General News about the Danish Royal Family Part 4: August 2021 -


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Rather a lot of changes from the Danish RF in recent weeks.

I can't say I'm sad to see Lene Balleby leave. I think she did some really good work when she started but recent years have seen just a few too many missteps IMO. Maybe these aren't her fault and were due to the RF not heeding her advice but either way that creates an untenable position for her - either too much poor advice or her advice not being acted upon.

I'd certainly agree that the DRF's media policy doesn't really seem to have kept up with modern practices and seem far too reliant on the mainstream Danish media being quite happy to present mainly just the romantic view of Royalty.

I also think it is good for a new Sovereign to have their own person in the role (so long as that person isn't just a yes person).


As for the Royal Warrants I agree it seems a mistake - whilst reforms may be needed it seems a shame to throw out something which can help Danish businesses stand out against others. I find it odd to think Fred & Mary will be going off around the world promoting Danish businesses but have done away with an opportunity to promote them further.
 
As for the Royal Warrants I agree it seems a mistake - whilst reforms may be needed it seems a shame to throw out something which can help Danish businesses stand out against others. I find it odd to think Fred & Mary will be going off around the world promoting Danish businesses but have done away with an opportunity to promote them further.
Yes, that's what confuses me about this decision. It's such an easy, effective, and long term way to promote a Danish business. Id rather they have changed the parameters of how a royal warrant is granted to be more modern rather than take them away completely.
 
"the mainstream Danish media being quite happy to present mainly just the romantic view of Royalty."

Can't say I agree. As one of the Danish newsdigger here, I often see criticism of the DRF in the Danish media (justified or not is another point). I don't see the DRF being protected by the Danish media and often see criticism. Sometimes for the silliest things. Like Christian wearing the scarf of his favorite soccer team (I'll never forget those articles).

Looking forward to what comes with the royal warrants. It's important to not show favoritism and be more transparent.
 
"the mainstream Danish media being quite happy to present mainly just the romantic view of Royalty."

Can't say I agree. As one of the Danish newsdigger here, I often see criticism of the DRF in the Danish media (justified or not is another point). I don't see the DRF being protected by the Danish media and often see criticism. Sometimes for the silliest things. Like Christian wearing the scarf of his favorite soccer team (I'll never forget those articles).

Looking forward to what comes with the royal warrants. It's important to not show favoritism and be more transparent.
I agree with the above. While some reporters are a little more flowery than others in their writing, they cannot be accused be propping, pimping or embigenning the royals. At least imo. And yes, the sometimes get dragged for the smallest of things.

As for the warrants....let's wait and see how this develops. The program will be phased out over the next five years. Maybe something more equitable and representing the current way businesses operate will emerge. I mean I literally saw comments elsewhere of how this will dismantle a 1000 year institution. Really? A bit extreme tbh. I'm not ready to declare the demise of the Danish monarchy over a warrant. Maybe also this is to curb increasing possibilities for conflicts as more business go global and maybe operate in locations that could pose an issue for the royal house to have given it their royal warrant...Ecco comes to mind.
 
While their reasoning can make sense it's a massive mistake if you ask me. The royal warrants help elevate the Danish brands internationally. George Jenson - Purveyor to the RC will get way more attention than simply George Jenson. Seems unnecessary to remove them and just not helpful to Danish brands.
And as we can see thanks to the "royal warrant" he got so much attention from you, you can't even write his name correctly. It's Georg Jensen.

I think this title gives some Danish companies (and some do not even deliver goods to the royal house, which makes you wonder if they bought that title) an advantage over other Danish companies. The reasoning in the press release makes total sense to me.
 
"the mainstream Danish media being quite happy to present mainly just the romantic view of Royalty."

Can't say I agree. As one of the Danish newsdigger here, I often see criticism of the DRF in the Danish media (justified or not is another point). I don't see the DRF being protected by the Danish media and often see criticism. Sometimes for the silliest things. Like Christian wearing the scarf of his favorite soccer team (I'll never forget those articles).

I agree with the above. While some reporters are a little more flowery than others in their writing, they cannot be accused be propping, pimping or embigenning the royals. At least imo. And yes, the sometimes get dragged for the smallest of things.
The press in Denmark is certainly very rosy and generous to their royals. The DRF is very lucky to have a such a supportive media and populace. I understand you two are super fans of the DRF but lets be realistic. Imagine the DRF placed under the scrutiny, and investigations, the press but the Brits or Spaniards through.

