Danish State Visit to Finland: March 4 - 5, 2025


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Good for the Finns to have a very presentable couple to represent their country and they and the DK Regent Couple obviously get along well.

The speech by King Frederik and the statements to the press by the Regent Couple have been unusually political this time. It was like listening to the Danish Prime Minister.
The speech was just as much directed at the Danish public in regards to preparing for the worst and getting ready.
The agenda has also been unusually focused on defense - and keep in mind that this visit was planned months ago. With DK and Finland signing a defense agreement in regards to common procurement of weapons and material and mutual use and share of facilities and specialists, making training and maintenance cheaper for both countries as well as overlapping our defenses, with one country being stronger in one area and covering the other in that regards, while being weaker in another area and being covered by the other country.
That process has been underway for a couple of years now and is gaining momentum as there is already a very considerable defense sharing and co-operation between the Nordic countries.
A similar defense agreement was signed with Norway.
Finland is interesting to DK, because it has basically been on high alert since WWII, just like Switzerland and with a comparable system of a citizens militia to be called up very fast. The defense budget for both countries were until recently (when DK decided to post huge amounts of money into the defense) similar, but Finland managed to get much more bang for their money. We want to learn from that, for real this time.

And this is also where Christian, indirectly comes on. The Nordic countries are ardent supporters and suppliers to Ukraine, while also helping as much as possible to secure the Baltic countries. Which includes stationing heavy battalions there.
As you know Christian is currently a recruit in the army and he is expected to become an officer in a couple of years.
If the European peace-plan in regards to Ukraine takes effect, European combat troops will be stationed on the ground in Ukraine. In the case of DK that means that the heavy battalion stationed in Latvia will be deployed to Ukraine, while the battalion in Latvia will be replaced by volunteer conscripts who after serving their basic training and specialist function (takes about a year) will be deployed there. Now that's about the time that Christian will graduate as first lieutenant. It is IMO far from unlikely that he will be deployed to Latvia. That is very valuable training for a new officer and it is still very much of use.
And before some of you say: Conscripts? In a frontline role? Yeah, that's pretty much what the Ukrainians had when the Russians came and they did well. And during the Cold War conscripts constituted most of the NATO militaries. I should know. We were not elite soldiers by any means, but we still knew our job.
And that's the future for the next I don't know how many years.
So Christian and perhaps some of his younger siblings may also end up being deployed if they are called up or volunteer for national service.
 
It was nice to see yesterday the relaxed atmosphere there was:
Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3

Today's program starts at 10.00 with a visit to Espoo Museum of Modern Art (EMMA).
King Frederik and President Stubb will jointly unveil the artwork by Danish artist Poul Gernes.
Live broadcast, photos and videos of today are updated here:

Arriving to the Museum:
Pic

Suzanne Innes-Stubb is wearing an anthracite jacket and skirt from the Danish brand Birrot. She accessorized her outfit with silver jewelry from the Kalevala Jewelry's Männyt (Pines) series, designed by IldarWafin, and a Lovia handbag.
Pic ** Pic

Next they visit Arkki School of Architecture for Children and Youth, which has the goal of introducing children and young people to the world of architecture in a creative and educational way.

Next they visit Aalto University and get a presentation of research and companies in quantum and space technology, as well as a demonstration of the Aalto Ice and Wave Tank, designed to test ships and other maritime structures in ice conditions.
Suzanne Innes-Stubb has worked part-time from September 2024 as a Executive in Residence at Aalto University. Among other things, she teaches optional courses in business law at Master’s level.
Pic

After Aalto University they took part in a seminar about how to finance the green transition at the Fiskars headquarters in Helsinki. After the seminar they attended a luncheon where Danish-Finnish business partnerships will be highlighted.
King Frederik was interested in the products from Fiskars-owned brands in the lobby. He asked about Moomins, among other things.
Pic

A visit to the main base of the Coastal Brigade in Upinniemi, they got a presentation of maritime surveillance, diver training and armoured personnel carriers.
Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3

When returing from Upinniemi, president Alexander Stubb had time to make a video call to Cross Country World Championships in Trondheim, where Finland's Ristomatti Hakola and Lauri Vuorinen had just finished the team sprint, they got silver. President Stubb is a sports nut and calls always to congratulate our athletes right after their competitions. We could see Hakola and Vuorinen speaking with the president at the TV-broadcast.

Now, at 18.00, the guests are arriving to a reciprocal arrangement in Finlandia Hall.
 
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Day 2:

** anp gallery ** gettyimages gallery ** rex gallery **












 
Good for the Finns to have a very presentable couple to represent their country and they and the DK Regent Couple obviously get along well.

The speech by King Frederik and the statements to the press by the Regent Couple have been unusually political this time. It was like listening to the Danish Prime Minister.
The speech was just as much directed at the Danish public in regards to preparing for the worst and getting ready.
The agenda has also been unusually focused on defense - and keep in mind that this visit was planned months ago. With DK and Finland signing a defense agreement in regards to common procurement of weapons and material and mutual use and share of facilities and specialists, making training and maintenance cheaper for both countries as well as overlapping our defenses, with one country being stronger in one area and covering the other in that regards, while being weaker in another area and being covered by the other country.
That process has been underway for a couple of years now and is gaining momentum as there is already a very considerable defense sharing and co-operation between the Nordic countries.
A similar defense agreement was signed with Norway.
Finland is interesting to DK, because it has basically been on high alert since WWII, just like Switzerland and with a comparable system of a citizens militia to be called up very fast. The defense budget for both countries were until recently (when DK decided to post huge amounts of money into the defense) similar, but Finland managed to get much more bang for their money. We want to learn from that, for real this time.

