Death and Funeral of Prince Henrik of Denmark: February 13 and 20, 2018

[princess gertrude]

Originally Posted by Muhler

I'm relieved for his family.

They had the opportunity to say goodbye in peace, with no hurry. All of them, the children included.
And they got to say goodbye while (we may hope) he was responsive and knew who they were.
He, we may hope and I think so, also had time to say goodbye to his family. - Perhaps it was his brother Etienne de Monpezat, he was waiting for? Or perhaps just coming home?

He got to die in his home, Fredensborg. A place he and QMII were so very fond of, a place with so many happy memories.
He died with his family around him and he died knowing that he was loved and will be missed. Probably also with his beloved dog with him.

It was fast!
He seems to have had a good time in Egypt and then within three weeks he's gone.

Now his family can remember him as the loving, fun loving and warm grandpapa, he was. Rather than the shell of a man, who has all but faded away.

So I'm not only relieved I'm also glad, despite their current grief.
It was a good way to die.

Beautifully written! I too am glad it happenened this way. May the Prince Rest In Peace.

[JessRulz]

Statement from Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen:

It is with great sorrow that I have received the announcement of the death of HRH Prince Henrik.

Prince Henrik's life held the world. From a childhood in Hanoi to high school in Cahors. From studying in Saigon to military service in Algeria. From a diplomatic career in London to being a treasured focal point for the royal family in Denmark.

He best managed the Danish humor and self-esteem. He burned for fine French cooking and possessed charm and sense of poetry, music and art. With his international vision, he helped open the eyes of the Danes to the world.

Prince Henrik put a clear impression on the world around him throughout his life. He was a man of many facets. He dared to put himself and his person in play and refused to be a spectator of life. Life should be lived and experienced. Therefore, it was always an experienced and committed prince that you met.

Prince Henrik has represented Denmark in an excellent way. His involvement was contagious, and his insight enormous, no matter where and in what context.

The Prince's joy of life came with his grandchildren, who fortunately got a lot of years to get to know their warm and loving grandfather.

In spite of illness, the Prince kept his good mood to the last. It is admirable how fine the Royal Family has tackled and openly told about the difficult time they have gone through.

The Royal Family has lost an anchor. Queen Margrethe has lost her insightful and warm life companion of more than half a century.

Denmark has lost a unique representative of our country.

On behalf of the Danish people, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Queen Margrethe and the entire Royal Family.

Honor Prince Henrik's memory.

https://www.billedbladet.dk/kendte/d...m-prins-henrik

[Isaxon1]

The King and Queen of Sweden are cancelling their trip to the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang so that they can attend the funeral. King Carl Gustaf is first cousin to Queen Margrethe.

R.I.P.

[Mbruno]

Originally Posted by Muhler

It has been announced right now that PH wished to be cremated and half his ashes is to be spread over the sea, and half is to be put in an urn and buried at Fredensborg.

It also announced that his funeral ceremony is to be kept low key. That is it will be a private ceremony at Christiansborg palace church, attended by those nearest and dearest to him.

The ceremony will take place at 11.00 on Tuesday.

I assume that the cremation is also consistent with his alleged Buddhist leanings.

Since it will be a private funeral, I suppose there will be no foreign royals in attendance, unless the Swedes and Norwegians are invited as members of the family. Of course, King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie will probably attend too.

[Muhler]

PH will lie in state (Castrum Doloris) in Christiansborg Palace Church, prior to the funeral ceremony.

The coffin will be closed.

[JR76]

Originally Posted by Mbruno

I assume that the cremation is also consistent with his alleged Buddhist leanings.

Since it will be a private funeral, I suppose there will be no foreign royals in attendance, unless the Swedes and Norwegians are invited as members of the family.

I wouldnt say its necessarily a Buddhist thing. If Denmark is anything like Sweden most people get chremated nowadays with many choosing having their ashes scattered anonymously in Memorial Gardens at the cemetery. Although since I know there are big differences between the Churches of Denmark and of Sweden please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Hendrik-Jan77]

Originally Posted by Mbruno

I assume that the cremation is also consistent with his alleged Buddhist leanings.

Since it will be a private funeral, I suppose there will be no foreign royals in attendance, unless the Swedes and Norwegians are invited as members of the family. Of course, King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie will probably attend too.

Perhaps there will be a Memorial Service in a couple of weeks time for Danish dignitaries and members of foreign Royal Families?
That would be an opportunity for members of other Royal Families to give their respect in person to the Danish Royal Family.
And if it would be televised, it would be a nice way for the Danish people to remember the Prince Consort one last time.

