Marital crisis? The affectionate gestures between Frederik and Mary during their recent trip to Greenland suggest otherwise. But what does the royal expert say?
In early July, the Danish royal couple, Frederik, 56, and Mary, 52, visited the island of Greenland, a significant autonomous region of the Kingdom of Denmark. Their twins, Vincent and Josephine, 13, were also part of the trip. Impressive images and details of the journey are shown by Julia Melchior in her new film “Denmark’s Royal Children: Departure and Legacy” (July 23, 2024, 8:15 PM, ZDF and from 10 AM in the media library).
In a side note, the film also addresses the rumors of a marital crisis between the royal couple, which have been circulating since the end of last year—despite the couple not lacking in affectionate gestures. spot on news asked Julia Melchior for her assessment. Additionally, the royal expert explains in the interview why Greenland holds a special place in the Danish king’s heart.
Frederik and Mary Visited Greenland Again with Their Twins Vincent and Josephine. Why Is This Region So Important to the King?
Julia Melchior: Greenland is part of his biography. In 2000, he participated in the four-month Sirius 2000 sled expedition in northern Greenland. This experience, along with extreme sports and elite military training with the Danish Frogman Corps, helped him come to terms with his destiny. He pushed his limits, demonstrated his capabilities, and earned recognition. He had to take this detour to find himself and his role. As a young person, Frederik initially struggled with his predestined life. Greenland was a milestone in his development.
What Role Does Greenland Play for the Kingdom of Denmark?
Melchior: Greenland is an autonomous region within the Kingdom of Denmark, but it increasingly strives for independence. The king plays an important role in maintaining cohesion. As an independent head of state, he represents all parts of the kingdom. And because he has a personal connection to Greenland, he is respected there. Geopolitically, many global powers are interested in Greenland, making it crucial for the Danish crown to maintain good relations with Greenland. However, historically, this is a very sensitive issue. In the post-war period, Denmark committed many injustices. There were social experiments to turn Inuit children into Danes. They were brought to Denmark, made to learn Danish, and given Danish first names.
Could This Be Why the Royal Twins Have Inuit Middle Names: Prince Vincent Is Named Minik and Princess Josephine Ivalo?
Melchior: The royal couple has never commented on why they gave their children Greenlandic middle names. This is surely connected to Frederik’s love for this region. However, we can also interpret this as a gesture. The royal family cannot make political statements or apologize for past injustices, but they can set examples—which they have done. The fact that the twins accompanied their parents on this trip was kept secret until the last moment. It was a big surprise with a wonderful message: considering that the children are rarely seen, taking the twins can almost be viewed as a gift to the local population.
Frederik and Mary Also Sent Signals as a Couple on This Trip: There Were Many Hugs and Other Affectionate Gestures. Could This Be Related to the Affair Rumors? What Is Your Assessment?
Melchior: There are no signs that this marriage is in crisis. As a couple, parents, and a royal couple, we see them as a harmonious unit. There have been many occasions in recent months where the royal couple has shown signs of affection and intimacy—both in official moments and when they felt unobserved. During the throne change in January, I asked how to interpret this scandal. From the royal family, I was told: within our family, this scandal does not exist.
These Are Good News. What Would You Say Makes Them a Good Match?
Melchior: Yes, they are a great couple. Frederik and Mary complement each other well, whether as a royal couple or as parents. As parents, they have a very important task of preparing their son Christian for his role as Crown Prince and future king. At the same time, his three siblings need to learn to stand on their own. Frederik and Mary work well together in this regard. Mary, coming from an entirely different background as an Australian commoner, is fully aware of her responsibilities. And when you see Christian—which is happening more and more often—you can tell that the parents have succeeded. Christian appears confident and positive and doesn’t seem to struggle with his destiny as his father did at 18. Kudos to the parents for achieving this.
As We Have Learned from Prince Harry’s Situation, It Is Also Very Important to Prepare the Second-Borns and All Other Children for Their Own Lives…
Melchior: Preparing the younger siblings for independent lives is indeed essential. It is no longer acceptable to taxpayers that numerous family members, who essentially have no function, represent the royal house. And it does not make many of them happy either. Look at Prince Harry. He was never prepared to stand on his own. The British failed in that regard. On the other hand, he is missed by the royal family. He was a great source of sympathy and achievement. But for that, his wife would have had to participate. And that project failed miserably.
If Christian’s Siblings Are Later Removed from the Obligations and Privileges, Does That Mean the Focus Should Be on a Proper Professional Education?
Melchior: Yes. And not just a military education. It should also be possible for a prince or princess to become a doctor or teacher if they wish. In Britain, this was not customary until recently. It is different in the Dutch royal family. Queen Beatrix and her husband Prince Claus ensured that Willem-Alexander’s brothers led independent lives. One studied aerospace engineering, and the other law. Both also studied economics and then pursued careers outside the royal house. This is very important and is now being emphasized more everywhere than before.
