King Frederik and Queen Mary move out of their Danish palace
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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Daily Record
04-08-2025
- Daily Record
Three stunning locations to escape bustling Edinburgh Fringe and Oasis crowds
With Oasis gigs and the Fringe festival filling the city, Edinburgh is lively - but the capital also offers quiet options nearby Edinburgh is set to become the centre of the arts world once again, as festival season begins and the city welcomes millions of visitors. With the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the International Festival in full swing throughout August, the capital will be bursting with performers, tourists and energy. Adding to the buzz, three major Oasis gigs are also scheduled over the coming week or so, ensuring the city will be packed throughout the month. While the festivals bring a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere, the constant crowds can feel overwhelming at times. Fortunately, the city is full of hidden corners where calm can still be found. For those looking to take a break from the hustle of the Royal Mile and the crowded venues, there are peaceful retreats tucked just beyond the city centre, Scottish Daily Express reports.. Here are three of the best escapes to explore during Edinburgh's busiest season. Dean Village Just a short walk from Princes Street lies one of Edinburgh's most picturesque and peaceful areas. Dean Village, described by VisitScotland as 'one of Edinburgh's best kept secrets', sits along the Water of Leith. Once a separate village centred around grain milling, Dean Village was home to 11 mills, the remnants of which are still visible. It feels far removed from the bustle of the city, despite being less than a mile away. Though now part of Edinburgh, the area retains its old-world charm and is known for its distinctive architecture. At the heart of the village is Well Court, a striking building constructed in the 1880s to house mill workers. Above it all is Dean Bridge, a 30-metre-high structure built by famed engineer Thomas Telford in 1831 to link the growing city from east to west. With leafy paths, riverside walks and plenty of photo opportunities, Dean Village is a tranquil escape just minutes from the festival crowds. Duddingston and Dr Neil's Garden Hidden behind Holyrood Park, the historic village of Duddingston is another peaceful retreat that few tourists ever find. Dating back to the 12th century, the village boasts a loch, nature reserve and a blend of traditional cottages, Georgian villas, and one of the oldest churches in Scotland; Duddingston Kirk. One of the highlights of the area is Dr Neil's Garden, a quiet sanctuary tucked at the foot of Arthur's Seat. Free to enter from 10am until dusk, the garden offers colourful plantings of alpines, primulas, rhododendrons and azaleas, all laid out with care in a space ideal for relaxation and reflection. With Arthur's Seat rising behind it, this spot offers both seclusion and beauty. The nearby Sheep Heid Inn is thought to be one of the oldest pubs in the country, and Mary, Queen of Scots is said to have once been a guest. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Craigmillar Castle While Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline and draws in huge crowds, few visitors venture just four miles southeast to explore its lesser-known counterpart. Craigmillar Castle, steeped in royal history, offers a quieter but equally dramatic experience. This 15th-century fortress is where Mary, Queen of Scots, took refuge after the murder of her secretary, David Rizzio. It is also linked to the alleged plot to kill her husband, Lord Darnley. The grounds include a unique fishpond shaped like the letter P, and the tower house provides some of the best views of Edinburgh Castle itself. Entry to Craigmillar Castle is £7.50 if booked in advance or £8.50 on the day, a bargain compared to central city prices, and a chance to step into history away from the crowds. See the Historic Environment Scotland website for more information.