And as we can see thanks to the "royal warrant" he got so much attention from you, you can't even write his name correctly. It's Georg Jensen.
A bit rude but you further prove my point. I don't remember the details of the business correctly but I remember that it has a royal warrant. Probably wouldn't have noticed the business otherwise.
 
The press in Denmark is certainly very rosy and generous to their royals. The DRF is very lucky to have a such a supportive media and populace. I understand you two are super fans of the DRF but lets be realistic. Imagine the DRF placed under the scrutiny, and investigations, the press but the Brits or Spaniards through.


A bit rude but you further prove my point. I don't remember the details of the business correctly but I remember that it has a royal warrant. Probably wouldn't have noticed the business otherwise.
They are? That has escaped my notice.
The DK press and professional opinion makers can be very critical of the DRF, also in cases where you think it's down right silly.

It's nearing bedtime though. I'll get back tomorrow about the royal warrants, because there are indeed both pro and cons to abolishing it.
 
The royal warrants are very sought after, because they are basically a quality stamp, signifying a high degree of integrity, quality, costumer service and reliability as well as discretion.
And such a quality stamp matters when you out competing for new costumers and also when dealing with business partners.
But losing that stamp, and it happens, is seriously bad! Because if you can't even deliver a high class product to the DRF your service and quality is really poor or the owner is misbehaving or showing a blatant lack of moral conduct that is incompatible with the integrity, honesty, and discretion expected of a supplier to the court.
So a royal warrant means a lot to small and medium sized businesses.

Large and mainly export oriented businesses don't really need such a warrant, despite many of them, like Danfoss, no doubt servicing the DRF. Instead they prefer - and get - DRF members to help them promote their products on commerce offensives abroad by simply attending.
So for a company like Ecco, that lost their royal warrant because they refuse to stop selling their products to Russia after the invasion of Ukraine, losing that stamp really doesn't matter that much. Because most of their costumers abroad may not even be aware of it. Ecco's market is basically outside DK anyway, even though they used to sell a lot of shoes in DK. (The DK public didn't like the stand of Ecco either, and that has reflected in the domestic sale.)

A third thing is that the DRF change habits and taste as well and they too look at money that can be saved. Saving money is a national sport in DK! And something you brag about. That in contrast to the consumer mentality in say China, where you brag about how expensive something you bought is.
And that means that quite a number of the suppliers to the Danish court haven't sold any products to the DRF for sometimes many years, but as they are still reputable businesses that haven't done anything to lose their warrant either.
While other companies have sold their products to the DRF for years, without getting that stamp of approval.
So there is an inconsistency here and as such the DRF is open to being accused of favoritism of certain companies and certain business owners. It is however unlikely to be true, but it is a weak spot in the armor of the DRF.
So by removing that stamp, the DRF close a potential reason for criticism.

So to sum up: The royal stamp is good for smaller domestic businesses, but doesn't really matter that much for the large export businesses, who'd rather have and often do get a physical DRF (and government) backing abroad. After all export is a thing that any government is more than happy to promote and as such the DRF in that way get a political approval as well as backing when they are abroad promoting say Vesta and LEGO. And anything unfortunate about these businesses backfires on the government rather than the DRF.

So there are indeed pros and cons.
 
The royal warrants are very sought after, because they are basically a quality stamp, signifying a high degree of integrity, quality, costumer service and reliability as well as discretion.
And such a quality stamp matters when you out competing for new costumers and also when dealing with business partners.
But losing that stamp, and it happens, is seriously bad! Because if you can't even deliver a high class product to the DRF your service and quality is really poor or the owner is misbehaving or showing a blatant lack of moral conduct that is incompatible with the integrity, honesty, and discretion expected of a supplier to the court.
So a royal warrant means a lot to small and medium sized businesses.

Large and mainly export oriented businesses don't really need such a warrant, despite many of them, like Danfoss, no doubt servicing the DRF. Instead they prefer - and get - DRF members to help them promote their products on commerce offensives abroad by simply attending.
So for a company like Ecco, that lost their royal warrant because they refuse to stop selling their products to Russia after the invasion of Ukraine, losing that stamp really doesn't matter that much. Because most of their costumers abroad may not even be aware of it. Ecco's market is basically outside DK anyway, even though they used to sell a lot of shoes in DK. (The DK public didn't like the stand of Ecco either, and that has reflected in the domestic sale.)

