State visit from Spain to Denmark: November 6-8, 2023


If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
See posts with no answers
Why is a private secretary and Lord Chamberlain getting the same level and order as the heir and spouse? Is that normal? Seems weird to me. Even higher than Prince Joachim and Princess Marie?

My suggestion for anyone wanting actual good coverage of this state visit is to follow the Spanish RF's social media ("X" and especially their YouTube channel). Rely on that for video and photos actually posted in as "real time" as possible. And especially for those wanting to actually see Mary and Frederik get their events covered. Fingers crossed that optics don't impede proper coverage of them during this visit.

Hope those following it enjoy the visit. About time Denmark participated in a State Visit of any kind. Hopefully for those that enjoy them there will be a slew of incoming ones because outgoing state visits may be few in the long-range future given various issues.

Anyway, enjoy. *
 
Last edited:
Stefan said:
Interesting that Crown Princess Mary is given the Order of Isabel the catholic, unlike Prince Daniel of Sweden who had to do with the lower Order of Merit.

As Prince Joachim and Princess Marie are also given spanish orders my guess is that they will participate in the State Visit.
Click to expand...
Indeed quite interesting. I don't know if it's Mary getting a higher order or Daniel a lower one? The Order of Isabel the Catholic seems to have been the order for heirs and spouses of heirs before, Mette-Marit, Máxima and Mathilde.

Mary also got the Order of the Netherlands Lion during the Dutch state visit while other spouses have received lower orders.

Seems to be a lack of consistency in the awarding of orders. Or perhaps there is a pattern?

Glad to see Prince Joachim and Princess Marie attending. I thought the recent 18th birthday celebration would mean they stay in the US.
 
Last edited:
Kingen said:
Seems to be a lack of consistency in the awsrding of orders. Or perhaps there is a pattern?
Click to expand...

Orders are usually awarded to correspond with the orders given by the other country. For example, Sweden awards spouses of heirs with the Polar Star, thus Daniel is usually also awarded with a lower order.
 
Minister of Court said:
Orders are usually awarded to correspond with the orders given by the other country. For example, Sweden awards spouses of heirs with the Polar Star, thus Daniel is usually also awarded with a lower order.
Click to expand...
Well spotted, that could very well be the reason.
 
On Monday, November 6th, DR will broadcast live between 6pm and 6:30pm, and between 6:50pm and 8pm the arrival of guests for the gala dinner at Christiansborg Palace, on the occasion of the state visit of the King and Queen of Spain.

Programme for state visit from Spain

Monday, 6 November
Arrival at Copenhagen Airport
14:00
TM The King and The Queen of Spain arrive at the Vilhelm Lauritzen Terminal at Copenhagen Airport, where HM The Queen, the Crown Prince Couple and HRH Princess Benedikte will greet The King and The Queen of Spain.

In connection with the airport arrival, The Queen and The King will inspect The Royal Life Guard.

Official reception at Amalienborg
15:00
The Queen and The King and The Queen of Spain travel together by coach from The Citadel to Christian VII’s Palace at Amalienborg, escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment’s Mounted Squadron.

Meeting with the Prime Minister
15:40
The King participates in a meeting with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at Christiansborg Palace.

State Banquet at Christiansborg Palace
20:00
The Queen hosts a State Banquet at Christiansborg Palace in honour of The King and The Queen of Spain. Participants include the Crown Prince Couple, Princess Benedikte, the government, representatives of Danish and Spanish business, representatives of culture and sport, the Spanish delegation, representatives of The Court, et al.

There will be speeches by The Queen and The King.

Tuesday, 7 November:
Opening of business conference
09:30
The Crown Prince and The King take part in the opening of a business conference at NH Collection Hotel in Copenhagen with the participation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Spain’s Minister for Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares as well as Danish and Spanish companies. The conference focuses on green transformation, Power-to-X and energy infrastructure.

At the opening, The Crown Prince and The King will deliver speeches.

After the opening of the business conference, The Crown Prince and The King will greet a number of business representatives.

Wreath-laying ceremony at The Citadel
11:00
The Crown Prince Couple and The King and The Queen of Spain participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument at The Citadel.

Visit at Copenhagen City Hall
11:30
The Queen, the Crown Prince Couple and The King and The Queen of Spain visit Copenhagen City Hall, where Lord Mayor Sophie Hæstorp Andersen welcomes them and hosts a reception in the Ceremonial Hall.

