General News about Frederik, Mary and Family 9: May - December 2011

[Baroness of Books]

Originally Posted by Lady Rosie

It is so nice to see that the family has been largely left alone by the media.

It was lovely that they had a good break on the Mornington Peninsula.

Visit Mornington Peninsula - The Official Website of Mornington Peninsula Tourism

It is a beautiful spot. Melbourne is on the northern part Port Phillip Bay. If you followed the Bay in an easterly, then southerly direction you get to the Mornington Peninsula. Lots of Melbourne's A list holiday there in the summer.

If you are interested: if you follow the bay in a westerly direction from Melbourne, you get to the Bellarine Peninsula, then the Great Ocean Rd and Bells Beach surf beaches etc.

Hope I didn't bore you. Just in case you wanted some local information.
I add the following link as it has a good map.

Port Phillip Bay Accommodation - Carmel Of Sorrento Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Victoria

Lovely description and links; I'm ready to fly over to Australia right now for an impromptu vacation!

[AnnaNotherThing]

Originally Posted by American Dane

I feel so bad about being excited seeing these paparazzi photos when they deserve privacy on their private holiday

I can't say I feel the same way, I like seeing pap shots of them...they get enough privacy and security and they know the deal when they 'risk' going out in the open...It comes with the position...but I will say because my interest in the family is only superficial and one sided (i.e. what Mary is wearing)...I don't mind the odd, zoomed in still shot, rather than the close up hounding video clips that we saw of Mary and family last trip, the Prada boots in West Hobart park is what I am referring too :) I can do without those intrusive, awkward, in your face videos...I am only interested in her clothes, not her activities, so stills are fine with me...

[American Dane]

Originally Posted by AnnaNotherThing

I can't say I feel the same way, I like seeing pap shots of them...they get enough privacy and security and they know the deal when they 'risk' going out in the open...It comes with the position...but I will say because my interest in the family is only superficial and one sided (i.e. what Mary is wearing)...I don't mind the odd, zoomed in still shot, rather than the close up hounding video clips that we saw of Mary and family last trip, the Prada boots in West Hobart park is what I am referring too :) I can do without those intrusive, awkward, in your face videos...I am only interested in her clothes, not her activities, so stills are fine with me...

I totally understand your opinion and usually agree with that thinking but these pictures were of departing a plane, not frolicking in a public park. You can't arrive in Tasmania without being in the open for a few minutes which is what I imagine M+F+C+I+V+J were. They probably quickly departed (with the exception of Bella ) and went straight into some cars. I just think it's a bit unfair to catch them in those few minutes in between...

[nwinther]

Originally Posted by American Dane

Was Frederik flying with Bella and Vincent because (unfortunately in the royal world) they're only considered spares?

I think it's a more 1-2-1-2 thing. Say the queen was coming along, she could take Christian with her - but not Frederik. They have to skip a place in the line of succession. Surely at some point it makes no matter, i.e. the twins are not consideres problematic, as their place in the LoS is so distant it's unlikely to ever become relevant.

[Duke of Marmalade]

Top news headlines

The last part of the news section showing an incident where Christian appears to be running across a road without looking or stopping with his aunt Jane holding Isabella after him.

Not sure about the traffic situation there but it seems to be a potentially dangerous situation. Seems the young man got carried away and will need some serious adressing to listen and look.

I find it quite appalling to be honest that both Christian and Isabella miss school for such a long time because of a holiday. I understand they should see their mothers family but there is enough time to do so in the summer break. Its quite patronising behaviour since schools are usually very restrictive about the issue.

[EIIR]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

Top news headlines

The last part of the news section showing an incident where Christian appears to be running across a road without looking or stopping with his aunt Jane holding Isabella after him.

Not sure about the traffic situation there but it seems to be a potentially dangerous situation. Seems the young man got carried away and will need some serious adressing to listen and look.

I find it quite appalling to be honest that both Christian and Isabella miss school for such a long time because of a holiday. I understand they should see their mothers family but there is enough time to do so in the summer break. Its quite patronising behaviour since schools are usually very restrictive about the issue.

I agree entirely. I believe in the UK parents can actually be prosecuted for taking their children out of school for family holidays.