Time Out
04-08-2025
- Time Out
5 new restaurants in Singapore to check out this August 2025
After a relatively slow July, Singapore's food scene is springing right back into action, especially with the launch of Resorts World Sentosa's new lifestyle enclave, Weave, on top of several openings in Jewel Changi Airport. This month's food picks include an affordable offshoot of the award-winning ramen restaurant Mensho Tokyo, a bistro concept by the folks behind RVLT (a cult-favourite natural wine bar which closed this year); a breezy Italian spot nestled in the Botanic Gardens; Singapore's very first Bornean restaurant; and a gorgeous new hideout in the CBD with wallet-friendly set lunches. Here are the finest places to wine and dine this August. Explore Singapore's 2025 restaurant openings by month: Find out which are the best new restaurants that opened in Singapore this year. 1. Mensho X If Mensho Tokyo is a little out of your budget this month, try Mensho X, a fast-casual offshoot of the award-winning ramen restaurant with signature bowls from $19. It currently has an outlet in Raffles Place, with one more set to open in Resorts World Sentosa later this year. While the original Mensho Tokyo is known for its rich, velvety toripaitan broth, Mensho X's version leans towards the lighter side, thanks to the use of ingredients like kelp, shiitake and porcini mushrooms. It's not just the broth that differs – instead of Mensho Tokyo's whole wheat, stone-milled noodles, there are three noodle options at Mensho X: ramen, tsukemen and mazeman, all made from a proprietary flour blend. Highlights on the menu to look out for include the mochi mochi mazemen ($19), toripaitan tsukemen ($19), Firebird Ramen ($20) and toripaitan ramen with egg yolk ($19). Address: 6 Battery Rd, Raffles #01-02, Singapore 049909 Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm Expect to pay: From $19 per bowl of ramen. 2. Revolution Wine Bistro Singapore's OG natural wine bar RVLT is making a glorious comeback with a new wine bistro in the heart of Bukit Merah. The restaurant has swapped out the grungy aesthetics of its old Carpenter Street digs for a more minimalistic and classy look. Its new location is housed within the Danish design studio Fritz Hansen, so that explains it. Despite the makeover, the borderless and boundary-pushing food and spirit of RVLT live on. Yes, cult-faves have not been taken off the menu – thank God. You can still get your fix of the brand's iconic homemade chicken nuggets ($20) with fermented tomato sriracha, and its wagyu beef patty melt with fries ($28). Other than that, it's pasta with a local twist that takes centre stage. Think salted egg carbonara ($19.80), hua diao white clams linguine ($19.80) and the like. And if you miss the vino, shimmy up to the bar counter for spot-on recommendations by co-founders and wine geeks Alvin Gho and Ian Lim. 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Scotsman
03-08-2025
- Scotsman
Mary, Queen of Scots' captivity in England 'like a John Le Carré spy novel'
Sign up to our History and Heritage newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... As she stepped onto a fishing boat that waited in a tiny cove on the Solway Firth, Mary, Queen of Scots - with her shorn auburn hair, plain dress and panic in her heart - set sail on the worst decision of her life. As she sought sanctuary in England and the help of her cousin, Elizabeth I, following her forced abdication from the Scottish throne, she set the route to her long captivity of 19 years and, ultimately, her death. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Now, a new book Exile, The Captive Years of Mary Queen of Scots, by Rosemary Goring, tracks the doomed queen through England during her confinement, from her first night at Workington Hall in Cumbria in 1568 to her last at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire. Each location drew Mary further from the Border and any hope of her release and return to Scotland as Elizabeth I and her advisers kept the threat to English rule and of a broader Catholic rebellion at bay. The Solway Firth, looking to England from Scotland. The channel was crossed by Mary Queen of Scots in 1568 - she was never to see Scotland or France again. PIC: Caroline Legg/CC/Flickr | PIC: Caroline Legg/CC/Flickr As she is held in England and moved from castle to castle and keeper to keeper, Mary, to the writer's discovery, becomes more 'interesting' as the depths of her character are exposed. Mary evolves from the 'headstrong and open-hearted' monarch who enjoyed hunting and all-night dancing at the Palace of Holyroodhouse to a calculating and cunning figure who 'formidably' played the forces of the English state as they mounted a 'campaign of undercover espionage unrivalled until the Cold War', Goring said. The author said: 'When we think of the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, I think we all think that the really exciting years were when she was in Scotland where she was living this very gung-ho life, out on horseback at the head of her army, with lots of murderous treacherours plots all around her. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'But when she comes to England, the story strangely enough gets more interesting. Tixall Hall, Staffordshire, where Mary was imprisoned in the tower (top left) for two weeks in 1586. PIC:. | Getty Images 'I liken it to a John le Carré novel , like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. It is all about deceit, deception, the letters, the hidden channels of communication, playing one person off against another - all within the walls of her very gilded cages. 