Crown Princely Family Visit to Greenland: August 1-8, 2014

[Muhler]

That was a wonderful trip, indeed. An article from Daily Mail:
Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark visit Greenland | Mail Online .
Muhler, what do you think about Crown Princess Mary's progress in Danish language (especially when she talked to the media in Greenland)?

Well, nothing new really.

She speaks with her usual pronounced accent.

Her understanding of Danish is clearly perfect.
Her responses are instant and fluent, so she was thinking in Danish.
I didn't notice any of her habitual mistakes. (Native English speakers often have problems with the endings in Danish words). That may be because she is improving (having children learning to speak and going to school benefits the parents too) or just a coincidence.
She is better at expressing herself than Frederik, but that's no news.

She may have been challenged a bit during this trip since the Greenlanders speak Danish with an accent. But it wouldn't be worse than rural accents and dialects in DK.

 

[Roskilde]

I don't know if it has been mentioned already, but I just saw on the telly that in addition to tomorrow's TV2 documentary on the trip, DR will also send a reportage on Monday.

Thanks Archduchess Zelia

DR's reportage should be available online. In the program description for DR's program can we read: In an exclusive interview with DR the Crown Prince Couple look back at the highlights and gives an insight into the unique relationship that exists between the royal house and Greenland.

TVGuide.dk - Kronprinsparret i Grønland

**

Pictures of the Crown Prince Family leaving Greenland today. They arrived to the airport where Nuuk's mayor Asii Chemnitz Narup said goodbye to them. In the first car with flags were Frederik and his girls, Bella and Ivalo. In the car behind, Christian, the nanny and Mary together with Vincent in the back seat. There were big smiles and waves from them all to the crowd at the airport.

http://sermitsiaq.ag/sites/default/...afgang_fra_nuuk_0d47453_170.jpg?itok=js-SJ0Xl
http://sermitsiaq.ag/sites/default/...afgang_fra_nuuk_0d47456_173.jpg?itok=i-tKRN_m
http://sermitsiaq.ag/sites/default/...afgang_fra_nuuk_0d47460_177.jpg?itok=Xw8zlxdg

 

[Tarlita]

All my friends love these photos and we think it has been a wonderful trip. I am sure the twins will be pleased to be home and back into their normal routine. They handled themselves very well tho. What a Summer it has been for them, firstly at Tisvilde then to Grasten playing with all the cousins & a trip to Legoland and then Greenland. An action packed summer for any 3 yr old.

 

[Tiggersk8]

The text in one of the Greenlandic papers suggested that while Bella and Christian soldierd on, the twins were understandably by now less enthusiastic about shaking hands with people and being in focus.
They are after all only three years old and a week is a very long time at that age. So it is no wonder if the novelty effect is starting to wear off and they begin to think it's not that fun anymore.

But they have shown that they can deal with a crowd and that they can be well behaved and polite and that they are not frightned by many people. (I guess the hamlets in Greenland is a manageble size for small children).
That will build up confidence for their next public apperance.

You know something? Just like IMO the little Infantas of Spain during the Ceremonies of their Dad's Installation, I think the Twins did very, very well during this trip. Especially considering they are just Three. Well done to them and their Parents for preparing them so well too.


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[Eden]

Thank you to all the Danish posters, you have made this trip so much more enjoyable for us non-Danes
What amazing parents and what great parenting skills! To have such well behaved 3 year olds doing what the twins did! WOW! I take my hat off to M&F!WOW! Well done.

 

[stellam]

A huge thank you to everyone who posted links to pics and info about this trip, it was greatly appreciated. It was an amazing trip. Bella is truly 'daddy's girl', Josephine really shone and showed her independence and Christian already shows he is aware of his position within the family. Vincent was the surprise for me. On most occasions when this family appear in public Vincent is the 'go-getter' but on this occasion he was extremely shy. Fred and Mary, well what can I say. It seems they have the Greenlanders close to the heart. I always love the PDA between this couple and you can see, if you look at Christian's reaction on one of the pics, that it's something they do regularly in front of their children hence the children being affectionate towards one another. Beautiful memories.

 

[Muhler]

As so many times before it takes a child to see the obvious.

My daughter was looking over my shoulder when I was quickly going through a gallery and she noticed a detail about Josephine.