I suppose it goes to prove though, it's one rule for them and another for the rest of us.

Also, are the Danes really happy that their CP couple appears to have no intention of doing any actual work this month?

[FasterB]

In Denmark parents can´t be prosecuted for taking their children out of school for family holidays and I guess that almost all danish children have tried this at some point.

[nwinther]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

The last part of the news section showing an incident where Christian appears to be running across a road without looking or stopping with his aunt Jane holding Isabella after him.

Not sure about the traffic situation there but it seems to be a potentially dangerous situation. Seems the young man got carried away and will need some serious adressing to listen and look.

And I bet they let him play with matches as well. "Not Sure" are the key words in that paragraph. I don't see a single car in the entire clip. For all we know you're just dreaming up problems.

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

I find it quite appalling to be honest that both Christian and Isabella miss school for such a long time because of a holiday. I understand they should see their mothers family but there is enough time to do so in the summer break. Its quite patronising behaviour since schools are usually very restrictive about the issue.

I think they're just killing two birds with one stone. What's all the hubbub? Wouldn't you just be ranting on about how Mary and Frederik are rubbish parents, leaving their children at home while they go travel? How do you know they haven't arranged for lessons while on the trip? And what are the risks of him actually learning something from the trip - valuable lessons that he wouldn't have had the chance to do sitting in a dull classroom in gloomy december?

[Duke of Marmalade]

Originally Posted by nwinther

And I bet they let him play with matches as well. "Not Sure" are the key words in that paragraph. I don't see a single car in the entire clip. For all we know you're just dreaming up problems.

I think a child running across a junction without stopping or looking is always dangerous, whether you see a car in that particular moment or not. In case a car or a bike would have passed he could have been seriously injured or even worse.

To say I am just "dreaming up problems" is actually a slap in the face of all those who worry about road safety education for children - that is obviously badly needed because of thousands of incidents where kids arent as lucky as Prince Christian.

I think they're just killing two birds with one stone. What's all the hubbub? Wouldn't you just be ranting on about how Mary and Frederik are rubbish parents, leaving their children at home while they go travel? How do you know they haven't arranged for lessons while on the trip? And what are the risks of him actually learning something from the trip - valuable lessons that he wouldn't have had the chance to do sitting in a dull classroom in gloomy december?

Its all fine but then his parents shouldnt always brag about how "normal" their kids are because if it suits them, all of a sudden they are not as normal anymore. Holiday breaks are there for a purpose but of course if you are royal, feel free to do what you want.

[UserDane]

Originally Posted by EIIR

I suppose it goes to prove though, it's one rule for them and another for the rest of us.

How did you come by the knowledge that there exist special rules for F&M in the Danish education system?
Lots of Danish parents take their children out of school at odd times because it is so **** more expensive to travel during school holidays. Costs is not the issue here, but opportunity is.

It is both natural and obvious that Christian and Isabelle should be able to join the rest of their family when visiting relatives on the other side of the earth. It's not by any stretch a frequent occurrence.

Originally Posted by EIIR

Also, are the Danes really happy that their CP couple appears to have no intention of doing any actual work this month?

I don't see the problem. Frederik came directly from an official visit in Vietnam. If they had been employed they would be entitled to a fair amount of compensatory time-off after the rigid schedule in Australia and then Vietnam for Frederik.

[nwinther]

Originally Posted by EIIR

I agree entirely. I believe in the UK parents can actually be prosecuted for taking their children out of school for family holidays.

Not so in Denmark. Although it is an issue that parents take the children out of school a week before the winter break to go skiing etc. coming back the week the rest of the kids are on the official break.

Originally Posted by EIIR

I suppose it goes to prove though, it's one rule for them and another for the rest of us.

Yup. There's the proof. What will the world come to? I too think it should be possible to prosecute Danish royalty for breaking UK standards, even if they're not in the UK. Also, any other issue I might find offensive or unfair should also make them subject to prosecution.
This is in no way a petty, sour-grape attitude and whether you agree or disagree, it ought to result in some sort of prosecution or reprimand for the DRF. How dare they?

Originally Posted by EIIR

Also, are the Danes really happy that their CP couple appears to have no intention of doing any actual work this month?