'For me, that becomes absolutely riveting. You see the power of the English state secret service working against Mary. And there she is, keeping up her own end towards the great finale of her life.' Mary, as she set sail on the Solway Firth looking for help, never fully assessed the threat she posed to Elizabeth I or the country at large. Devout Catholics believed she had a stronger claim to the English throne than Elizabeth, given her grandfather James IV was married to Margaret Tudor, the older sister of Henry VIII. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This direct line of succession compared to Elizabeth the 'usurper', who was the only child of Henry by his second wife Anne Boleyn, whose marriage took place following Henry's divorce from Catherine of Aragon, and not recognised by the Catholic church. While Mary felt hopeful that Elizabeth I, as a cousin and fellow queen, would aid her, Goring described Mary's decision to go to England as 'the most terrible mistake of her life'. Heading to France, where she was Dowager Queen and had an income and famiy support, would have been perhaps been the obvious choice. Portrait of Elizabeth I, the cousin and ultimate adversary of Mary Queen of Scots. PIC:. | Getty Images Despite initial warm words between Elizabeth and Mary - and the suggestion that Mary would be returned to Scotland if her innocence in the plot to kill her second husband Lord Darnley was proven - Elizabeth and her advisors quickly poured their energies into containing the exile. Goring said: 'From that point, Mary became a much more thoughtful personality and, actually, even though she could be quite Machiavellian, my respect for her is absolutely enormous given the way she coped with the conditions of her captivity, Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'She often goes for months without any contact with the outside world or knowing what was happening with her son James VI while believing, misguidedly, that he was on her side.' As her captivity and isolation deepened, Mary showed herself a 'natural when it came to the black arts of subterfuge and dissemblance'. She spent much of her time at her desk writing letters and petitioning diplomats and potential allies, both at home and abroad. She became immersed in cryptology to an 'unhealthy degree', with some believing that her obsession with secret communications and its methods hastened her death. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The death warrant of Mary Queen of Scots (1542 - 1587), authorised by Elizabeth I, is brought to her in her prison on February 1, 1587. | Getty Images As part of her research, Goring was given one of 57 recently discovered coded letters written by Mary during her captivity in England to unravel. The correspondence, which was believed to have been lost, was found in the National Library of France in Paris by a group of cryptographers. The letters date from 1578 to 1584 and chart the mindset of an increasingly desperate queen. They include the details of her role in the 1583 Throckmorton Plot, which planned for a French invasion of England, the assassination of Elizabeth I and the arrival of Mary, Queen of Scots on the English throne. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Goring said; 'Mary was not just aware of the Throckmorton Plot, but offered money to her Guise relatives in France to help them be part of this plot. So she was completely complicit in that as well as many other machinations as she tried to be part of the incredibly complicated European politics of the time.' After the Throckmorton Plot, Mary was returned to Tutbury Castle, a place of 'soaring curtain walls and solid towers, the definition of a prison'. This was the fourth time she had been held captive there. The remains of Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire, where Mary Queen of Scots was held four times. PIC: Donnchadh H/CC | Donnchadh H/CC By spring 1585, Mary was devastated. Her son James VI, now ruling Scotland in his own right, dismissed an ongoing notion presented by his mother that they could jointly head the country. Mary turned in earnest to plot against Elizabeth as her only route of escape. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When Anthony Babington proposed the 'dispatch' of the 'usurper' by six noble gentlemen, Mary listened and then acted. Mary wrote the 'Gallows Letter' on July 17, 1586, authorising the plot and making recommendations. Fatefully, she agreed to Elizabeth's assassination: 'sett the six gentlemen to work'. The letter was intercepted in a beer barrel, decoded and used to seal her execution on February 8, 1587. Goring said: "The people of Scotland were outraged and, particularly in the Borders, there was talk of marching into England and confronting the English for what they had done. 'They felt there had been a terrible deed committed. That shows, at a popular level, people's interest in her had never diminished or died.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Almost 440 years after her death, the same can also be said as Mary continues to surprise and enlighten. Exile, The Captive Years of Mary Queen of Scots by Rosemary Goring, published by Birlinn, is available now priced £20.
