One of the biggest highlights for a city or town in Denmark is when members of the Royal family pay a visit. At the time of writing this article, there is only one day until HRH Crown Prince Frederik and HRH Crown Princess Mary visit the small community I am in.
It seems to be the only thing the citizens here are talking about these days. I, of course, hope to see them myself – and perhaps snap a photo to go with this article.
They will be following a strict itinerary throughout the day that is timed and planned in minute detail. Nothing is left to chance according to a local police officer friend of mine.
They will be arriving at 10:00 a.m. on the Royal Ship “Dannebrog” to the Port of Hanstholm, which is Denmark’s largest fishing port. Their itinerary was planned with the intent of showcasing companies and institutions in the Community of Thisted, who excel in the areas of climate, nature, culture and fishing.
The first stop for HRH Crown Prince Frederik will be a visit to a modern seafood business called Taabbel. Due to the fact that environmental and climate issues are of high importance to the Crown Prince, as his second visit, the town’s officials have arranged for him to see WaveStar. WaveStar is an innovative machine designed to generate energy from ocean swells and waves (www.wavestarenergy.com).
He will also visit the new waterfront “Cold Hawaii” in the town of Klitmoeller. It is called “Cold Hawaii” because it has become Northern Europe’s surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing mecca.
Meanwhile, HRH Crown Princess Mary will be visiting Royal Danish Fish, a company that produces smoked fish products and are especially known for their smoked eel. They are also the only company in Europe that produces kabayaki and shirayaki (primarily for the Japanese market).
Afterwards, the Crown Princess will pay a visit to a refugee center followed by a visit to a unique “alternative” kindergarten called Skovly. It is situated in a big natural park and what makes this kindergarten unique, is that the children’s activities take place outside all year round, no matter what the weather, even in winter. Almost everything takes place in nature, even cooking and eating. Naturally, there is a wooden cabin where the kids can nap, change clothes and use the restroom.
After these official visits and lunch, the Royal couple will be taken by horse-drawn carriage to Town Hall square where they will be introduced to local officials. At 16:00 exactly, live musical entertainment in honour of the royals will commence. This is when I plan on being there.
The Royal couple will then be driven back to the royal ship where they will host a reception on board later in the evening for invited guests and officials. There will be musical entertainment on the dock during this time for us “ordinary” citizens to enjoy followed by fireworks at 21:45.
The Danish monarchy is over 1000 years old, making it one of the oldest in the world. Danes are very proud of their royal family. It is also evident, by looking at their day’s itinerary, that this Royal couple takes their duties and sense of responsibility, to the citizens and companies of this small Kingdom, seriously.
Their official website is www.kronprinsparret.dk