Personally, I have no problem with it. I sense that you do, though.

[UserDane]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

IIts all fine but then his parents shouldnt always brag about how "normal" their kids are because if it suits them, all of a sudden they are not as normal anymore. Holiday breaks are there for a purpose but of course if you are royal, feel free to do what you want.

That is simply not true Duke; first of all, when and where have M&F 'bragged' about being normal? All royals make choices without explaining the reason for their particular choice to the media. I don't see how that amounts to bragging.

Taking children out of school outside holiday breaks is not limited to royals. I've had three children through the educational system here and lots of parents have done that in my experience - often just to be able to go on a holiday with their children at a price they can afford.
So the 'feel free to do what you want' is misplaced in my humble opinion.

[nwinther]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

I think a child running across a junction without stopping or looking is always dangerous, whether you see a car in that particular moment or not. In case a car or a bike would have passed he could have been seriously injured or even worse.

To say I am just "dreaming up problems" is actually a slap in the face of all those who worry about road safety education for children - that is obviously badly needed because of thousands of incidents where kids arent as lucky as Prince Christian.

Do you know the junction? Do we know that Christian didn't look? Could be there's a clear view from where he begins running, in both directions.

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

Its all fine but then his parents shouldnt always brag about how "normal" their kids are because if it suits them, all of a sudden they are not as normal anymore. Holiday breaks are there for a purpose but of course if you are royal, feel free to do what you want.

They brag about it? I think Christian, Isabella etc. live quite "normal" lives, or as normal as it gets when you're a prince(ss). Their parents live a life much like many diplomats, and as such they are no different from so many other children. Personally, I prefer the "not so normal" royals so whatever extravagance they indulge in I don't mind. But I'm in a minority I know.

[EIIR]

Originally Posted by nwinther

Not so in Denmark. Although it is an issue that parents take the children out of school a week before the winter break to go skiing etc. coming back the week the rest of the kids are on the official break.

Yup. There's the proof. What will the world come to? I too think it should be possible to prosecute Danish royalty for breaking UK standards, even if they're not in the UK. Also, any other issue I might find offensive or unfair should also make them subject to prosecution.
This is in no way a petty, sour-grape attitude and whether you agree or disagree, it ought to result in some sort of prosecution or reprimand for the DRF. How dare they?



Personally, I have no problem with it. I sense that you do, though.

Allright moderators. You can ban me. I just couldn't hold it in anymore.

Why don't you point me to the point in my post where I said the members of the DRF should be able to be prosecuted for breaking UK standards? How dare you claim I've said things that I clearly haven't?

I assume that even if there is no mechanism for prosecution, the Danish authorities at the very least, for their children's' sakes, encourage parents not to do what Mary and Fred have done? One would also expect the DRF to set an example for others to follow in this regard? Obviously not.

Gosh, I knew the Mary and Fred fan club would have a fit given that I decided to say something even slightly negative about them, but to be called 'petty' and accused of sour grapes for expressing concern that people can apparently remove their children from education for several weeks without a second thought is really sad.

[UserDane]

Try about two weeks EIIR and then take into account the age of the children. Isabella is not even in school for ch.... sake - there is no 'rules' or standards for children in kindergarden being taken along with their parents (other than the grownups in the kindergarden probably being happy for Isabella that she gets to spend time with her family). And Christian is in his very first introductory year in school.

I don't assume that you would appreciate any more being called a F&M detractor than others appreciate being labelled a fanclub - just for not agreeing with you?

[Muhler]

Easy now.

The alternative for Christian and Isabella was to do without both parents for a month and that's a long time for children that age.
Apart from that Isabella is attending kindergarten, so she won't miss anything and Christian is in preschool, so his won't miss that much either.
And I believe M&F brough a couple of schoolbooks with them, so that Christian can do some "homework" with his parents, not to mention the multitude of educational games there is available for the computer, which practically all parents I know of, who have children that age, use.
Apart from Christian and Isabella seeing their relatives there is also the educational angle in being immersed in a different language (English) and learning about a different culture.
All in all it's not a bad trade.

