The details of Prince Henrik of Denmark’s funeral have been announced, following his death late on Tuesday night. Today, his body was taken to Copenhagen, where the Danish Royal Family have been greeting well-wishers and viewing the tributes laid to the late Prince Consort.
The Prince’s coffin was today taken from Fredensborg Palace – where he passed away in his sleep surrounded by his wife and sons just hours after returning home from hospital – to Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen. Queen Margrethe joined her husband on his final journey.
The coffin, covered in a Danis flag with the royal coat of arms at the centre, was born out of Fredensborg by eight members of staff who knew the Consort best.
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Accompanying Margrethe was eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, and his family: Crown Princess Mary, Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.
At the royal residence in the capital, the Royals greeted the well-wishing public who had been leaving flowers and tributes to Prince Henrik.
The Queen was cheered when she appeared, and despite the family’s loss, they seemed in remarkably good spirits – no doubt remembering the good moments of Henrik’s life and grateful to see so many people remembering the Prince Consort.
Prince Joachim and Princess Marie also took part in the greeting, with their two children – Henrik and Athena – and Joachim’s two sons from his previous marriage, Nikolai and Felix.
A book of condolence was placed at Det Gule Palads (the Yellow Palace) today for members of the public to express their condolences; it will be there daily until 20th February, the day of the funeral. The Danish Court also announced a month of royal mourning, which means the Royal Family will wear black (or dark colours), and they will not participate in social or entertainment events. Uniformed personnel will also wear black armbands.
Prince Henrik’s funeral
Prince Henrik desired a private funeral, which he will have next Tuesday. His body will then be cremated, and half of his ashes spread in the Danish waters, and the other half set to be interred in the private gardens at Fredensborg castle.
Henrik’s body will rest in the palace until the weekend; he is now at the chapel of Christiansborg Palace, located on the tiny island of Slotsholmen, where members of the public may go to pay their respects before the funeral.
We expect many members of the Scandinavian Royal Families to attend the ceremony, as they are a close community, but the funeral will be on a small-scale in accordance with Henrik’s wishes.
Royal condolences
Messages of condolence have been sent from various European Royal Families. King Carl XVI Gustaf, who is a first cousin of Margrethe, said: “The Queen and I have today, with great sadness, received the message that Prince Henrik has passed away.
“I want to express our deepest condolences to Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim and their families.
“There is a close relationship between the Nordic royal houses, not least through the close ties that connect us. We remember Prince Henrik with great warmth.”
King Harald of Norway lowered flags to half-mast at the Royal Palace of Olso out of respect for Henrik. He said: “Our thoughts go to Queen Margrethe and the closest family after Prince Henrik’s passing. Our condolences also go to the Danish people. “
Our own Queen has sent a private message to Margrethe.