In a heartfelt and personal message, King Frederik of Denmark has marked a major milestone in Princess Isabella’s life by sharing a nostalgic black-and-white photograph from his own graduation 40 years ago.
King Frederik X of Denmark posted the image on the Danish Royal House’s official social media accounts, offering a glimpse into his youth and drawing a touching parallel between his own academic achievement and the upcoming graduation of his daughter, Princess Isabella of Denmark.
The photograph dates back to 1986, when Frederik graduated at the age of 18. The image, taken during what is traditionally a major celebration in Denmark, shows the future king wearing white trousers, a sweater, and the distinctive graduation cap worn by Danish students upon completing their studies.
Holding books in his left hand and smiling broadly after finishing an important chapter of his education, Frederik is joined in the photo by his younger brother, Prince Joachim of Denmark, who is also dressed in white and wearing a graduation cap. Many royal watchers have noted Joachim’s striking resemblance to his son, Prince Felix of Denmark.
© detdanskekongehus“Today marks 40 years since my brother and I put on our graduation caps. Soon it will be my eldest daughter’s turn,” the Danish monarch wrote.
“The celebrations create a very special atmosphere as young people proudly take to the streets and celebrate completing an educational stage. I would like to send a special greeting to everyone finishing their studies.”
© IDA MARIE ODGAARDPrincess Isabella’s graduation celebration:
In just over a week, 19-year-old Princess Isabella, the second of the four children of King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark, will complete her upper secondary education, the Danish equivalent of high school.
© NurPhotoThe princess is currently studying at Øregård Gymnasium in Hellerup, and the Danish Royal House has confirmed that the royal family will take part in her official graduation ceremony on June 26.
The event is expected to mirror the celebrations held for her older brother, Crown Prince Christian of Denmark, when he graduated.
© Martin Sylvest AndersenMilitary service awaits:
After receiving her diploma, Princess Isabella is set to follow in her brother’s footsteps by beginning military service in August at the Guard Hussar Regiment in Slagelse.
© Martin Sylvest AndersenHer military training will last 11 months, in accordance with Denmark’s updated military service regulations. The move will make Isabella the only princess who is second in line to the throne of a European monarchy to undergo formal military training.
Unlike her brother, her father, and her grandmother, Queen Margrethe II, Princess Isabella will not take a gap year before beginning her military service.
© Martin Sylvest AndersenGap years are a long-standing tradition among younger members of European royal families and have been particularly common within the Danish royal family.
Instead, the young princess will move directly from the classroom to military training, marking the beginning of a new chapter as she prepares for her future role within the Danish monarchy.
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