King Frederick and Queen Mary of Denmark showcased their impeccable summer style on Friday as they attended the Trooping the Colour ceremony at their summer residence, Gråsten Palace. Located in the Jutland region of southern Denmark, Gråsten Palace has been the royal family’s traditional summer abode for nearly a century.
The new monarchs appeared at ease in their roles following the abdication of Queen Margrethe II earlier this year. King Frederick opted for a casual look with a short-sleeved blue shirt and white chinos, while Queen Mary donned a light blue and beige cardigan over a white skirt and top. The couple’s relaxed yet elegant attire perfectly matched the laid-back summer atmosphere of the event.
The Trooping the Colour ceremony, a time-honored tradition, saw the Royal Lifeguard march through the city to a guard parade at the castle. The event culminated in an atmospheric concert in the castle yard, a highlight that takes place every Friday when the regent is in residence. The Danish royal family’s official Instagram account shared, “It is a tradition that when the regent stays at the southern Jutland castle, the Royal Lifeguard marches through the city every day to a guard parade at the castle, and every Friday the shift of the guard ends with an atmospheric concert in the castle yard.”
Gråsten Palace itself has a storied history, having been rebuilt twice after devastating fires in 1603 and 1757. The current structure, with its south wing built in 1759 and the rest completed in 1842, was given to the late King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid in 1935. Queen Ingrid, who passed away in 2000, had the palace’s garden reshaped in the English style, featuring open lawns, large sections of bushes, rose and flower beds, and a view of the surrounding lake and forest landscape. Her daughter, Queen Margrethe II, continued her work after her death.
The palace is not open to the public, except for limited visiting hours to the church, the only surviving building after the 1757 fire. The Danish royal family uses Gråsten Palace as their summer residence, a tradition that continues to this day.
The royal couple was joined by their children, Isabella, Vincent, and Josephine, adding a family touch to the occasion. The family dog, Grace, also made an appearance, delighting onlookers as she photobombed the event. Grace, a border collie, has been a part of the royal family since 2017 and is related to their beloved family dog, Ziggy.
In addition to the Trooping the Colour ceremony, the royal family recently celebrated another significant event. Queen Mary and King Frederick shared a rare display of affection following their son Crown Prince Christian’s high school graduation ceremony. The proud parents were seen with their arms around each other as they departed their 18-year-old son’s milestone day at the Ordrup Gymnasium in Gentofte. Christian was supported by his younger siblings, Isabella, 17, and twins Vincent and Josephine, both 13. The family of six looked overjoyed during the special day, beaming as they chatted with local media about Christian’s achievement.
Christian, who wore a traditional graduation hat known as the studenterhue, symbolizing his qualification to study at the university, was dressed in a laid-back patterned shirt and white linen trousers. His younger brother Vincent opted for a smart light blue Ralph Lauren shirt and white trousers, while Josephine wore a ‘Nadine’ blouse in berry by Sea New York, paired with white shorts and stylish green Adidas Gazelle trainers. Isabella twinned with her mother in a white shirt, casual denim skirt, and ‘Oran’ Hermes sandals in tan.
Queen Mary, known for her impeccable fashion sense, did not disappoint at her son’s graduation. She wore an ‘Edie’ floral print linen midi skirt by Australian fashion house Zimmermann, featuring a beautiful floral design in soft brown, mustard, green, and orange. She paired it with a crisp white long-sleeved shirt and elegant Gianvito Rossi sandals in tan. Completing her look was the Prada ‘Canapa Stuoia Convertible Tote Bag’ in beige and a pair of large hoop earrings.
Following his graduation, Christian is expected to attend university, but not before celebrating in true Danish fashion. The end of June is traditionally a time for school leavers to take to the streets in a festive parade, dancing, playing music, and enjoying food and drinks aboard trucks that make stops at the homes of classmates’ parents.
The Danish royal family’s summer activities at Gråsten Palace and their public appearances continue to endear them to the public, showcasing a blend of tradition, family values, and modernity. As they embrace their new roles, King Frederick and Queen Mary are setting a positive example for the future of the Danish monarchy.
Source: Getty, Instagram, EPA-EFE/Shutterstock, Martin Sylvest Andersen, Unofficial Royalty