In a number of photos from the last day in Nuuk, Josephine was seen wrinkling her nose. I thought she was about to sneeze, had developed a cold or was just bored. But my daughter immediatly determined that Josephine didn't like the smell of fish.
http://sermitsiaq.ag/sites/default/...blic/media/kronprinsp_web_4.jpg?itok=d2seiKXr
Come to think of it it's the most plausible explanation.
(It can also be the smell of rotting seaweed, of whaleblubber (or just fat in general) being boiled. Whatever it was, it was something down the harbour.

There is also a picture of Christian on the same occasion where he is standing in front of the family with the eyes half closed and seems to be taking a deep breath through his mouth. So perhaps Josephine wasn't the only one who didn't like the smell?
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRg7UOLr6...ejQ/Mki4VfZ6UUA/s1600/7557565-besg-i-nuuk.jpg

 

[HereditaryPrincess]

I would also like to thank those who posted videos, photos and reports on the visit.
I'm a little sad that this visit is now over, but as others have said I'm sure lots of memories have been made on this trip, and that the children (as well as Mary and Frederik) will remember it for a long time. I thought Christian, Isabella, Vincent and Josephine behaved so well throughout, it will be interesting to see if they accompany their parents on more royal engagements in Denmark. I loved Josephine's funny faces in Nuuk.

You are welcome Tarlita & Polyesco.

It's a contraption like this: http://www.ranum-teltudlejning.dk/upload/Image/foedselsdagshoppeborg_-_5.jpg
Called a hoppeborg in Danish.

That would be called a bouncy castle in English. Over here, children love them - they're often big hits at parties.

 

[iceflower]

.

Here's another gallery of the journey:



** Mary et Frederik de Danemark : Leurs jumeaux stars au Groenland, un beau séjour **

 

[Roskilde]

In about 10 minutes TV2's reportage about M&F and children in Greenland will begin...

As a sneak peak, TV2 have put this clip out at their website, where M&F tell it wasn't always that easy to get the children to wear their national costumes.

Mary: En udfordring at få dem i isbjørnebukser | Nyhederne.tv2.dk

Mary: - I think it's very lovely that they represent the entire Greenland different places with different costumes and I think the children took it so well, and they stood there beautiful and proud (a better translation?) in their national costumes.

But Mary reveals it perhaps not everyday has been easy to dress the children in them.

- There will be some challenges when you ask a three and a half year old boy to come down in a couple of polar bear pants, Mary tells with a smile and continues
- But they did it, and they looked so adorable and lovely and wonderful wearing them.

 

[Muhler]

Watched the TV2 coverage of the visit and even if you don't understand a single word the stunning imagery will be a pleasure in itself.

It was the USA correspondent, the likable Jesper Steinmetz, who met up with M&F and did a brief interview with them.
To Frederik it was very much a walk down memory lane with him remembering his own first visit to Greenland 32 years ago, through the eyes of his children.

Vincent may be the most shy of the children, but he's also a bit of a handful, but in an endearing way.
Christian took part in a children's relay, but ended up being beaten just before the finishing line by an older boy. - Life is unfair...
Minik & Ivalo met a couple of local twins, albeit a few months younger than themselves and they obviously fascinated Ivalo in particular and Mary was heard explaining that the Greenlandic are single-egged while she and Minik are (whatever it's called in English - two-egged, you know...).

When the family had climbed a hill to unveil a plaque in a hamlet, for which this was the first royal visit. Minik and Ivalo were to pull away the Greenlandic flag and dad explain: "We Pull on one...two...three". And the twins pulled... Well, they did pull on three, just...
Minik wasn't that impressed with the view. He could see "an old boat".

The bird, the chick, Isabella carefully held in her hand was investigated tenderly and Ivalo explained to her mother it was a "pipfugl = chirp-bird" (*)

In most of the footage Dannebrog was seen from the front, simply because in contrast to normal escorting, the escorting frigate sailed in front of Dannebrog most of the time, to keep a lookout for large lumps of ice. Eventhough Dannebrog is designed to sail in arctic waters, she's not armoured against ice as the frigate.

(*) We have a lot of names for various animals in Danish, which at the same time explain what sound the animals make. These names are used by small children.
Like vovhund - bark-dog.
Muhko - Muh-cow.
Øfgris - Oink-pig.
Mæhlam - Bah-lamb.
Rapand - Quack-duck.
- Yes, the children must think we adults are completely mad...

 

[Charlotte_Aster]

Thanks a lot for your coverage of the trip, Muhler. It was, as always, a pleasure to read.