And this is also where Christian, indirectly comes on. The Nordic countries are ardent supporters and suppliers to Ukraine, while also helping as much as possible to secure the Baltic countries. Which includes stationing heavy battalions there.
As you know Christian is currently a recruit in the army and he is expected to become an officer in a couple of years.
If the European peace-plan in regards to Ukraine takes effect, European combat troops will be stationed on the ground in Ukraine. In the case of DK that means that the heavy battalion stationed in Latvia will be deployed to Ukraine, while the battalion in Latvia will be replaced by volunteer conscripts who after serving their basic training and specialist function (takes about a year) will be deployed there. Now that's about the time that Christian will graduate as first lieutenant. It is IMO far from unlikely that he will be deployed to Latvia. That is very valuable training for a new officer and it is still very much of use.
And before some of you say: Conscripts? In a frontline role? Yeah, that's pretty much what the Ukrainians had when the Russians came and they did well. And during the Cold War conscripts constituted most of the NATO militaries. I should know. We were not elite soldiers by any means, but we still knew our job.
And that's the future for the next I don't know how many years.
So Christian and perhaps some of his younger siblings may also end up being deployed if they are called up or volunteer for national service.
Can you guide me to King Frederick’s speech at the Gala Dinner
 
The royal couple and Presidential couple visit a naval base in the Gulf of Finland.

 
At the Finland Hall:
The King and Queen
Pic
President Stubb and mrs Suzanne Innes-Stubb
Pic
The King and Queen with the Presidential Couple
Pic

Mrs. Innes-Stubb arrived at the event in a patterned evening gown designed by Finnish designer Klaus Haapaniemi. Klaus Haapaniemi is known for his original patterns and imaginative prints. Suzanne Innes-Stubb has previously worn the designer's outfits, for instance an evening gown at the state visit to Norway..
Her earrings are Lily earrings from the Lumoava jewelry brand and bracelet is a Lumoava Maininki bracelet.

Videos at the President's Facebook


On the first day Suzanne Innes-Stubb had chosen Kalevala RAKAS jewelry as part of her outfit. The jewelry is attached to a powder-colored cape and the pockets of the suit.
RAKAS The Rolf Ekroth x Kalevala collaboration is about Finnish design and craftsmanship. The rose pattern, characteristic of fashion designer Ekroth, has been given a new interpretation in the golden RAKAS jewelry specially made for Suzanne. The collaboration represents a bold culture of co-creation and international work that pushes the boundaries of fashion and design.
Pic

Mrs. Suzanne Innes-Stubb, chose Lumoava jewelry as part of her outfit during the state visit of the Danish royal couple to Finland. She beautifully showcased Finnish craftsmanship and sustainable design. We are grateful to be a part of this event.
At the gala dinner on the second day, Suzanne Innes-Stubb chose Lily earrings, which are composed of impressive discs. The design language emphasizes leafy lightness and a modern surface structure. On her wrist, she wore the Maininki bracelet, whose simple shape echoes the ripples and shimmering surface of water.
In her first day outfit, Mrs. Innes-Stubb wore the Aaria bracelet, whose inspiration comes from music - rhythm and melody intertwine into a powerful form.
The jewelry is made in Finland from 100% recycled gold and silver.


Videos:
 
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More from day two of the state visit:

King Frederik X and Queen Mary and the Presidential Couple visited Porkkala Garrison, the largest naval station in Finland.


This evening, King Frederik X and Queen Mary marked the end of their state visit to Finland with a homecoming event.


 
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Frederik gave a speech tonight, in part he made a reference to the speech Mary gave on his 50th birthday and his repetitive jokes,

"Denmark and Finland have a lot to offer each other, King Frederik says in his speech.
- I have a small confession - I'm known for repeating my jokes. I want to share one of my signature jokes that I think is timely.
-My wife and I are having a candlelight dinner, and suddenly the waiter comes and asks: are you finished? Nine times out of ten I say: no, I'm Danish. Now I could say: no, but some of my closest friends are.
The guests give thunderous applause to the king's joke. King Frederik ends his speech with a Finnish cheer."

and the selfie with the reindeer
 
Dad jokes are a must. And the worse, the better. And no gettogether is complete if every man present above 45 doesn't tell the same story he has told at every gettogther. It's genetic. We have to do it.
What does the Pope fly in? A holycopter.
What is Spiderman doing in his spare time? Networking.
Why do cows wear bells? Because their horns don't work.

Bad jokes aside. That's what I longed for and knew I would see at this visit, as soon as I saw the Regent Couple and the First Couple having a great time before the actual visit
And here at something as official as giving speeches head of state to head of state; a laid back merry mood, where there is room for this. As it should be among friends.
May there be many more visits like this where King Frederik tells a dad-joke.
 
Dad jokes are a must. And the worse, the better. And no gettogether is complete if every man present above 45 doesn't tell the same story he has told at every gettogther. It's genetic. We have to do it.
What does the Pope fly in? A holycopter.
What is Spiderman doing in his spare time? Networking.
Why do cows wear bells? Because their horns don't work.

Bad jokes aside. That's what I longed for and knew I would see at this visit, as soon as I saw the Regent Couple and the First Couple having a great time before the actual visit
And here at something as official as giving speeches head of state to head of state; a laid back merry mood, where there is room for this. As it should be among friends.
May there be many more visits like this where King Frederik tells a dad-joke.

Yes, the atmosphere was very relaxed, which was shown yesterday at Finlandia Hall when Frederik addressed the Presidential couple at his speech as "Alexander, Suzanne".

Frederik and Mary published photos with reindeers earlier, President Stubb published also these photos of him and his wife at Saariselkä on Monday
 
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