Prince Christian's 18th birthday, October 15, 2023

[Queen Claude]

So it looks like after the banquet, there was a live performance event that was attended by Christian, his parents and siblings and the 18 year old invitees, is that correct?


ETA:
I found more information on the instagram post:

detdanskekongehus
The dancefloor was lit when Benjamin Hav & the Family gave a concert after the gala table
The concert was Her Majesty the Queen's surprise to all the guests.

 

[W.Y.CII]

I enjoyed looking at them. They all made a great effort.
As far as those sneakers are concerned, no worn down tennisshoes. One of them were brand new fancy Nikes, brighty white with a nice contrasting black Nike-sign to compliment his black suit and crisp white shirt. Some serious sartorial thought was put into that.
Certainly, the girl with the cut-out-dress wore something that no Royal would get away with. But it was tastefully cut and the dress fit her perfectly.

Completely agree. I was one of those who was curious about the guests' outfit but at the end I enjoyed watching them. They're not what we normally see in royal white tie gala but still tasteful choice.

 

[Saragli]

There seems to have been some editing by the royal guests that I am finding quite amusing. Upon arrival, M-C was wearing her sash across the wrong shoulder, Victoria was wearing her stars on the wrong side, and MM was wearing the cameo bracelet. Upon entering the banquet room, M-C had corrected her sash, Victoria had moved her stars to the correct side, and for some reason MM had removed her bracelet.

 

[W.Y.CII]

Absolutely what I thought. Christian and Ingrid have known each other since they were little children, they're in the same position, QMII gave Ingrid the Elephant on her 18th birthday, Harald gave Christian St. Olav on his 18th birthday, the DRF and NRF have such a special historical connection – it makes such good sense for Ingrid to be seated next to Christian.

One more thing I think it's a sentimental choice as out of all other heir/ess, Ingrid is the only one who will share exact same path as Christian. Estelle (and George) is a generation younger, Elisabeth and Catherina-Amalia (probably also Leonor) will succeed earlier due to their predecessors' abdication. OTOH Ingrid and Christian have very similar age, their predecessors also have similar ages and no-abdication practice. They probably will become crown prince/ss in similar age and become king/queen in similar age as well. Ingrid probably will be his longest counterparts.

 

[Sun Lion]

Is one of them married? As she has a different name than Donaldson

Yes, one of the nieces married in April.

Mary was in Australia at the same time on official Danish business, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she attended the wedding, even if it was on the other side of the country.

 

[Tarlita]

I have enjoyed all the wonderful photos and I love the idea of inviting the 200. It is so typical of Her Majesty to give her heir a great surprise of a modern concert. I can't get over how great Cr Prss Mary looks. I hope he enjoyed the evening every bit as much as the others did.

 

[Asteria12]

Thank you so much everyone for sharing all the photos and links!

 

[MARG]

I was wondering if perhaps the "missing" relatives being untitled may have already been seated and the processing in was only for the family heads, etc. I was unable to watch the livestream so I am not sure if Joachim, Marie and family processed in with the family or were already there.

 

[mellie]

I was wondering if perhaps the "missing" relatives being untitled may have already been seated and the processing in was only for the family heads, etc. I was unable to watch the livestream so I am not sure if Joachim, Marie and family processed in with the family or were already there.

Pictures from another blog, we can see Prince Joachim, Princess Marie & children coming in: https://blogger.googleusercontent.c...j5-yxCgMhEi3YIGZ_kA/s640-rw/gala-dinner-8.jpg

 

[Viv]

I thought the teens from around Denmark looked good!
Why would Pavlos' kids be invited when none of Benedikte's grandchildren (or her other children) were? For that matter, we had pictures of Alexia yesterday, and she wasn't invited, either.
.

It wasn’t a family event as such! The main focus was on the
youngsters from Denmark and our “ Commonwealth” and the future
heads of state of our neighbouring countries. Thus, the banquet hall
was filled to capacity. Most of Prince Christians godparents were there,
as were representatives of each family branch.

I loved the Royal´s outfits, but was really horrified by what some of the commonor guests are wearing! It was really an example of the downfall of etiquette and taste! And I do not get the dress code here... Isn´t this a white tie event? I thought, everyone not able to wear uniform or national costume is "obliged" to wear white tie...? Actually non of those commoner male guests had been wearing this. I only spotted tuxedos and daytime suits... White socks in black shoes...! White sneakers...! Some girls and women looked as if they were invited to a Halloween Party instead of having an invitation to one of the world´s most prestigious courts - but others looked absolutely fine -I´m not saying "beautiful" or "stunning" (well, a handful were, because taste differs), but they were appropriately dressed for the occasions. But, at least half of the invitees looked just shameful.

For the record, in case it hasn’t been mentioned: the dress code for the
young guests was black tie/tuxedo or a suit.
For the others, it was “Gala B” .
On one of the TV- commentator panels Christian Eugen Olsen, a former RF Master of ceremonies
gave the impression that the royal court was prepared for a bit if everything!

Some of the boys were not wearing ties with their suits, but I
suppose that a cultural thing? Other were wearing brown shoes, which is
a no-go for me, but again I’m sure that the royals have taken this
in their stride. And if they can, so can I!

The 18- year olds had applied to their local municipalities for an invitation,
and I seriously doubt that having a black tie suit in your wardrobe and
knowing how to use a fish knife was a requirement!
Besides, there were several courtiers in place to assist the young guests,
in case they wanted an advice.

 

[stellam]

Thank you to everyone for all the links and comments. It was truly a lovely occasion and what made it more special was that most of us on the board if not all, watched Pr Christian grow from birth to his 18th birthday. Now, we look forward to what lays ahead for him. Much success to him.

 

[Archduchess Zelia]

Now I've thought about it, there were some odd absentees / not invited:

(...)

-did any of Christian's friends from school etc attend?

I'm certain Christian had friends there, but how would we know who they were? They're all private citizens and some of them may not be 18 yet, which means their social media accounts would be off-limits to the press.

He didn't get to invite private friends to the gala. He did, however, have a big party of his friends waiting for him when he returned home to Amalienborg after the festivities at Christiansborg.

I am pretty sure Christian will have a private party with his friends after he is done with the official business. He understands his role and did his job, but it is apparent that he was not exactly comfortable or probably even enjoying it (...)

Were we watching the same event?

I saw a young man who, sure, was nervous with the awareness that all eyes were on him but was smiling and enjoying himself – especially after his first ever official speech. That is also the impression I've gotten from the young people from the municipalities that were interviewed after the gala: That Christian was easy to talk to and very appreciative.

Yesterday, people criticised that it was Ingrid who was seated next to him. There are a plethora of reasons why it makes perfect sense it was she who got the honour, one of them being that she is the young heir who knows him best. I think it was apparent from their interactions throughout the night that they're comfortable in each other's presence and especially following his speech, I noted how Ingrid was the first to congratulate him on how well he'd done. I wouldn't be surprised if it was Christian himself who requested that Ingrid got to be seated next to him to have an extra source of support close by.

 

[TLLK]

Thank you to all who provided photos, video clips, etc..from yesterday's gala party.

 

[W.Y.CII]

I think it was apparent from their interactions throughout the night that they're comfortable in each other's presence and especially following his speech, I noted how Ingrid was the first to congratulate him on how well he'd done. I wouldn't be surprised if it was Christian himself who requested that Ingrid got to be seated next to him to have an extra source of support close by.

speaking of that it reminds me the clip where Christian just finished his speech, looked so relieved and said something to Ingrid. Ingrid was blocked by the others in that clip but I can imagine she told him "yeah I know that feel, you did great bro" that's kind of funny and also sweet.

 

[Archduchess Zelia]

A fun little addition I didn't notice until now. Estelle was seated next to Danish football player Sofie Bredgaard who plays for the Swedish club FC Rosengård (and has played in Sweden for 3 years) and speaks Swedish.

 

[Blog Real]

Is it Cinderella who forgot her shoe last night?��

When the guests at Her Majesty the Queen's gala dinner yesterday had gone home, this lonely stiletto shoe was left at Christiansborg Castle. The owner is welcome to contact you to get it back.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CydeENrNum2/

 

[Muhler]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CydeENrNum2/

The er are already calls in the comments for Christian to tour the realm to find the only girl in the country whose foot fit this shoe.

May he find her one day.

 

[SLV]

The er are already calls in the comments for Christian to tour the realm to find the only girl in the country whose foot fit this shoe.



May he find her one day. [emoji38]

Unless you are VERY drunk, you would certainly miss one shoe. Who knows, perhaps a young lady, on a whim, left it on purpose, for this exact reference. [emoji38]
He is a handsome prince afterall.

 

[Lee-Z]

Unless you are VERY drunk, you would certainly miss one shoe. Who knows, perhaps a young lady, on a whim, left it on purpose, for this exact reference. [emoji38]
He is a handsome prince afterall.

Wouldn't it be funny if it were just a spare shoe, and Ingrid-Alexandra, Elisabeth and Amalia did it as a bit of a 'prank' gift for Christian

 

[polyesco]

I was wondering if perhaps the "missing" relatives being untitled may have already been seated and the processing in was only for the family heads, etc. I was unable to watch the livestream so I am not sure if Joachim, Marie and family processed in with the family or were already there.

They entered the room right behind the Crown Prince Family and before Benedikte/Anne-Marie
https://cache.scanpix.dk/mini/2023/202310/20231015/20231015-181444-L.jpg

 

[Prinsara]

It was a lovely party with special touches and the shoe is an extra bit of magic.

Even if Andersen didn't write that story.

 

[Muhler]

Cinderella has been found!

She is Anne-Sofie Tørnsø Olesen.

And she actually left the shoe behind as a prank.
A little hesitant though, but she went ahead with the joke.
https://www.seoghoer.dk/kongelige/kongehuset-efterlyste-askepot-her-er-hun

She must have been seated next to Mary's sister, Jane. Because she had a chat with Jane: "She's super-sweet and it was mega-cozy."

She did not get a chance to chat with Christian, but instead she formed an impression of him based on his speech:
"You can tell, he is someone who has much to say. He seemed open to questions and really nice towards his guests and it looked like he really enjoyed the evening."

- Se does not intend to claim the shoe, unless the court will throw it out, in that case she will keep it as a memento.

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

Additional.

https://www.bt.dk/royale/en-saerlig-gaest-manglede-til-prins-christians-fest

It was for health reasons 82 year old John Donaldson did not attend the gala yesterday, claims a royal reporter from the serious newspaper Berlingske. (Being a serious newspaper I will lend considerable credit to that statement. I imagine he may have his sources.)

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

This young gentleman, who won a TV bake-off competition sat next to Princess Amalia and Princess Isabella. (He was among those young who for various reasons belongs to the world of sport and culture and other people who have accomplished something, that were also invited.)
He felt the conversation was relaxed, they were talking about Christian and studying. Apart from that Isabella and Amalia also talked privately among themselves. (I can well imagine that! And why shouldn't they.)

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Official pictures:

Flag raising:
https://www.kongehuset.dk/foto-video/danmark-flager-for-h-k-h-prins-christian

Balcony:
https://www.kongehuset.dk/foto-video/vagtskifte-den-15-oktober-2023

Arrival of the guests:
https://www.kongehuset.dk/foto-video/kongelige-ankomster-til-gallataffel-den-15-oktober-2023
https://www.kongehuset.dk/foto-video/gaesternes-ankomst-til-gallataffel-den-15-oktober-2023

Guests at table:
https://www.kongehuset.dk/foto-vide...af-h-k-h-prins-christians-18-aars-foedselsdag

Guests during the entertainment:
https://www.kongehuset.dk/foto-video/underholdning-ved-gallataffel-paa-christiansborg-slot

Reel of the concert after the gala:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cybt1lfto5I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The family:
https://www.kongehuset.dk/foto-video/officielle-billeder-1

Young heirs to the throne:
https://www.kongehuset.dk/foto-video/h-k-h-prins-christian-og-unge-tronarvinger

Speech of HM the Queen:
https://www.kongehuset.dk/taler/h-m...af-h-k-h-prins-christians-18-aars-foedselsdag

Speech of HRH the Crown Prince:
https://www.kongehuset.dk/taler/h-k...af-h-k-h-prins-christians-18-aars-foedselsdag

Speech of HRH Prince Christian:
https://www.kongehuset.dk/taler/h-k...3-i-anledning-af-prinsens-18-aars-foedselsdag

Announcement of Prince Christian's bestowal with the Order of the Elephant:
https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/hrh-prince-christian-is-bestowed-the-order-of-the-elephant

Guestlist for the gala dinner:
https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/g...r-at-christiansborg-palace-on-15-october-2023

Menu and music for the gala dinner:
https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/m...tian’s-18th-birthday-at-christiansborg-palace

Floral decorations:
https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/floral-decorations

 

[Prinsara]

Ingrid Alexandra seems to have a very clear big sister-like fondness for Christian (at least she looked both proud and also very amused at a lot of what he said). Maybe he and Sverre Magnus are similar in some ways?

 

[Granada]

Again like others have posted, MANY Thanks to those who took the time to provide ALL the links to the varied details of Prince Christian's 18th Birthday Celebrations.

I was so appreciative to see the photos and read the different commentary about different posters perspectives. About EVERYTHING.
Fun and interesting, as well as for me, learning new information !!!!

 

[polyesco]

Some of the young guests, they danced with Mary, Isabella and Felix.
https://www.tv2fyn.dk/svendborg/sar...Yb4km6yiBOQ7Bo4yT2VcHcGgXACLDdkLDas5tkT_jm-7k

 

[Tarlita]

Cinderella has been found!

She is Anne-Sofie Tørnsø Olesen.

And she actually left the shoe behind as a prank.
A little hesitant though, but she went ahead with the joke.
https://www.seoghoer.dk/kongelige/kongehuset-efterlyste-askepot-her-er-hun

She must have been seated next to Mary's sister, Jane. Because she had a chat with Jane: "She's super-sweet and it was mega-cozy."

She did not get a chance to chat with Christian, but instead she formed an impression of him based on his speech:
"You can tell, he is someone who has much to say. He seemed open to questions and really nice towards his guests and it looked like he really enjoyed the evening."

- Se does not intend to claim the shoe, unless the court will throw it out, in that case she will keep

Thank you for the update Muhler.

Our morning TV show showed the shoe this morning.
A lovely sense of humour from a 21st century Cinderella. All the young Ladies present must have felt special to be invited to a palace Gala. I think the idea was inspired and just lovely.
And how modern of the Queen to put on as a surprise a band for the young ones. Her Majesty is so Special.

 

[Alisa]

Thank you to everyone who provided links and informations.

A few observations:

Queen Margrethe looked to be struggling through pain. It was sad to see her look so uncomfortable and wincing. Kudos to her for hosting such a grand affair.

Prince Christian looked every inch of a young and dashing prince in his tuxedo and medals. I don't speak a word of Danish but he sounded very clear and confident. He enunciated his words really well. In contrast to his father who mumbles alot and runs sentences into each other.

Josephine is quite the character. I am sure she provides lots of laughter and comedic relief in the family's household. I had a good laugh at her very exaggerated royal wave on the balcony. She nearly had fall when she almost tripped on the shawl of her jumpsuit.

It would have been wonderful to see more relatives present. I was looking to see Count Richard and Countess Ingrid along with the Greek kids, and Princess Alexia's children. That would've been awesome!

I really like the idea of inviting the 18 year olds to the party. They will be Christian's subjects and how important it is that they see the relevance and importance of the monarchy at their age.

 

[Moonmaiden23]

Cinderella has been found!

She is Anne-Sofie Tørnsø Olesen.

And she actually left the shoe behind as a prank.
A little hesitant though, but she went ahead with the joke.
https://www.seoghoer.dk/kongelige/kongehuset-efterlyste-askepot-her-er-hun

She must have been seated next to Mary's sister, Jane. Because she had a chat with Jane: "She's super-sweet and it was mega-cozy."

She did not get a chance to chat with Christian, but instead she formed an impression of him based on his speech:
"You can tell, he is someone who has much to say. He seemed open to questions and really nice towards his guests and it looked like he really enjoyed the evening."

- Se does not intend to claim the shoe, unless the court will throw it out, in that case she will keep



Thank you for the update Muhler.

Our morning TV show showed the shoe this morning.
A lovely sense of humour from a 21st century Cinderella. All the young Ladies present must have felt special to be invited to a palace Gala. I think the idea was inspired and just lovely.
And how modern of the Queen to put on as a surprise a band for the young ones. Her Majesty is so Special.

I just watched the clip of everyone rocking out and having a great time in their tiaras and sashes. The ladies shoe left on the Palace stairs added just the right touch of fairytale whimsy.

What a grand ,magical evening HM Queen Margrethe put on for Prince Christian. It's going to be tough to top it...those Danes know how to throw a party!

 

[Royalist.in.NC]

Another echo of thanks for all of you who posted so many wonderful pictures and great information!

I thought Christian looked very nervous (who wouldn’t be?) but happy too! Could someone who speaks Danish tell us a bit about what he said in his speech?

I’m hoping that the other invited teenagers will have a bit more understanding and appreciation for the monarchy and in the future, hopefully support him as well since they were actually there with him for this celebration!?