[Hans-Rickard]

Originally Posted by Isaxon1

The King and Queen of Sweden are cancelling their trip to the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang so that they can attend the funeral. King Carl Gustaf is first cousin to Queen Margrethe.

R.I.P.

The trip is not cancelled (yet) but according to the Head of the Press Department, there will be "adjustments" to the schedule.

My guess is that they will attend the funeral and then travel immediately to the Winter Olympics from Denmark.

Originally Posted by JR76

I wouldnt say its necessarily a Buddhist thing. If Denmark is anything like Sweden most people get chremated nowadays with many choosing having their ashes scattered anonymously in Memorial Gardens at the cemetery. Although since I know there are big differences between the Churches of Denmark and of Sweden please correct me if I'm wrong.

The Church of Denmark (Folkekirken) and the Church of Sweden (Svenska Kyrkan) is very similar on that point. Cremation is actually the most common way of being buried here in Sweden today.

[MidwestMom]

So sorry to hear this. We knew it was coming, but somehow you're never ready. My condolences to his family and to the people of Denmark. This colorful and interesting man will be missed. Now Queen Margrethe will make the journey so many of us make - without the love of our life by our side, but always in our hearts. May he rest in peace.

[Duc_et_Pair]

Originally Posted by JessRulz

Statement from Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen:



https://www.billedbladet.dk/kendte/d...m-prins-henrik

Wonderful tribute by the Prime Minister.

[Nico]

Originally Posted by JessRulz

French media are reporting the following statement has been released by French President Emmanuel Macron:



President Macron and his wife Brigitte express their sincere condolences to Queen Margrethe II, to her sons Frederik and Joachim, to her grandchildren and to the people of Denmark."

Emmanuel Macron rend hommage au prince Henrik de Danemark
Macron: Henrik de Danemark a promu «l'amitié entre la France et le Danemark»

Prince Henrik was the epitome of this sometimes disruptive Gallic flamboyance. He was a man of strong convictions, sometimes for the good, sometimes not, but at least he made a point to speak his mind, a refreshing figure in this often far too pc world. He was one of the last of his kind, from a bygone era now..
Au revoir Monseigneur.

[rominet09]

May he rest in peace !

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by JR76

I wouldnt say its necessarily a Buddhist thing. If Denmark is anything like Sweden most people get chremated nowadays with many choosing having their ashes scattered anonymously in Memorial Gardens at the cemetery. Although since I know there are big differences between the Churches of Denmark and of Sweden please correct me if I'm wrong.

Had PH been an ordinary Dane, no one would have lifted even half an eyebrow.

I'd say the vast majority here in DK are cremated. And I'll also say that the majority are buried in an unmarked grave.

It it quite common to have your ashes spread at sea.

Many are buried (usually an urn) in a forest, like PH will be. - Or more correctly PH's urn will be buried among trees in the private part of the park around Fredensborg.

A relative minority prefer to be buried in marked graves or family plots.

Then there are those who belong to other faiths like Jews, Buddhist, Muslims, Asa-followers and atheists of course who have their special plots in the state cemeteries, - which are for all.

What is unusual is that PH's burial wishes is singular among the DRF. Normally they are entombed, or buried in a coffin like Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid.

--------------

At the press briefing today at 11.00 Lene Balleby was asked what the specific cause of PH's death was.

Lene Balleby referred to the information that had already been supplied in the official press announcements from the court and then she added: "He was (after all) an old man".

---------------

It will be the royal confessionarius Erik Norman Svendsen, who will head the funeral ceremony.

- Is he still the royal confessionarius?? I thought they had a new one.
If so, perhaps PH preferred Erik Norman Svendsen, who is a very likable man.

[Biri]

I have a rendezvous with Death
At some disputed barricade,
When Spring comes back with rustling shade
And apple-blossoms fill the air—
I have a rendezvous with Death
When Spring brings back blue days and fair.
It may be he shall take my hand
And lead me into his dark land
And close my eyes and quench my breath—
It may be I shall pass him still.
I have a rendezvous with Death
On some scarred slope of battered hill,
When Spring comes round again this year
And the first meadow-flowers appear.
God knows ‘twere better to be deep
Pillowed in silk and scented down,
Where love throbs out in blissful sleep,
Pulse nigh to pulse, and breath to breath,
Where hushed awakenings are dear...
But I’ve a rendezvous with Death
At midnight in some flaming town,
When Spring trips north again this year,
And I to my pledged word am true,
I shall not fail that rendezvous.

Alan Seeger (1888-1916)

Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine et lux perpetua luceat eis
Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine et lux perpetua luceat eis
Requiescat in pace, Amen.


Blessed are those who mourn: for they will be comforted.