A third thing is that the DRF change habits and taste as well and they too look at money that can be saved. Saving money is a national sport in DK! And something you brag about. That in contrast to the consumer mentality in say China, where you brag about how expensive something you bought is.
And that means that quite a number of the suppliers to the Danish court haven't sold any products to the DRF for sometimes many years, but as they are still reputable businesses that haven't done anything to lose their warrant either.
While other companies have sold their products to the DRF for years, without getting that stamp of approval.
So there is an inconsistency here and as such the DRF is open to being accused of favoritism of certain companies and certain business owners. It is however unlikely to be true, but it is a weak spot in the armor of the DRF.
So by removing that stamp, the DRF close a potential reason for criticism.

So to sum up: The royal stamp is good for smaller domestic businesses, but doesn't really matter that much for the large export businesses, who'd rather have and often do get a physical DRF (and government) backing abroad. After all export is a thing that any government is more than happy to promote and as such the DRF in that way get a political approval as well as backing when they are abroad promoting say Vesta and LEGO. And anything unfortunate about these businesses backfires on the government rather than the DRF.

So there are indeed pros and cons.
Thank you Muhler for this detailed explanation. The DRF decision now makes even more sense imo. Contrary to some of the comments I've seen elsewhere, this decision is not leading to the dismantling of the DRF or the monarchy! So, the pearl clutching is alot of noise imo. And, the announcement also mentioned that the DRF would have other avenues to support businesses such as business promotions, royal visits to the business, etc.
 
So, the big companies will be fine but the SMEs will suffer from it? Not sure if that is the message the DRF should convey - unless ot was completely arbitrary who is supported and who isn't.
 
No DRF attendance when the Danish national women's handball team takes on Norway in the European Championship final in Vienna this evening.

Disappointing as always. It's becoming a sad habit for them to show up when the men play their finals but refuse to do the same for the women.

BT's reporter is quoted as saying "I think it's deeply disappointing (...) If the men's team is playing the World Championship final in a month and [the DRF] shows up, they'll have problems explaining that away."

Except that's basically their modus operandi at this point.
 
I thought the King could possibly be in Vienna as Princess Benedikte is ”Acting Regent” in Denmark today… But obviously he is somewhere else

Though NRF is also absent
 
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No DRF attendance when the Danish national women's handball team takes on Norway in the European Championship final in Vienna this evening.

Disappointing as always. It's becoming a sad habit for them to show up when the men play their finals but refuse to do the same for the women.

BT's reporter is quoted as saying "I think it's deeply disappointing (...) If the men's team is playing the World Championship final in a month and [the DRF] shows up, they'll have problems explaining that away."

Except that's basically their modus operandi at this point.


King Frederik and Queen Mary sent a message via social media this evening:

What a European Championship final round! Too bad it wasn't enough for gold, but thank you for giving us some great games and drama along the way.Congratulations on the silver, @handboldkvinderne 🥈✍️ The Royal Couple.


 
The Palace has announced today that Nina Munch-Perrin will be the new Royal House's head of communications:



 
It appears she was headhunted.

Anyway, there is nothing wrong with the inside of her head!
Can't say how she will be to work with of course, but if she is ever fired, it won't be because of lack of brain-power.
 
What is her background?
She's a journalist with an additional diploma degree in financial advice, so a lot of her work has been within the field of financial journalism. Also worked as a news anchor at our national broadcasting corporation DR until last year when she became the managing editor of Berlingske Business.

As Muhler says, a very sharp woman. And personally, I have a hard time seeing her making some of the communicative blunders Balleby has made the past couple of years.
 
As you know Lene Balleby, 67, is to be retired as head of PR.

She has a been appointed chamberlain/chamberlain, symbolized with her from now on wearing a brooch in the shape of a key.
It's an honor bestowed to a few who are very close to the DRF of have worked very closely with the DRF. It also means she will be invited to attend various major events, like official gala dinners and so on.
 
Today, the Head of Communications for the Royal Household, Lene Balleby, will hold a farewell reception at Christian VIII's Palace in Amalienborg.
Princess Benedikte, Prince Gustav and Princess Carina are also at the reception.
Prince Nikolaos of Greece and Chrysi are also present!
King Frederik X and Queen Mary are also present.



 
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What a great atmosphere. You can feel the warmth and happiness

More photos

Lovely photo with Mary
 
That's a very decent farewell. Considering that many if not most of those who attended didn't need to show up in person, Lene Balleby must have left a very positive impression.
And probably not only took care of the Danish monarchy but most likely also supported the wider family in their communication challenges given the presence of both Gustav and Nikolaos.
 
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