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.
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.
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.
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).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!
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.
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.- 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.
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.
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.
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..
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.
Has the collection of his poetry been published?
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.
Does anyone know whether any of Henrik's poems, in their entirety, have been published online? I'd like to read some.
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).
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
At which time the coffin of Prince Henrik is expected to arrive at Amalienborg?