Btw, I think you mean, fraternal and identical twins.

 

[MaggieDenmark]

enjoyed the program at tv 2.. my boyfriend says i sat with a smile on my face throughout the program .. it was nice to see it all "in moving photos" my boyfriend is not the biggest royalist but said after the program a "but okay...Pingo&mary are cool"... when frederik becomes king he becomes a royalist..i just know it

Minik & Ivalo met a couple of local twins, albeit a few months younger than themselves and they obviously fascinated Ivalo in particular and Mary was heard explaining that the Greenlandic are single-egged while she and Minik are (whatever it's called in English - two-egged, you know...).

one of my favorite moments..the local twins are both wearing spiderman caps and josephine (who really is such a curious immediate little girl) says "mom..look batman caps.." everyone laughs and mary says "aww it is spiderman..you were almost there sweetheart.." josephine then laughed too..

 

[King of the Jungle]

Thanks for the great photos and commentary about Greenland.
It was enlightening to see coverage of Fred and his family on this tour.
The pictures were sometimes formal but more often of a spontaneous nature which was nice.
An amazing journey for the royal children and I hope the Greenlander children also enjoyed the interaction.

 

[Tarlita]

Yes most enjoyable, thanks to all who helped make it "real" for us thousands of miles away, with good comments and great photos.

 

[MaggieDenmark]

tonight dr will send an exclusive interview with frederik&mary aboard the dannebrog where they tell about their trip..looking forward

http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Kultur/Oevrig_kultur/2014/08/10/224228.htm

 

[MidwestMom]

Thank you to all who posted links for pictures, etc. The twins did amazingly well, and the whole family looked wonderful. Thanks to this forum, I not only have learned about Denmark, now I have learned about Greenland, too. I especially enjoyed the native singing - I'd love to get my hands on one of their hymnals.

 

[uneas314]

Hi all ive followed this Greenland trip and really enjoyed every moment of it
So many times been said but All four children behaved so well! Their parents must be so proud of them and back at home their grandparents too!
And i came across this 12 min long you tube video which i believe never seen in TRF and you can once again enjoy all the cuteness!
This is from the day of little bird,that's ziggy mom! and spider song

http://youtu.be/rczPphbASw8

 

[crm2317]

I can just imagine the bubbly conversation when the 4 children run in to tell Farmor Margrethe all about their trip to Greenland!


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[Roskilde]

tonight dr will send an exclusive interview with frederik&mary aboard the dannebrog where they tell about their trip..looking forward

VIDEO Kronprinsparret giver eksklusivt interview på Kongeskibet Dannebrog | Kultur | DR

Thanks MaggieD

Exciting with an exclusive interview as well. We've got great coverage of this successful trip, haven't we? I will try to make a summary here at TRF when the program has ended...

On the occasion of the Crown Prince Family's visits to Greenland DR1 tonight sends an exclusive interview with Denmark's future King and Queen aboard Dannebrog. In the interview, Frederik and Mary tell a bit about what they did on their two private days - Frederik says among other things that he and Christian spent one of the nights in a tent out on the ice sheet. Cool little boy like daddy

Mary tells they in the early mornings were out fishing and caught lots of cods and that they think the enthusiasm from the children when they caught a fish and explored the nature experiences are important. She tells the children were very fascinated by the landscape. "See Mom, this iceberg looks like a swan... or the other like a car..." and "See dad, there are whales...look..."


*

Christian and Bella are back in school today - actually, today is first day of school after summer vacation. Vincent and Josephine maybe holds a few days off before they enter kindergarten again. Perhaps the family in the evening watch the different TV-programs from their trip?

A local woman named Birgith K. Hermansen got these two deligtful pictures - one with her and Mary and one together with Christian

http://sermitsiaq.ag/sites/default/...ublic/media/birgith_og_mary.jpg?itok=Qfc-MsbC

http://sermitsiaq.ag/sites/default/.../birgith_og_prins_christian.jpg?itok=YkARk6Ao

 

[polyesco]

Thanks MaggieD

Exciting with an exclusive interview as well. We've got great coverage of this successful trip, haven't we? I will try to make a summary here at TRF when the program has ended...