- to Queen Margrethe
Crown Prince Frederik,
Prince Joachim
Crown Princess Mary
Princess Marie
Prince Nikolai
Prince Felix
Prince Christian
Princess Isabella
Prince Henrik
Prince Vincent
Princess Josephine
Princess Athena
Mrs. Francoise Bardin, nee Countess de Laborde de Montpezat
Count Etienne de Laborde de Montpezat
Count Jean Baptiste de Laborde de Montpezat
Mr. Xavier Bardin
Mr. Antoine Bardin
Mr. Guillaume Bardin
Count Raphael de Laborde de Montpezat
Count Bertrand de Laborde de Montpezat
Count Arthur de Laborde de Montpezat
Countess Adelaide de Laborde de Montpezat
Countess Clemence-Isaure de Laborde de Montpezat
Count Gregoire de Laborde de Montpezat
Sister Catherine de Laborde de Montpezat
Mrs. Cecile Beuste, nee Beauvillain
Mr. Benoit Beauvillain
Mr. Pierre Beauvillain
Mr. Thomas Beauvillain
Mrs. Anne-Marie Diego, nee Beauvillain

[iceflower]

.

The Palace has shared a lovely, often touching, number of photos of Prince Henrik's live. The last photo was taken during his stay in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, in January, so it's the last photo of him - so good to see that he was still in good spirits back then and enjoyed his last holidays:


** kongehuset.dk gallery **

[JessRulz]

Statement from the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin:

Your Majesty,

Please accept our deepest condolences over the death of your spouse, Prince Henrik.

I sincerely share your sorrow. I wish you and all members of the Danish Royal Family strength and courage at this difficult hour.

Yours faithfully,

Vladimir Putin

Королеве Дании Маргрете II • Президент Ð*оÑ�Ñ�ии


Private condolences have been sent from Spain:
Alejandro Riego @alexandropress 5m5 minutes ago
Los Reyes y Don Juan Carlos y doña Sofía han enviado telegramas de pésame a la reina Margarita de Dinamarca por la muerte de su marido, el príncipe Enrique.

[Iza Borowiec]

King Felipe and Queen Letizia as well as King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía of Spain have sent telegrams of condolence to Queen Margrethe.

[Muhler]

This is the school winter holiday this week and that means many children spend time with their grandparents these days. (That includes our daughter BTW who has been spoiled rotten for the past three days).
That means a lot of especially grandparents with their grandchildren have made a trip to either Amalienborg or Fredensborg - and I think Marselisborg and Gråsten as well - to place flowers, last greetings and candles.
It is a little special gesture for especially many grandchildren I'm sure. It is after all 18 years since we last had a person of similar status and rank who died in the DRF.

There is a gallery from Fredensborg after the sun went up, shortly before 08.00, this morning.
Including the hearse that must have come to fetch PH's body and take it to the undertaker for preparation.
https://www.bt.dk/royale/se-alle-oej...ra-fredensborg

There are also many sites where people write their condolences or simply share their thoughts. Billed Bladet has one such if any of you should be interested in writing something.
Til minde om prins Henrik – 1934 – 2018
It's pretty simple, press the white button and then press the next white button and write whatever you wish to write.

A book of condolence will I'm sure soon be set up at the Yellow Mansion near Amalienborg, which is the seat of the court administration.
Similar books of condolences are also to be found in the towns halls of the major cities and towns.

PH is getting a lot of praise right now. - Without omitting the controversies as well, including his dissatisfaction about him not being titled king.
As such many personal messages from ordinary Danes call him "king Henrik" - a little wry last honor.

A number of his close friends have also commented on PH's death and they typically pretty frank, while praising him. - I think PH would have appreciated that frankness.
Here is one from Kjeld Hillingsøe, whom I have quoted several times in these threads.
https://www.bt.dk/underholdning/prin...og-det-gnister

"In private Prince Henrik was temperamental, but also cozy, generous and happy/cheerful.
He had an excellent temper, so sometimes we collided so sparks went flying. But the next moment he was fine again. he was a good friend when he came in this house.
He was never pretentious, but he certainly spoke his mind. And then the most characteristic about him was that he had a very well-developed sense of humor.
If there was anything that interested the Prince he occupied himself with it. If something could be started/set in motion, he started it/put it in motion.
He was a free bird, who took the challenges there were underway.
He would have been an excellent ambassador for France in this country, so we are fortunate that we had the benefit of hims as a kind of ambassador for France in this country.
There was no doubt that loved the Queen dearly, no matter what he said about the king-issue. The two things were completely separate. There was an official side where he complained, but privately there were no changes".

----------------

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.

[Biri]

farfar is a father's father in Danish?

[betina]

Originally Posted by Biri

farfar is a father's father in Danish?

Yes, that is correct