Visit at the University of Copenhagen
12:10
The Queen, the Crown Prince Couple and The King and The Queen of Spain visit the University of Copenhagen. During the visit, there will be a presentation of the book “El Libro de Los Epitomes”.

The book dates from the 1500s and contains a description of approximately 2,000 books from a library belonging to Hernando Colon, son of Christopher Columbus. The book disappeared after Hernando Colon’s death in 1539, but, in 2018, the book was found among manuscripts in the Arnamagnæan Collection at the University of Copenhagen.

After the presentation, the Crown Prince Couple and The King and The Queen of Spain will be shown selected items from the Royal Danish Library and will then take part in a discussion with Spanish scholars from the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University and Aalborg University.

Visit at Mary Elizabeth’s Hospital
13:20
The Crown Princess and The Queen of Spain visit Mary Elizabeth’s Hospital, which is Rigshospitalet’s future hospital for children, teens, pregnant women and their families.

During the visit, there will be an introduction to Rigshospitalet and Mary Elizabeth’s Hospital, and afterwards The Crown Princess and The Queen of Spain will visit the Testhouse, which is the setting for user involvement, development and testing of solutions for the future hospital. Here, The Crown Princess and The Queen of Spain will gain insight into the Testhouse’s functions and organisation as well as an opportunity to meet a family.

Minister for the Interior and Health Sophie Løhde will also participate in the visit.

Business luncheon
13:25
The Crown Prince and The King take part in a business luncheon at the Spanish residence with the participation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares as well as CEOs from Danish and Spanish companies.

Meeting with the Speaker of the Danish Parliament
14:55
The King participates in a meeting with the Speaker of the Danish Parliament, Søren Gade, and in a following reception with members of the Danish Parliament at Christiansborg Palace.

Reciprocal arrangement at the Glyptotek
20:20
The King and The Queen of Spain hold a reciprocal arrangement at the Glyptotek with the participation of The Queen, the Crown Prince Couple and Princess Benedikte. Prior to the dinner, there will be a tour of the exhibition “Joaquín Sorolla – Light in Motion”.

Minister for Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt also takes part in the arrangement.

Wednesday, 8 November:
Official farewell
10:00
The Queen bids farewell to The King and The Queen of Spain at Fredensborg Palace, where they will write in the guestbook and sign a window pane.

Visit at Danish Architecture Center
11:00
The Crown Prince Couple and The King and The Queen of Spain visit the Danish Architecture Center and participate in a roundtable discussion on sustainable urban development and planning.

Prior to the roundtable discussion, the Crown Prince Couple and The King and The Queen of Spain tour the exhibition “Copenhagen in Common” about Copenhagen’s urban development from 1947 until the present time. The exhibition was created in connection with Copenhagen’s designation as the World Capital of Architecture in 2023.

Meeting with Spaniards living here
12:15
The King and The Queen of Spain meet Spaniards living in Denmark at a reception at Moltke’s Palace in Copenhagen.
Click to expand...

https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/programme-for-state-visit-from-spain

The royal couple will be on a three-day state visit to Denmark, and preparations are therefore in full swing right now. Among other things, the Royal Life Guards Band is rehearsing Spain's national melody - La Marcha Real - so that they are ready to perform it for Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain during the state visit.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CzJgm35t3_u/?hl=da

Carriage route for state visit from Spain
https://www.kongehuset.dk/nyheder/karetrute-for-statsbesoeg-fra-spanien
 
Last edited:
Itinerary was posted. Interesting. Seems a bit thin compared to other state visits happening. I will take the 5th as to my opinions why. But, Mary and Frederik doing the heavy lifting as defacto hosts it seems.

Anyway, for those that are going to follow this I suggest using the Spanish RFs social media on X and their YouTube channel. They actually post photos and videos in good time.
 
Last edited:
Looking forward to the visit. As has become custom, Frederik and Mary will accompany the King and Queen in the majority of the events.

Benedikte will be taking part but she does not get a Spanish order? or maybe she has one already. Joachim and Marie do get orders but no participation.

*Just checked, Benedikte already has the Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic.
 
Last edited:
I hope the weather is not too cold ,poor Letizia looked frozen when she was in Sweden.
 
Blog Real said:
On Monday, November 6th, DR will broadcast live between 6pm and 6:30pm, and between 6:50pm and 8pm the arrival of guests for the gala dinner at Christiansborg Palace, on the occasion of the state visit of the King and Queen of Spain.