On the occasion of the Crown Prince Family's visits to Greenland DR1 tonight sends an exclusive interview with Denmark's future King and Queen aboard Dannebrog. In the interview, Frederik and Mary tell a bit about what they did on their two private days - Frederik says among other things that he and Christian spent one of the nights in a tent out on the ice sheet. Cool little boy like daddy

Mary tells they in the early mornings were out fishing and caught lots of cods and that they think the enthusiasm from the children when they caught a fish and explored the nature experiences are important. She tells the children were very fascinated by the landscape. "See Mom, this iceberg looks like a swan... or the other like a car..." and "See dad, there are whales...look..."


*

Christian and Bella are back in school today - actually, today is first day of school after summer vacation. Vincent and Josephine maybe holds a few days off before they enter kindergarten again. Perhaps the family in the evening watch the different TV-programs from their trip?

Any and all summaries are appreciated .

What a great trip and nice for them to talk a little on their private time.
These 4 kids seem to like nature. and Im sure they had a blast.

Picture of Isabella and Christian, It looks like Christian wants her to look at something
http://www.billedbladet.dk/sites/bi...ins-christian-groenland5_hj.jpg?itok=9VIiU2g8

Christian shaking hands and looking at the person, great job already
http://www.billedbladet.dk/sites/bi...ins-christian-groenland8_hj.jpg?itok=6TCIljYm

Frederik and Mary with Ivalo and Minik at their foundation
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img674/8267/aUsH3q.png
http://imageshack.com/a/img902/1384/GyKdtF.png
Frederik with Vincent
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img631/9064/5GSzby.png

all 4 coloring
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/a/img536/1533/Na8Dhy.png

Added:
Ivalo and Minik Fund
http://kongehuset.dk/materialemappe...besog-i-gronland/nuuk-besog-i-gronland-13.img
a nice family picture of them walking (Frederik in uniform with his family is a delight)
http://kongehuset.dk/materialemappe...besog-i-gronland/nuuk-besog-i-gronland-11.img

 

[MidwestMom]

In the last picture where the children are coloring, it looks as though the twins are left-handed. Are either one of the parents?

Oops, just looked at the photo again - Josephine has something in her right hand, it's Vincent that seems to be a 'leftie.'

 

[Roskilde]

Just watched DR's exclusive interview/reportage...

Where I think TV2's reportage last night was eh a nice (maybe more cozy) program DR1's reportage tonight was superb! Not something new, I always prefer DR's programs. The fact, that DR had an exclusive interview with Frederik and Mary was of course to DR's advantage A well organized reportage with a bit of history too. Along with beautiful scenery of the landscape and some lovely pictures of the family.

The entire program was built up around the interview. We saw our reporter meeting Frederik and Mary at Dannebrog. Very relaxed and straightforward. Frederik and Mary are sitting together on a bench on the deck and tells relaxed and very openly about their thoughts, cheerful and enthusiastic about their trip.

Mary tells how touched she becomes every time the Greenlanders call her their daughter-in-law. Frederik proudly looking at Mary and says at first it was his country, so it was his and Mary's country, but now it's also the children's country - the whole family's country. They both have a very deep love for the country. No doubt. And the Greenlanders love them back unconditionally.

Frederik tell he and Christian have slept in tents on the ice cap. Mary that they early in the mornings caughted fish.

Everytime they talk about the children they smile. The reporter tells how many words of praise the children have received. Frederik and Mary's way to be a modern close family is maybe one of their major reasons for their big popularity. Frederik tells the children must learn to shake hands. Not just on this trip, for a birthday or visiting friends as well. One can shake hands... and then you can run away (or escape as Frederik says) and play again. They are children and should be. They are natural, they jump around sometimes, but that's okay.

While some very charming pictures of Minik and Ivalo are shown F&M tell about the twins. That they really have got eye for giving hand and their Greenlandic connection. Mary think they look adorable when they walk around and shake hands and she explains how they always presents themselves with a "Hi, I'm Ivalo" and "Hi, my name is Minik" (she makes some funny gestures)

Frederik tell about the Greenlandic history and we hear how they have prepared the children for the trip.

Then we come to Mary's 'Free For Bullying'. We see how Greenland has embraced it. Mary tells alot about it. (She knows her stuff and is very pleasant to listen to) Mary looks touched and the reporter smiles: "It must make you so proud?" Mary replies: "I'm certainly very happy." We see Frederik with a big smile and he says: "Definitely me too. I'm very proud."

Yeah, it's so difficult to remember everything... I know Muhler watch the program too. Maybe he want to add something or have other thoughts. You are welcome, Muhler I know I have forgotten many things...

