Prince Henrik To Retire From Official Duties

In her annual New Year’s speech, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark tonight announced that her husband, Prince Henrik, will be retiring from official duties relating to the Danish state.

“My husband has made the decision that the time has now come for him to “slow down” – or, if I may use a common Danish term – to retire,” the Queen said during the televised broadcast, “Going forward, the Prince Consort will therefore only to a very limited extent partake in official events, which for so many years have been a natural part of his life.”

An official statement from the Royal Court confirmed what activities Prince Henrik will and won’t be taking part in as of January 1, 2016. The 81-year-old will continue to attend the New Year’s Banquet and events relating to his patronages, particularly in the art and culture areas. He will not be attending the other events of the New Year’s Courts, the Opening of Parliament or overseas state visits.

The Queen thanked her husband for his 40-plus years of work for Denmark, saying she was “deeply grateful for all the support, help and inspiration” Prince Henrik has given her during the course of their marriage.

Queen Margarethe and Prince Henrik during their State Visit to Indonesia, October 2015

Filed under Denmark
Tagged Margrethe II of Denmark, Prince Henrik the Prince Consort.

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