King Frederik and Queen Mary cop criticism over controversial decision: 'Pathetic... double standards'
King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark have copped harsh criticism this week after appearing to turn their back on one of their 'main promises'.
The royal couple visited Nordre Toldbod in Copenhagen on Wednesday where they boarded their Royal Ship, Dannebrog, for the official launch of the 2025 sailing season.
But the decision to board the mighty ship was scolded, as the vessel said to emit 60 times more CO2 than the average Dane emits in one year.
The pair sail on board the yacht through Danish waters every year. This year they will set off on their first 'major' sail on August 25 for four days but the summer cruises often last as long as two weeks depending on the schedule.
In 2024, their sailing tour also included trips to Sweden, Norway and Greenland.
The ship's impact on climate change has been questioned by local royal and environmental experts who branded the move 'disappointing and pathetic', leaving the Royal House no choice but to respond.
In a written, translated response to the Danish Broadcast Corporation, the Palace's new head of communications wrote: 'The Royal House is aware of the dilemma associated with Dannebrog being powered by conventional fuel.
'[We are] currently investigating the possibility of using alternative fuels with a view to reducing emissions from the Royal Ship.
'At the same time, it is important to emphasise that Dannebrog is a historic ship with symbolic and representative significance for Denmark. It is a gathering point, no matter where in the Kingdom it is located. The royal ship is in great demand.'
Royal House expert Sebastian Olden-Jørgensen told B.T. News that it was 'only a matter of time before the climate issue hit the Royal House', especially given the King's public commitment to the environment.
'As the royal couple, we are concerned with being able to contribute to passing the planet on to the next generation in good condition, which requires that we promote the green transition,' King Frederik wrote in his book 'King's Words' at the start of his reign.
Before the drama hit, the royal pair were busy carrying out their jam-packed schedule while moving out of home and into their summer residence on the shore of Lake Esrum in Fredensborg with Queen Margrethe.
They 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 alongside Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe, who had already taken up residence in the main palace.
The expansive property on Zealand island in Denmark has plenty of room to accommodate the whole royal family.
It is something of a homecoming for the royal couple, who lived full-time in the Chancellery from 2004-10 when he was still the Crown Prince and Amelienborg Palace in Copenhagen was being refurbished.
Royal watchers were surprised to learn that former monarch Queen Margrethe is staying in the main residence of Fredensborg Palace (left), while King Frederik and Queen Mary along with their children have moved into the palace's eastern wing, Chancellery House (right).
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 the secondary accommodation in 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 Amalienborg 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.
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