Programme for state visit from Spain



https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/programme-for-state-visit-from-spain

The royal couple will be on a three-day state visit to Denmark, and preparations are therefore in full swing right now. Among other things, the Royal Life Guards Band is rehearsing Spain's national melody - La Marcha Real - so that they are ready to perform it for Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain during the state visit.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CzJgm35t3_u/?hl=da
Click to expand...
Is it just me, or the programm sounds "relaxed" the official welcome at noon instead of morning, and no engagement for Q.letizia after the welcome till the dinner? I just mean..

An Ard Ri said:
I hope the weather is not too cold ,poor Letizia looked frozen when she was in Sweden.
Click to expand...
I hope Anne Marie gave her some hints.:lol:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Mary-Rose said:
Is it just me, or the programm sounds "relaxed" the official welcome at noon instead of morning, and no engagement for Q.letizia after the welcome till the dinner? I just mean..
Click to expand...

Not even an event with Mary. Like I said...pretty thin itinerary when compared to other state visits going on. Maybe optics. Who knows
 
Actually, reviewing the agendas of the recent visits from Belgium and the Netherlands, the agenda for this visit is similar or even longer.

Mary-Rose said:
Is it just me, or the programm sounds "relaxed" the official welcome at noon instead of morning, and no engagement for Q.letizia after the welcome till the dinner? I just mean..
Click to expand...

The flight between Madrid and Copenhagen lasts approximately 3 and a half hours, and before departure in Spain there is an official farewell ceremony.

Izzie said:
Not even an event with Mary. Like I said...pretty thin itinerary when compared to other state visits going on. Maybe optics. Who knows
Click to expand...

Visit at Mary Elizabeth’s Hospital
13:20
The Crown Princess and The Queen of Spain visit Mary Elizabeth’s Hospital, which is Rigshospitalet’s future hospital for children, teens, pregnant women and their families.
 
lula said:
Actually, reviewing the agendas of the recent visits from Belgium and the Netherlands, the agenda for this visit is similar or even longer.



The flight between Madrid and Copenhagen lasts approximately 3 and a half hours, and before departure in Spain there is an official farewell ceremony.



Visit at Mary Elizabeth’s Hospital
13:20
The Crown Princess and The Queen of Spain visit Mary Elizabeth’s Hospital, which is Rigshospitalet’s future hospital for children, teens, pregnant women and their families.
Click to expand...

Re the comment about the no event with Mary I was replying to the comment that after arrival Letizia has no event until the dinner on the 6th. I saw this event above. Surprised not to see an event related to the Mary Foundation's work. Maybe they want to keep the optics of Mary with Letizia to a minimum....optics. I will be curious about how they walk in when QM is there.

Anyway, like I said...for those that will follow this I suggest sticking with the Spanish RF social media and reporting. They will provide the best coverage.

:flowers:
 
Hmm, looks like a pretty standard state visit.
Apart from the presentation of the book, nothing out of the ordinary. Most interesting though.

There is not that many Spanish living in DK, and while a whole lot of Danes visit Spain every year and many actually live there, there really aren't that strong cultural and commercial connections between DK and Spain. We have been co-exiting happily for centuries.
And increasing number of Spanish come to DK in these years, to study, to work (there are plenty or work opportunities if you are a fluent English-speaking EU-citizen) and during the summer in particular to get away from the heat. But short weekend trips to Copenhagen is getting popular as well, even though cities like Berlin are much more attractive.

I'm a little puzzled though that Joachim and our Marie are getting orders without even being present. :ohmy:
AFAIK neither of them have been doing anything worth mentioning in connection with Spain, unless we talk about some sort of defense-industry connection. Spain has a considerable defense industry and DK is a major sub contractor, not least of more advanced components, software and sensor systems.
 
Izzie said:
Why is a private secretary and Lord Chamberlain getting the same level and order as the heir and spouse? Is that normal? Seems weird to me. Even higher than Prince Joachim and Princess Marie?
Click to expand...

With the exception of the order of the Golden Fleece, which is in the personal gift of the King, all other Spanish orders are awarded on the discretion of the government. Crown Princes are usually awarded the Grand Cross of the order of Isabella the Catholic although some heirs like Prince Charles when he was Prince of Wales are awarded the Grand Cross of the higher order of Carlos III, which is also normally awarded to queens consort or princes consort.

