King Frederik X of Denmark is slowly approaching his first anniversary of reign. This November 21, the Royal Court shared the new official portraits of King Frederik X and Queen Mary. These are their first official photos in civilian clothes, as sovereigns. Queen Mary displays a subtle romantic detail.
Read also: First gala photos of King Frederik X and Queen Mary with the emerald set reserved for queens
King Frederik X and Queen Mary finally have their first official portraits in civilian clothes
On January 14, 2024, Queen Margrethe abdicated on her 52nd reign, in favor of her eldest son, Frederik. The queen had only given the population a few days to prepare for this great change, having announced the decision to abandon her throne during her New Year's speech.
This change of reign brought about many changes within the Court and within different institutional structures. This November 21, 2024, ten months later, the Court once again symbolizes this change by now sharing official photos of the new sovereigns. As early as April, the Court had released a series of portraits of King Frederik X, 56, and Queen Mary, 52, in gala attire. King Frederik wore his four-star general's uniform while Queen Mary wore the Danish queens' tiara. Both wore all of their military distinctions and insignia.
Also read: New gala photos from the Danish royal family to mark the end of Queen Margrethe II's Golden Jubilee
This romantic little detail around Queen Mary's neck
The new portraits shared now are photos of the sovereigns in civilian clothes. Gala photos are usually displayed in the premises of embassies and consulates abroad, as well as in all official buildings such as city halls or public services. These photos are directly framed and then shipped all over the world. The expedition is currently underway.
Read also: The Danish heir family poses in gala attire for Prince Christian's 18th birthday
Plain clothes photos are used more to illustrate institutional communications. They can be used as part of official trips, during visits or other events. The various associations which benefit from royal patronage can also use them in their communications. These civilian portraits were taken by photographer Steen Evald at the Frederick VIII Palace in Copenhagen. Frederick VIII Palace is one of four mansions that form the Amalienborg royal complex and serves as the residence of Frederik and Mary.
In these photos, the royal couple wears simple clothes. King Frederik wears a navy blue three-piece suit and pale pink tie, along with the miniature rosette insignia of the Order of the Elephant. Queen Mary wears a white outfit and discreet jewelry. We still notice the romantic wink around the neck, with its pendant in the shape of an “F”, the initial of her husband's first name.
Nicolas Fontaine
Editor-in-chief
Nicolas Fontaine has been a designer-editor and author for numerous Belgian and French brands and media. A specialist in royal family news, Nicolas founded the site Histoires royales of which he is the editor-in-chief. [email protected]
