Crown Prince Frederik's Working Visit to Nepal: September 17-20, 2015

[Muhler]

Summary of interview in Billed Bladet #39, 2015.

As MidwestMom says it's a mature Frederik who reflects on his experience.

(In the interview I will omit some of the quotes, in particular about Mary, that Roskilde has already translated).

First and foremost Frederik praises his wife:
It's fantastic to see that the Crown Princess is doing things that are truly extraordinary and that's nothing new.
She was also interested in the same topics before I met her. She has always been someone who cared for others. In particular the weak. Also long before I entered the picture, so that makes me happy and proud.
And I'll say that I learn a lot from the Crown Princess. I almost learn more from her than she is from me, because she has full focus on the area with women's rights. She is sought after high up in the UN system.
She's had a good platform. So we help each other in that way".

Q: Can Prince Christian relate to you going to a country that has suffered an earthquake?
F: "I really don't think the children can relate to an earthquake, because you can't see (that there has been) an earthquake straight away.
Right now the little ones, in particular Vincent, has something about tornadoes being exciting. He has seen tornadoes on TV, so he has been drawing tornadoes in the kindergarten. They find it very exciting because tornadoes move fast and look dangerous. You can get sucked up and flung away, so they can better related to that than to an earthquake, which you really can't see.
You can of course find something about it on YouTube, where people have been in a room and filmed it, but to them a tornado provides a more realistic image.
I can tell the children that I have been close to something that is just as dangerous as a tornado. That's probably how I will explain it to them in the more pedagogical way".

Why is Frederik now involved with Red Cross?
"It was my father who ten years ago wished that I joined Red Cross for which he is patron.
It could also have been my brother, but my father so much wanted that I continued in his footsteps. It's a tradition in our family to be involved with the Red Cross, that has a strong brand also in relation to other relief organizations. My father would perhaps like to retire a bit and I'm ready".
Frederik goes on to describe how PH brought often homemade toys with him home from mostly Africa.
"I also buy presents to take back home to my children and with these presents I can tell them about where I have been and how it is in these places.
I don't buy a remotely controlled car, because that you can get everywhere in the world. Here in Nepal and in Kathmandu I've been looking at a mask, a (finger) puppet or a local board game. That provides the children with a good impression of where you have been".

How is he about this "new" role of his?
F: "I'm fine with a role like this where I go out and put focus on Danish Red Cross. Otherwise I wouldn't have embarked on such a journey at all.
It's about selecting your trips carefully. I shall not go too early after a disaster and take away important resources from the relief efforts.
But the times I have been away to Mozambique and Nepal have been very rewarding for me. It's important to help put light and focus on that and help provide recognition for the great work being done from Red Cross and the locals.
It's difficult to say whether this side of my profile is getting too little recognition or attention. I've been a part of Red Cross and a special commissioner for the Red Cross for a number of years. I've been on field trips and visited the headquarter in Geneva.
I will never be going on the first flight to a disaster area, because there has to be a balance there, and as said before I must not pull away resources from the relief work and rescue mission. But I'd really like to put focus on the work done by the Red Cross and this trip will not be a one off.
There will be other opportunities for me to put focus on the Red Cross all over the world. That's just one of the many good things I have to work with and for that I'm glad".

However, it was a bit strenuous.
Q: Is it the age?
F: "I can sense that I'll be turning 50 in a couple of years.
It has been a trip with physical challenges. And I like the physical challenges and to stay fit at the level I am is a pleasure.
It makes me think more clearly at times, when you have periods when you are in really good shape.
But one is I guess more stiff in the body now once in a while than previously.
When we slept in tents it was with a thicker layer to sleep on. My back is a bit tight in the morning. That's one of the things I've noticed about myself in latter years. Perhaps the past five-six years.
But that's because you use yourself physically and don't stop doing it regardless of the age. (*) The age, in a couple of years 50, is but a number".

(*) A doctor once told my sister: "If you are past 50 and don't feel stiff and/or hurt in at least one spot of your body when you wake up, it's because you are dead".

[polyesco]

Originally Posted by Muhler

How is he about this "new" role of his?
F: "I'm fine with a role like this where I go out and put focus on Danish Red Cross. Otherwise I wouldn't have embarked on such a journey at all.
It's about selecting your trips carefully. I shall not go too early after a disaster and take away important resources from the relief efforts.
But the times I have been away to Mozambique and Nepal have been very rewarding for me. It's important to help put light and focus on that and help provide recognition for the great work being done from Red Cross and the locals.
It's difficult to say whether this side of my profile is getting too little recognition or attention. I've been a part of Red Cross and a special commissioner for the Red Cross for a number of years. I've been on field trips and visited the headquarter in Geneva.
I will never be going on the first flight to a disaster area, because there has to be a balance there, and as said before I must not pull away resources from the relief work and rescue mission. But I'd really like to put focus on the work done by the Red Cross and this trip will not be a one off.
There will be other opportunities for me to put focus on the Red Cross all over the world. That's just one of the many good things I have to work with and for that I'm glad".

