FLAG DAY 2019

5th September

September 5th is a very special day for a lot of people. It is the official Flag Day for Danish soldiers abroad fighting for a better world. Both people that are in war areas and those who have been on a mission, are honor by this annual event. Since 2009 the event has taken place with a wreath laying at Kastellet, a church service in Holmens Church and with a ceremonial parade at the castle square at Christiansborg.

Both Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary attended all three ceremonial honors of the Danish soldiers. Each year is emotional. So was this year. Especially Crown Princess Mary showed a few tears of compassion. I imagine the atmosphere is not really to describable. I have never experienced it myself, but I am sure it is a something you have to experience to tell.

Personally I am impressed and honor that a rather small country as Denmark is able to make an annual event like this. It is with great pride I represent Denmark as Dane. Thanks to those who arranged Flag Day - it makes all of us proud. That is also why I think the Crown Prince Couple gladly attend every year.

CBS RESPONSIBILITY DAY 2019

2nd September

It was a big day for many new students at Copenhagen Business School (also known as CBS), when Crown Princess Mary arrived to CBS Responsibility Day 2019. It took place in K.B. Hallen at Frederiksberg in Copenhagen. She was welcomed with smiles and handshakes by, among others, Rector of CBS Nikolai, Malchow-Møller.

CBS Responsibility Day is an annual event that marks the first day for new bachelor students at Copenhagen Business School, but it also works as a day dedicated to fully focus on business responsibility. This and much more were included in Crown Princess Mary's opening speech. She encouraged the students to take changes, but in a responsible way. In addition to that the Crown Princess spoke about UN's 17 world goals on sustainable development. Take the time and read her speech here.

THE CARLSBERG FOUNDATIONS RESEARCH AWARDS 2019

1st September

As guest of honor Crown Princess Mary attended the Carlsberg Foundations Research Awards 2019 and following dinner. The honoring took place at the legendary Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek - an art  museum build by Carlsbergs founder, Carl Jacobsen. He was a passioned collector of both antique and modern art. A magnificent place, here.

The Crown Princess was welcomed welcomed by, among others, Ane Halboe-Jørgensen. She is the new Minister of Education and Science. Later in the evening both women entered the stage and presented the two Carlsberg awards.

For quite a few year the Crown Princess has been a regular person on the guest list. I believe she first attended the event in 2013, here. Since then she has been invited to hand over two research awards to scientists who have contributed with decisively scientific research results. According to the Royal House the awards are given to both natural sciences- and a humanist/social science researcher. This year Crown Princess Mary handed over the awards to Thomas Kiørboe, Professor ogf Microscipic Life at Sea and Mikael Rask Madsen, Professor of European Law and integration. Congratulations to both of them!

Along with the honor both winners are given 250,000 Danish kroner as a personal rewards and furthermore 750,000 Danish kroner to their research.

THE CONFIRMATION OF PRINCESS INGRID ALEXANDRA

31st August

Yesterday was a big day for the daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway. She celebrated her confirmation in the castle chapel at the Royal Palace in Oslo.

Friends and family from near and far were invited to celebrate the day with her. Also the Danish Crown Prince couple and their oldest son Prince Christian were invited to the ceremony and following lunch. Crown Prince Frederik is the godfather of Princess Ingrid Alexandra. As her godfather, he participated in a very special part of the confirmation - he lit a candle for her with her other godparents (Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, King Felipe of Spain, Kong Harald of Norway and Marit Tjessem).

A confirmation is a significant day in most young peoples life. It is the day where to confirm the promises that were made at the christening. It takes place as a special church service each year around the age of 13-15. The ceremony is not quite the same in each country. In Denmark for instance we do not lit a candle confirmed children, but it is a beautiful tradition.

Let us congratulate the Princess on behalf of her confirmation!