DR puts their program online. And even if you don't understand a clue of what are being told. Watch it, beautiful landscapes and cute pictures of F&M and the children. Also some clips, hugs and kisses we haven't seen before.

ADDED:
Here you go

Kronprinsparret i Grønland | TV | DR

 

[Tarlita]

I don't know how much our Danish members may object, But I wish Danish TV would do more programes dubbed in English as there appears to be quite an audience from English speaking countries who are very interested.

 

[Tiggersk8]

Thank you to all who posted links for pictures, etc. The twins did amazingly well, and the whole family looked wonderful. Thanks to this forum, I not only have learned about Denmark, now I have learned about Greenland, too. I especially enjoyed the native singing - I'd love to get my hands on one of their hymnals.

Just wait till you've been around here for a bit longer. . I think out of all the Forums around here, it's the Danish boards and Danish Members I've learned the most about that respective Royal Family's Country and Culture from and very grateful I am for it too. The thought of what would happen w/out them around here isn't something I want to think about.


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[MaggieDenmark]

yes dr 1's program beated tv 2's program..without doubt...fantastic program last night.,,also want to point out..mary's danish is impressive...i cant put a finger on it..she talks fast,..fluent..using advanced words and is very easy to understand.i i think i am going to watch dr's interview again the coming days

 

[Tiggersk8]

yes dr 1's program beated tv 2's program..without doubt...fantastic program last night.,,also want to point out..mary's danish is impressive...i cant put a finger on it..she talks fast,..fluent..using advanced words and is very easy to understand.i i think i am going to watch dr's interview again the coming days

Oh the horror!! . You should stock up on some Chocolate first to make the viewing easier.


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[MaggieDenmark]

^^^haha you may be right

 

[Archduchess Zelia]

I definitely agree, DR1's Kronprinsparret i Grønland was fantastic and the interview with Frederik and Mary was very lovely. But I may be biased because I always prefer DR's programmes to TV2's.

 

[Muhler]

I don't know how much our Danish members may object, But I wish Danish TV would do more programes dubbed in English as there appears to be quite an audience from English speaking countries who are very interested.

It would actually be a good idea at least to include English subtitles. To have the programme broadcast with English narration on a Danish public service channel would hardly be accepted.
However, our Australian members can lobby for Australian networks to buy and show one or both of these docu's from DR1 and TV2.

Incidentally the viewer rates went sky high!
The TV2 programme was watched by 649.000 viewers, making it the most watched programme at all last week.
DR1's interview was watched by 740.000 viewers.
- In a country with a population of 5.6 million... Even counting the Swedes, Norwegians and Germans who could watch as well.

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

Thanks for the brilliant summary, Roskilde. Not much I can add.

Frederik and QMII had brought some homemade films back to show the children about Greenland.
Mary was visibly moved when she told she was called "daughter-in-law" by the Greenlanders. Frederik on the other hand is called something like "He-who-has-been-on-a-(long)-sleigh-journey". Even though hunters still travel for several days on the ice, treks lasting several months is nowadays almost exclusively done by the Sirius Patrol, so Frederik's journey earned him respect.
To a young nation that is finding it's own legs, national symbols, even small ones, means a lot! So the names Minik and Ivalo, is very much appreciated and also the children emerging in regional costumes is something that can get the Greenlander's hearts swell with pride.

It was Mary's first visit to Southern Greenland and it struck her how green and lush it is. Even though it is not as warm today as it was a 1.000 years ago, she can well understand now why it was aptly named Greenland.
Frederik on the other hand rediscovered Greenland through the eyes, words and thoughts of his children.
Sailing on Dannebrog was an experience for adults as well as children. The air is so clean that you can see 250 Km (repeat 250 Km) away from the bridge on a clear day!
The children were fascinated by the ever changing scupltures of ice floating by and the occasional whale emerging.

One thing that struck me was Mary's Danish during the interview. It was noticible above average, and keep in mind Mary's average is pretty high as it is!
Hardly any gramattical mistakes, her accent was also less marked.
Perhaps it was because she spoke a little bit slower than usual, but I think it comes from being completely submerged in Danish for days. Danish speaking children, speaking Danish to the crew, visiting Danish speaking Greenlanders. Or perhaps she has made her break through. You know: all of a sudden you just nail it.
Whetever, Mary is still the best of the two to put her thoughts into words, no questions about that. Frederik's words on the other hand comes out as thoughts. You get my meaning?