Here you go:
Prince Joachim’s speech at the wedding dinner at Fredensborg.
Dear (Chatleen: actually it is stronger, ‘beloved’ maybe???) Alexandra!
Life is a long journey, it is said. You have travelled a lot – you will travel a lot, will you go on the journey through life with me? I asked you that question, although in other words, nearly one year ago, and your answer were yes. You gave me the same answer today. The journey has gone a long way, even though it only just started! With you by my side, with your hand in mine, together we will explore, what is unknown for us – to live together as a married couple. As from today we take off together – you have to lead me, as well as I have to lead you. And there is nothing, I will rather do, than those two things. To follow you will be to support you – to give you the support you need, if anything would seem pathless for you, to trust you, when you make a decision, to stand by you in your choice. If not, how would I be worthy of the affection and confidence, you show me?
Right from the first time we met, you have showed me a confidence difficult to be a match for. There have been a lot of experiences for you, which has been everyday for me, since you a cold and rainy Wednesday in May this year were introduced to your future life. It will continue, but from now on we will be two. Now we both have to go to school. Already in the short period of time, we have known each other; you have been a good support to me. I know, that you in the future will continue to be so, because it is a part of your disposition to reach out, if it is needed. Likewise I will give you all the assistance, you might need. That is what our promises today to each other is about. To teach and at the same time learn, and through that create an unbreakable unity for our descendants to live in accordance with.
Dear Mr. and Ms. Manley: From this day forth I shall be in debt to you. You gave me your consent to marry your daughter Alexandra. Today I did so. From this day on, my task shall be to take as well care of her, as you have hitherto. This is also my privilege, but most of all, it is my pleasure. The harmony in your family has let the foundation of Alexandra’s genuiness. Together, Alexandra and I, shall find our part, lay our foundation for the generations to come, in the spirit of the twosome harmony. You have placed in my hand, for me to have and to hold, your most precious treasure. Take my word of thankfulness for the pride I feel, to continue this legacy of harmony, hand in hand with Alexandra.
Dear mother and papa. To fly away from the parental nest is rarely one act. You stand on the edge, stretch your wings, feel the wind. Maybe you make the jump. But sooner or later you will be out there flying. You return to the nest – but that also is succeeded by still longer trips. And than one day you build a nest yourself, with the nest, from which you jumped, providing the background for the new nest. I went to Australia – I returned home. I moved away from home, but was still a frequent guest. I went to Hong Kong – and returned – but not alone. And now I will build a nest with Alexandra. It is a big leap – the biggest – but with the upbringing, I have received, when you were the nest, you have given me safety (??), knowledge, courage and most important – the plans, the drawings of the nest, which Alexandra and I will build together. You have welcomed her affectionate, and shown her, how you build a nest in these latitudes. All this you received form your parents, mormor and morfar – mon mama et mon papa – So when I thank you for everything, you have given me and for the support you have been and still is, I also aim my thank you at those, who gave you these abilities to fly.
Dear (/beloved) Alexandra: You trusted me and followed me to the life and the country, you hardly knew. You have taken that country into you and Denmark has taken you into her. There is almost nothing in common between your life in Hong Kong and the life in Denmark, but in an exemplary way you have in a short while learned a great deal of the homework. It is not over, and it never will be. I remember, that the homework never ends (laughter), but it is well started, which as known is half fulfilled. But don’t you think, that we already are half the way down the road – No, we have just only started!
Any beginning is difficult, but we are two – for mutual support and joy. The homework is our journey through life. The journey, which will last – forever.
Both of us have followed a string, which now is weaved together in the band, which holds us together in love. Give me your hand, and let us go further in our journey (he kisses her on her hand).
Your Majesties, Your Royal Highnesses, ladies and gentlemen. Please join me in a toast for my bride, Alexandra!