European monarchs are awarded the Collar of the order of Carlos III and, normally later on a return visit, the order of the Golden Fleece. Presidents are usually awarded the Collar of order of Isabella the Catholic and, sometimes, later the Collar of the order of Carlos III although some presidents may be awarded the Collar of the order of Carlos III directly.

In recent times, it has become common to award the Grand Cross of the lower order of Civil Merit to minor royals in visits to other monarchies, as Joachim and Marie are getting in this state visit to Denmark.
 
Still did not answer why a private secretary and a Lord Chamberlain is getting the same order as the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. Why not the same as Princess Marie and Prince Joachim?

Given how long Frederik has been heir at this point maybe he could have gotten the Charles III order as heir. It is what it is. Notice I didn't even ask about Mary getting it since we know she won't at this point.

Anyway, I'm out. I'm sure the visit will be enjoyed by all here.
 
Izzie said:
Still did not answer why a private secretary and a Lord Chamberlain is getting the same order as the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. Why not the same as Princess Marie and Prince Joachim?

Given how long Frederik has been heir at this point maybe he could have gotten the Charles III order as heir. It is what it is. Notice I didn't even ask about Mary getting it since we know she won't at this point.
Click to expand...

The exchange of decorations is agreed between the two countries so that it is as equal as possible... you would have to know which ones Denmark gives to understand it. At least in Spain, the Head of the King's Household has a treatment similar to that of a minister and receives decorations according to that rank. In Denmark it may be similar.

The decorations go from least to greatest importance, the length of time you have been heir does not count, it counts the number of visits that have been exchanged between the countries while you were in office. In the case of the Spanish orders, in the last 20 years there have been some modifications to the rules of each one that influence the changes.
 
:previous: pardon my complete apparent ignorance. I will refrain from opining on matters of which I know naught. The explanation in such plain terms is much appreciated. Thank you.

Once again, enjoy the visit. Nice to see that Denmark and the DRF have finally had a state visit incoming since they were lagging way behind everyone else. And I don't expect an outgoing one any time soon or foreseeable future.

As I previously stated, those that wish to have hood, complete and rolling coverage should follow the Spanish RFs social media.

https://youtube.com/@casarealtv?si=XhGCSZZl9TnzZouR
https://x.com/CasaReal?t=qHtAYKHGJlIzJD_y0b3vEg&s=09
 
Last edited:
I am a bit surprised by absent Joachim and Marie getting an order; especially given that previously for example William and Catherine that participated in a Spanish state visit (but not accompanied them on a specific engagement) did not receive anything.

I guess, it is indeed about reciprocity; but rewarding someone for not playing any part, still seems weird. Feels almost like Margrethe requested this to appease her son and daughter-in-law.
 
Somebody said:
I am a bit surprised by absent Joachim and Marie getting an order; especially given that previously for example William and Catherine that participated in a Spanish state visit (but not accompanied them on a specific engagement) did not receive anything.

I guess, it is indeed about reciprocity; but rewarding someone for not playing any part, still seems weird. Feels almost like Margrethe requested this to appease her son and daughter-in-law.
Click to expand...


Yes that is very odd that Joachim and Marie will get spanish orders but not participate in the State visit.
As for William and Catherine not getting spanish orders it has proibably to do wioth the oldfashioned approach of the british RF to not even award a british Order to foreign Queen Consorts.
 
Somebody said:
I am a bit surprised by absent Joachim and Marie getting an order; especially given that previously for example William and Catherine that participated in a Spanish state visit (but not accompanied them on a specific engagement) did not receive anything.

I guess, it is indeed about reciprocity; but rewarding someone for not playing any part, still seems weird. Feels almost like Margrethe requested this to appease her son and daughter-in-law.
Click to expand...

Queen Letizia did not receive any British order... in that case those who accompanied the king and the queen at some event on behalf of the queen were decorated.

This visit was postponed due to Queen Margrethe's surgery, perhaps on the original date the presence of Joachim and Marie at the gala was scheduled, and later that information was not updated.
 
Very puzzled by the orders for non-participating J&M too...

Seems likely Felipe and Letizia will be the first couple to receive the Order of the Elephant at the same time since the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxemborg in 2003!

Izzie said:
Still did not answer why a private secretary and a Lord Chamberlain is getting the same order as the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. Why not the same as Princess Marie and Prince Joachim?
Click to expand...