As for prosecution under the English educational system. It may be frowned upon taking your children out, but it's no reason for prosecution unless you take your children away from school regularly or take them away for a long time, say two or three months. - That would also lead to sanctions here in DK.
We are nowhere near that in this case.

I see a point in running across a road, without looking. I didn't see moster Jane look either, so I guess there wasn't much traffic if any.
Safety rules in traffic should be hammered into the heads of all children.
There is just one little problem: When small children get excited they forget all about what they have been told....
It hardly helps that cars are driving in the "wrong" side of the road in Australia...

[EIIR]

I don't see how anyone could call me an 'F&M detractor' given that I very, very rarely comment on them at all because I have very little interest in them. The issue of taking children out of education is something that's very close to my heart for personal reasons.

To give you an idea of the system in the UK, my parents took me out of school 2 days before the end of the school year in June some 14 years ago. They were summoned to my school where the headmistress left them in no uncertain terms how important missing even a couple of days of school is. They never did it again.

This board is generally extremely hostile to even the most lukewarm criticism of Mary in particular, as the reaction to Duke of Marmalade and myself demonstrates perfectly.

[nwinther]

Originally Posted by EIIR

Why don't you point me to the point in my post where I said the members of the DRF should be able to be prosecuted for breaking UK standards? How dare you claim I've said things that I clearly haven't?

Today at 10.50 (my time) you say:

Originally Posted by EIIR

I believe in the UK parents can actually be prosecuted for taking their children out of school for family holidays.

I suppose it goes to prove though, it's one rule for them and another for the rest of us.

To break it down - you say that there's one rule for them, and another for the rest of us. The only rule you mention in the post is the posibility for procution of parents in the UK. What else can you mean?

If you just mean in general, that royals act under different rules, why bring up the UK possibility of legal action?

Is there another way to read it?

Originally Posted by EIIR

I assume that even if there is no mechanism for prosecution, the Danish authorities at the very least, for their children's' sakes, encourage parents not to do what Mary and Fred have done?

I'm not really sure. The schools don't like it if you skew the holidays - and in a strict sense this could constitute that. However, if the parents are leaving for an extended period to a place where you'll rarely get the chance to go, I don't think they mind.

Originally Posted by EIIR

One would also expect the DRF to set an example for others to follow in this regard? Obviously not.

But what example is that? Stay away from your kids for weeks and weeks? Neglect the tasks and duties of your position? Raise the kids as best they can, while doing their job? My parents didn't travel when I was a kid. But I'd have loved to go to some of the places Christian has been when I was his age.

[EIIR]

Originally Posted by nwinther

Today at 10.50 (my time) you say:



To break it down - you say that there's one rule for them, and another for the rest of us. The only rule you mention in the post is the posibility for procution of parents in the UK. What else can you mean?

If you just mean in general, that royals act under different rules, why bring up the UK possibility of legal action?

Is there another way to read it?

I'm not really sure. The schools don't like it if you skew the holidays - and in a strict sense this could constitute that. However, if the parents are leaving for an extended period to a place where you'll rarely get the chance to go, I don't think they mind.


But what example is that? Stay away from your kids for weeks and weeks? Neglect the tasks and duties of your position? Raise the kids as best they can, while doing their job? My parents didn't travel when I was a kid. But I'd have loved to go to some of the places Christian has been when I was his age.

You are clearly choosing to see things that aren't there. I mentioned the UK position as an example of how important removing children from education is even for a very limited amount of time. It had also been mentioned by Danish posters previously that it is frowned upon for parents to take their children out of school for holidays during term time. The DRF evidently are choosing to ignore this.

With regards to the example they're setting. This issue would have been easily fixed if they had chosen to make their visit to Australia in the Danish summer when their children are already off school. I know Australia is warm and sunny at this time of the year but surely they could have made this visit in July for example or lined it up to coincide with their children's Christmas break from school? Or maybe made the visit shorter? I assume they've already had one summer holiday this year, they'll also probably go skiing in the New Year, why the need for another extended holiday now?

[marfre]

The timing of the visit would not have solely been up to Mary and Frederik? I think you would find it would also involve the Danish Business Group.

Danish summer means Australian winter which is not the best time to be doing business no matter on which continent your are, unless of course you are selling snow skis.