However, it was a bit strenuous.
Q: Is it the age?
F: "I can sense that I'll be turning 50 in a couple of years.
It has been a trip with physical challenges. And I like the physical challenges and to stay fit at the level I am is a pleasure.
It makes me think more clearly at times, when you have periods when you are in really good shape.
But one is I guess more stiff in the body now once in a while than previously.
When we slept in tents it was with a thicker layer to sleep on. My back is a bit tight in the morning. That's one of the things I've noticed about myself in latter years. Perhaps the past five-six years.
But that's because you use yourself physically and don't stop doing it regardless of the age. (*) The age, in a couple of years 50, is but a number".

(*) A doctor once told my sister: "If you are past 50 and don't feel stiff and/or hurt in at least one spot of your body when you wake up, it's because you are dead".

Yes. Frederik has been involved in the Red Cross for years now, and his role in it will only grow and expand. Maybe the media can place more focus and not just his "sports" events
And i like that he said that he wont go to a disaster area right away, sometimes you end up just getting in the way

And yes 50 is just a number, hope he continues to compete in physical challenges and stay fit (for his benefit of course not my eyes lol)
had to lol at your Doctor quote

[MARG]

Originally Posted by Nordic

The last few years? I would say Frederik has matured a long time ago.

You know, there are so many things written about Mary and Frederik out there that aren't true. So many things twisted, so many conspiracy theories. It's incredible, really.

I would agree. He certainly wasn't "partying" after he met Mary, although I think a level of "activity" had to be maintained before the paps caught on to his romance with Mary. Nevertheless, he met Mary in 2000 and fell in love. It is now 2015 and they are still given to PDA's.

To all appearances, he has been a terrific husband and father and has led by example with his fit and healthy personal lifestyle and promotion of health and sport, particularly with children. But that is only the tip of the iceberg. It is engagements such as this trip to Nepal on behalf of the Danish Red Cross that show the much wider scope and deeper involvement that one would expect from the 47-year-old heir to the throne.

Unfortunately such engagements don't get much coverage as it involves both actual journalists and travel and they cost money. So your average scandal rag just keeps churning out rubbish about Frederik's ex-girlfriends and whether Frederik's marriage is "real" or merely a royal smoke screen hiding . . . yada, yada, yada.

[gerry]

Originally Posted by Muhler

Summary of interview in Billed Bladet #39, 2015.

As MidwestMom says it's a mature Frederik who reflects on his experience.

(In the interview I will omit some of the quotes, in particular about Mary, that Roskilde has already translated).

First and foremost Frederik praises his wife:
It's fantastic to see that the Crown Princess is doing things that are truly extraordinary and that's nothing new.
She was also interested in the same topics before I met her. She has always been someone who cared for others. In particular the weak. Also long before I entered the picture, so that makes me happy and proud.
And I'll say that I learn a lot from the Crown Princess. I almost learn more from her than she is from me, because she has full focus on the area with women's rights. She is sought after high up in the UN system.
She's had a good platform. So we help each other in that way".
....

mange tak, Muhler, as always for your translation of the Crown Prince's words, that give great insight into the mind of this deeply thoughtful man. I like how he knows to use his influence wisely and not just to show he cares. His point is to emphasize the importance of good work well done; for this we should all be grateful.

[polyesco]

Another picture from Nepal, looks to be a reception
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CPvA0rIUwAAMGAS.jpg

from the Governance Secretariat for Nepal Red Cross Society twitter
His Royal Highness Crown Prince of Denmark accompanied by @AndersLadekarl @DevRatnaDhakhwa @KirstenGeelan #NepalVisit

added:
another video from BBhttp://www.billedbladet.dk/kongelige/danmark/video-kronprins-frederik-hyldet-i-nepal
He was very well received

[Muhler]

VIDEO: Kronprins Frederik hyldet i Nepal | Billed Bladet

A nice video summary of Frederik's visit to Nepal from BB.



Thank you, Gerry. And I agree with you.

[camelot23ca]

I hope Frederick does more of these kinds of trips in the future. High profile international trips will be a very visible part of his job as king so it's good to get comfortable in that kind of role now. Also he seems to really enjoy himself and shine in situations like this.

I liked that he mentioned how he'll never go to a disaster area too soon after the damage occurs. It always annoys me when people complain about politicians and royals not showing up immediately. The last thing these sites need are people who don't know what they're doing and who can offer no practical assistance showing up in the middle of the carnage and making nuisances of themselves.

[polyesco]

One more picture, I dont think it has been posted before, but its too good to pass up
https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hp...86641989_n.jpg
"Crown Prince Frederik was not afraid to lend a hand when he was in Nepal to see the relief operation, we have been running the country since the earthquake hit"

and a short article about
Martin's father Jacob Jorgensen's company filming Frederik in Nepal
Kronprins Frederik hyrer Martin far - Herognu

"The royal family's communications department says that Jacob Jorgensen's company, JJ Film, for some time have followed many of the royals both for private use for the family and for any TV shows.

Even Jacob Jorgensen did not want to elaborate on what project he's up to the Crown Prince.
- As a rule we do not comment on ongoing recordings. This also applies to the specific recordings in Nepal, communicate JJ Film"

[polyesco]

some more pictures can be found on anp foto
https://www.anpfoto.nl/search.pp
search "H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark visiting the Lamjung district in Nepal with the Danish Red Cross"

this one is a really beautiful photo
http://imageupper.com/s02/1/1/R1444146267319350_3.jpg

at the village
http://imageupper.com/s02/1/1/R1444146267319350_1.jpg
http://imageupper.com/s02/1/1/R1444146267319350_4.jpg