Scandinavian and European royals gathered in Copenhagen to mark the milestone birthday in a manner fit for a future king – with Crown Princess Mary and Queen Margrethe II both selecting beloved Danish designs from their wardrobes for the occasion
Crowds in Copenhagen were treated to a royal display yesterday as the Danish royals celebrated the milestone 18th birthday of His Royal Highness Prince Christian. The eldest child of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, Prince Christian is currently second-in-line to the Danish throne. The family – joined by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark – gathered as the occasion was marked with a changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace, before they waved to onlookers in the capital from the balcony.
By Prince Christian's side, Crown Princess Mary stepped out in a bespoke blue Soeren Le Schmidt coat dress – a garment she's donned on previous occasions, including Flag Day in December 2021. To complete the look look, she wore her beloved Bruun Rasmussen 'Belle Epoque' earrings, Ole Lynggaard rings, Gianvito Rossi pumps and the Connaught Sapphire brooch – which also adorned her outfit at Prince Christian's christening.
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The royal family portrait taken on His Royal Highness Prince Christian's 18th birthday. Photo: Dennis Stenild, Kongehuset ©
That evening, Queen Margrethe II hosted a lavish gala dinner at Christianborg Palace with formal dress code calling for ballgowns, uniforms, white tie, honours and tiaras to be worn. Fellow future monarchs were on the guest list, including 19-year-old Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway with her parents Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, as well as 11-year-old Princess Estelle of Sweden alongside Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel. Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, who is the 19-year-old heir to the Dutch throne, also joined the celebrations, as did 21-year-old Princess Elisabeth of Belgium.
The guest list also extended to the country's youth organisations, as well as young people who have made their mark in the worlds of sport, arts and culture. In addition, The Royal House of Denmark invited around 200 young people from the realm to take part in the celebration in cooperation with the country’s municipalities, while Greenland and the Faroe Islands also sent two 18-year-old representatives.
Prince Christian with his parents, Prince Frederik and Princess Mary, at his 18th birthday gala. Photo: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
Queen Margrethe II hosted the lavish gala celebrations.
In keeping with Queen Margrethe II's penchant for bold red hues, the matriarch stepped out in the same breathtaking upcycled gown by Danish designer Birgitte Thaulow as she donned for her Golden Jubilee celebrations last September. The Order of the Elephant rosette that the Queen had previously worn with this gown was bestowed to Prince Christian for his birthday, which adorned his own regal sash on the evening.
Photo: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
Photo: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
Among the dazzling occasion wear that graced the birthday gala were intricate pale pink gowns worn by Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Estelle, the former designed by Elie Saab and the later for the young royal by Swedish designer Christer Lindarw – complete with draped tulle net, fabric flowers and pearl embellishments.
The Norwegian royal contingent also displayed their support for local design, with Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway donning a new Peter Dundas design for the occasion, while Princess Ingird wore a one-shoulder Emilio Pucci gown, also designed by Dundas during his time at the creative helm of the house. The gown was borrowed from her mother, as were her diamond accents.