King Frederik and Queen Mary move out of their Danish palace
King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark are on the move and commencing a new chapter on the shore of Lake Esrum in Fredensborg.
Interestingly, former monarch, Queen Margrethe also forms a surprising and integral part of their relocation plans.
The Danish royal family officially moved residences on Monday 5 May to Fredensborg Palace, where they will be taking up residence in the eastern wing, known as Chancellery House for the summer.
The King and Queen along with their three youngest children Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, moved into Fredensborg Palace with Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe, who had already taken up residence in the main palace.
The expansive property on the North Zealand island in Denmark has plenty of room to accommodate the whole royal family.
But royal watchers are intrigued by the fact that former monarch Queen Margrethe is staying in the main palace, while the current King and Queen's family have moved into Chancellery House.
Royal expert and historian Lars Hovbakke Sørensen explained to Danish publication B.T. that it was 'completely unproblematic' for the current King and his family to be living in the palace's secondary residence.
The expert explained that although it might seem unusual, Lars said it was an 'obvious' result of Queen Margrethe opting to abdicate the throne in 2024, rather than it passing to her son following her death.
'[W]e have a completely different situation than ever before, where we have a living, former regent,' explained Lars.
As the northern hemisphere summer approaches, the Danish royal family traditionally move their residence to Fredensborg Palace.
For most of the year, Frederik and Mary live at Frederik VIII's Palace at Amalienborg in Copenhagen with their four children – Crown Prince Christian, 19, Princess Isabella, 18, and 14-year-old twins, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.
However, Prince Christian will not be joining the royal family at Chancellery House this summer as he remains stationed in the town of Slagelse as part of his compulsory military service.
On Monday 5 May, King Frederik and Queen Mary received a warm welcome to their summer residence from the Mayor of Fredensborg and local residents.
The King and Queen shook hands and greeted crowds of Fredensborg citizens, who had gathered to welcome the royals' arrival at their summer home.
But the royal couple were almost upstaged by the surprise appearance of their two Border Collie dogs, Grace and Coco, who have also relocated to the palace for the warmer months.
The monarchs' arrival was also marked with musical performances from the Palace Chapel Girls' Choir and the Fredensborg Brass Ensemble.
King Frederik delivered a speech thanking the crowd and musicians for the warm and welcoming reception.
As the family settle into Chancellery House for the summer, another explanation for why they continue to opt to stay there could be due to Mary and Frederik's personal connection to the property.
Chancellery House was Mary and Frederik's first home as a married couple after it was made available to them by Queen Margrethe following their wedding in 2004.
It remained their main residence for six years until renovations were completed at Frederik VIII's Palace at Amalienborg in Copenhagen.
The royal couple have also made several renovations to the Chancellery in recent years, with royal expert Lars adding that these touches would undoubtedly make the place feel like 'their home'.
The royal expert noted that Mary and Frederik have previously established a similar tradition at their main residence at Amalienborg Palace by not being bound to staying in a 'specific building for the regent', but rather opting to stay in the area within the palace where they have 'always lived'.
Chancellery House was erected in 1731 during the reign of Christian VI for the king's ministers and government officials.
It previously served as the home of Queen Margrethe's late mother, Queen Ingrid, until her death in 2000.
The Chancellery has had many purposes over the years, such as being used for royal court employees, public housing and even as a war time hospital.
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