While staying in the Faroe Islands, Frederik and Mary of Denmark have had several memorable moments as part of their first official visit to this North Atlantic territory. The three-day trip wraps up on Friday, June 13, and has left a meaningful mark on the relationship between the Danish monarchy and the Faroese people. The royals were joined by their youngest daughter, 14-year-old Princess Josephine. This volcanic archipelago, located between Norway, Scotland, and Iceland, is administratively part of Denmark but enjoys a degree of autonomy, much like Greenland.
One of the most emotional moments of the visit took place at the gala dinner on June 11, held at the prestigious Hotel Føroyar in Tórshavn, the first town the royals visited after disembarking from the Royal Ship Dannebrog. With heartfelt words, King Frederik X moved all 188 guests, speaking about the importance of family and highlighting the key role his children have played in his life and marriage.
© Getty ImagesAccording to the Danish newspaper Billed Bladet, the monarch began his speech with some thoughtful words about his four children, Crown Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, and Princes Vincent and Josephine, before sharing a few anecdotes about the country. “Thank you very much for the personal, kind, and well-crafted words the Lord Chancellor directed to my wife, to me, and to our children. For us, our children are part of our unity. They are what keep our family together, which is half of our population,” said King Frederik in a moving statement.
© Getty Images“The Faroe Islands have everything and hold a special place in my family’s heart,” King Frederik X said at another point in his speech. He added, “They are important to my mother, Queen Margrethe, who asked me to send her regards. In 2018, Queen Mary, myself, and our children shared this experience together, precisely 40 years after my initial visit. I wonder if, over these past few days, the other three are sending a slightly envious thought to Josephine,” King Frederik noted with a smile.
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© Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty ImaDuring their visit to the Faroe Islands, the King and Queen of Denmark toured several iconic towns across the archipelago, including Koltur, Tórshavn, Vágur, Fámjin, and Tvøroyri. Their final stop was in Eiði, where they had the chance to visit the studio of renowned Faroese artist Sigrun Gunnarsdóttir. In this space, she has created her distinctive artistic world and earned international recognition. Beyond her paintings, she has also designed decorative pieces for churches and public buildings throughout the Faroe Islands, which have had a lasting impact on the archipelago’s visual culture. The reception aboard the Royal Ship Dannebrog on Friday, June 13, will be the grand finale of a historic visit that has strengthened the bond between Denmark and this North Atlantic archipelago, a constituent nation of the Danish Realm with a high degree of autonomy since 1948.
Frederik X, an Adventurous King
King Frederik X of Denmark had a thrilling moment in Vagseidi, on the island of Suduroy, when he embraced his adventurous spirit and zipped down a steep slope on a zipline. Defying gravity, the monarch took in breathtaking panoramic views as he sped down, in an experience that captured both his enthusiasm for the Faroese landscape and his deep connection to nature.
© Getty ImagesAnother standout moment was the official reception in Tórshavn, at Tinganes, where the royal couple surprised the public by wearing traditional Faroese attire. This gesture was deeply appreciated by the islanders, who saw it as a sign of respect and closeness, since the outfit is typically reserved for solemn celebrations. These garments, often passed down through generations, can take months or even a year to complete, as many people combine inherited or borrowed pieces to put together a full ensemble.
© Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty ImaPrincess Josephine, on the other hand, chose a more casual outfit. Still, her presence during the visit has stood out. Not only has she shown a genuine interest in Faroese culture, but she has also taken an active role in several activities alongside her parents.
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