that both Frederik and Philippe of Belgien, two CPs who do not now comply with our media requirements and do not possess the immediate attractions which the public seems to deem necessary for coming regents, will one day prove themselves as very good kings of their respective countries. They may be 'low-key' compared to some of their 'colleagues' but that will not, I think, make them less suitable as kings.

[happystupid]

Hi everybody

I am kind of new at this, but i was wondering if you could give me your opinion on something. The title of the thread says it all. I know im not allowed to post things, thats not in english, but the again the rules say, you have to 'prove' your statements. Here is a link to a danish newspapers homepage. Kronprinsen gav den på mundharpe i Pumpehuset - iBYEN.dk

In the picture you can see the crown prince playing on a mouth-organ on stage with a band 8th of december 2007. In all honesty, the band is one of his favourite danish bands, who played a reunion gig for the CP and his fiancee in 2004, i think.

My questions are:
-Is that suitable for a CP?
-Does it give the impression of the CP as being more like regular folk? And is that a good thing?
-Should he just watch the concert in stead of participating?

regards
Mr happystupid

[GlitteringTiaras]

Hi MHS Welcome to the forums.

My questions are:
-Is that suitable for a CP?
-Does it give the impression of the CP as being more like regular folk? And is that a good thing?
-Should he just watch the concert in stead of participating?

In my opinion, I believe it is perfectly fine for a Crown Prince or any royal for that matter to participate in an event such as the one Frederik recently took part of.

Second, it doesn't give me the impression that he is just a "regular guy." I have never thought of a royal being any different than you or I. The only difference is their job and title. Royals are human. They like to rock out just like the rest of us.

I hope that made some sense to you and again, welcome.

[UserDane]

Originally Posted by happystupid

My questions are:
-Is that suitable for a CP?
-Does it give the impression of the CP as being more like regular folk? And is that a good thing?
-Should he just watch the concert in stead of participating?

regards
Mr happystupid

Basically, I suppose we could ask the same for his mother and grandfather; is it suitable for queen Margrethe to be lying on floors making drawings for ballet performances or was it suitable for the late king Frederik IX to conduct an orchestra?
Personally, I am OK with Frederik trýing out his talents on stage - just like his mother and grandfather

[Vanesa]

Well...I know you'll hate me when I said it, but being a Prince is not only being handsome. Crownprince Frederick is awfully handsome, and I accept that I had a great interest on him because of it... But what a Heir needs is brains and doing things by himself (or herself, if it is a Princess). Anyone will help Danish Heir with his tasks as a King when he must sit in the throne..and having a beatiful wife that certain people admires for she is a nice face and have nice clothes wouldn't help , either.

Prince Frederick must work harder to make his speechs improving. Yes; he is already 40 and at 40, few people could change. But his situation is different to the other 40 years old people. He is representating his Nation. So, it will be nothing bad if he tries harder to speak a little better in public.

Our present Royal generation is excedinly handsome..but I'd rather like they were ugly and more equiped to face the problems who brought our modern world.

Vanesa.

[Jo of Palatine]

Originally Posted by Vanesa

Well...I know you'll hate me when I said it, but being a Prince is not only being handsome. Crownprince Frederick is awfully handsome, and I accept that I had a great interest on him because of it... But what a Heir needs is brains and doing things by himself (or herself, if it is a Princess). Anyone will help Danish Heir with his tasks as a King when he must sit in the throne..and having a beatiful wife that certain people admires for she is a nice face and have nice clothes wouldn't help , either.

Prince Frederick must work harder to make his speechs improving. Yes; he is already 40 and at 40, few people could change. But his situation is different to the other 40 years old people. He is representating his Nation. So, it will be nothing bad if he tries harder to speak a little better in public.

Our present Royal generation is excedinly handsome..but I'd rather like they were ugly and more equiped to face the problems who brought our modern world.

Vanesa.

AFAIK the Danes like him and that's all that counts.

[crisscross1]

Originally Posted by Jo of Palatine

AFAIK the Danes like him and that's all that counts.

And that is all that matters. It's obvious that C P Frederik is shy and prefers to stay out of the limelight. What is wrong with that, we don't know how much work he does behind closed doors, I'm sure he gives 100% when he is in the privacy of his own office. Being born a royal doesn't mean that he was born to speak fluently and with confidence in public. I have been incredibly shy all my life and changing just because others want it is easier said than done.

[Lichtenstein]

Originally Posted by crisscross1

And that is all that matters. It's obvious that C P Frederik is shy and prefers to stay out of the limelight. What is wrong with that, we don't know how much work he does behind closed doors, I'm sure he gives 100% when he is in the privacy of his own office. Being born a royal doesn't mean that he was born to speak fluently and with confidence in public. I have been incredibly shy all my life and changing just because others want it is easier said than done.

Not really wrong but: it is his job to stay in the limelight and to deliever speeches and to be able to make a clear point! Or, in other words: that's what he is paid for since it is part of the job description of a crown prince.

[Binz]

Originally Posted by Lichtenstein

Not really wrong but: it is his job to stay in the limelight and to deliever speeches and to be able to make a clear point! Or, in other words: that's what he is paid for since it is part of the job description of a crown prince.

Hm maybe, though what are the other parts or the job description? Btw where can I find this job description?