Henning Fode isn't just QMII's private secretary, he's also Secretary of the Chapter of the Royal Danish Orders of Chivalry.

It's not unusual for prominent members of the court to receive orders at state visits. Fode and Kim Kristensens predecessor as Court Marshal, Michael Ehrenreich, also received the Grand Cross of the Order of the Falcon at the Icelandic state visit in 2017.
 
Official farewell at Barajas airport

LOS REYES INICIAN SU VIAJE DE ESTADO A DINAMARCA - Todos - ..:GTRESONLINE:..

https://www.semana.es/casas-reales/...reno-viaje-dinamarca-look-20231106-002730856/

https://www.hola.com/realeza/casa_e...lipe-letizia-primer-viaje-estado-dinamarca/1/


Spanish news channel that broadcasts live

https://www.rtve.es/play/videos/directo/informativos/24h/

Welcome ceremony

https://www.instagram.com/p/CzTl2mMNlyF/

https://images.gtresnews.com/es/fea...-estado-a-dinamarca/page/1/SN/ACTUALITY_TODOS

https://www.hola.com/realeza/casa_e...lipe-letizia-primer-viaje-estado-dinamarca/5/

Amalienborg live

https://www.billedbladet.dk/kongeli...onning-margrethe-ankommer-med-kongeparret-til

Photos

https://images.gtresnews.com/es/fea...-estado-a-dinamarca/page/1/SN/ACTUALITY_TODOS


King Felipe meets Prime Minister Mette Frederikse

https://twitter.com/x/status/1721550502821826925

Day 1 - Spanish Royals Visit Denmark

https://www.gettyimages.es/fotos/sp...yals Visit Denmark&sort=best&events=775921107

https://www.gettyimages.es/fotos/sp...yals Visit Denmark&sort=best&events=776058003
 
Last edited:
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, bid farewell with honors at the Madrid airport before heading to Denmark for their state visit.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1721464988785668391

https://www.vanitatis.elconfidencia...rca-despedida-fotos-chaqueta-fetiche_3768431/

https://www.casareal.es/ES/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_viajes_detalle.aspx?data=851

https://twitter.com/x/status/1721480832232132793

https://www.billedbladet.dk/kongeli...rste-glimt-af-kong-felipe-og-dronning-letizia


They arrive in Denmark where they are received by Queen Margrethe II, Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary and Princess Benedikte.
https://www.billedbladet.dk/kongeli...prinsparret-tager-imod-det-spanske-kongepar-i

https://twitter.com/x/status/1721522501170221199

https://c7.quickcachr.fotos.sapo.pt/i/G18172408/22563594_JENir.png

https://www.kongehuset.dk/foto-video/statsbesoeg-fra-spanien---dag-1


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvo2kni7t2A

HM The Queen has today bestowed on TM The King and The Queen of Spain the Order of the Elephant. This took place in Christian VII’s Palace in connection with the start of The King and Queen’s state visit to Denmark. At the same time, the Crown Prince Couple were decorated with the Grand Cross of Spain’s Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic.
Click to expand...

https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/t...f-spain-are-awarded-the-order-of-the-elephant

Official photo:
https://c1.quickcachr.fotos.sapo.pt/i/Gbf1769f3/22563755_oh7NC.png

King Felipe VI holds a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, at Christiansborg Palace.

https://twitter.com/CasaReal/status/1721550502821826925?t=17rAiZbiCluV7H1pBnQ5xw&s=19

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqIJ_o14oz8
 
Last edited:
It's on days like this that I will miss the Royal Forums mobile app! When will it return?
 
Did Benedikte attend the reception in Amalienborg? I only saw the CP Couple and the monarchs arrive.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

iceflower
State Visit from the President of South Korea: November 21 - 23, 2023
2
Replies
55
Views
7K
muriel
muriel
iceflower
Official Visit from Norway to Denmark: June 15 - 16, 2023
2
Replies
35
Views
6K
polyesco
P
Blog Real
State visit from Spain to the Netherlands: 16-18 April, 2024
4 5 6
Replies
171
Views
15K
Alisa
Alisa
iceflower
Belgian State Visit to Germany: December 5 - 7, 2023
Replies
25
Views
2K
iceflower
iceflower
Blog Real
State visit from Portugal to Belgium: October 16th and 20th, 2023
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
iceflower
iceflower

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom