Prince Frederick X will succeed his mother, Queen Margaret II, who recently announced her retirement.
Copenhagen is abuzz with anticipation as Crown Prince Frederik, a versatile individual with a passion for sports, military service and environmental issues, prepares to ascend the throne as King Frederik X.
As Denmark's future monarch, the 55-year-old royal will break with tradition, succeeding his mother, Queen Margaret II, who recently announced her retirement after an impressive 52-year reign.
Despite initial reservations during his teenage years about the challenges of being in the public eye, Crown Prince Frederik embraced his destiny. In a 1996 interview, he candidly expressed his initial discomfort, stating: “You knew you were going to be so public, so well-known, so accessible to everyone and so represented. I didn't like that.”
However, over time, he became more comfortable with his role as heir to the throne and set about preparing for the responsibilities that awaited him.
Born on May 26, 1968, as the first child of Queen Margaret and Prince Henrik, Crown Prince Frederik earned his nickname “Pingo” due to a memorable incident during military training.
![]Queen Margaret of Denmark delivers a speech alongside Danish Crown Princess Mary, King Philip of Spain, Queen Letizia of Spain and Danish Crown Prince Frederik during the State Banquet at Christiansborg Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark, on November 6, 2023. –Reuters](https://www.geo.tv/assets/uploads/updates/2024-01-12/526757_1106627_updates.jpg)
As a frogman in an elite naval unit, he walked like a penguin when his wetsuit filled with water, a story he shared in a 2010 interview.
Frederik's educational journey took him to Aarhus University, where he earned a master's degree in political science, including two semesters at Harvard University.
His multilingual skills in Danish, English, French and German demonstrate his dedication to effective communication on the international stage.
With a keen interest in climate change and environmental issues, King Frederick X, like Britain's King Charles III, has demonstrated a commitment to addressing global challenges.
His diplomatic experiences at the Danish Embassy in Paris and at the Danish mission to the UN in New York have further shaped his perspectives.
Known for his casual and down-to-earth demeanor, Frederik has integrated seamlessly into Danish society. Whether participating in marathons, an Ironman triathlon or participating in a dog sledding expedition in northern Greenland, he shows a great interest in physical activities.
His approachability is evident as he occasionally rides a bicycle with bodyguards in tow and casually interacts with the public.
As the transition unfolds, Crown Prince Frederik X brings a contemporary and accessible style to the monarchy, reflecting his commitment to connecting with people on a personal level.
While his formal speeches may differ from Queen Margaret's astute statements, his informal charm and commitment to ordinary citizens have endeared him to the Danish population.
