Danish musician Keld Heick receives knighthood in royal audience

Danish musician Keld Heick met with King Frederik X at Christiansborg Palace on Tuesday to formally receive his knighthood in the Order of the Dannebrog, DR reports.

Heick, known for hits like Under Stjernerne på Himlen and Vi maler byen rød, was appointed a Knight of the Dannebrog last year but had to wait several months for the official audience due to scheduling. The 80-year-old artist described feeling nervous before meeting the king but reassured himself by noting, “He is just an ordinary man.”

His wife, Hilda Heick, and daughter Anette were present outside the palace, waving flags as they awaited his exit. The couple, who recently retired after six decades in music, performed their final concert together in February.

“We both hate it when artists hold a farewell concert and then return to the stage five months later,” Heick told DR earlier this year. “A farewell concert means it’s over. Now we’re looking forward to traveling and enjoying spontaneity—something our careers never allowed.”

The Order of the Dannebrog, established in 1671, is Denmark’s highest civilian and military honor. Originally limited to men, it was opened to women in 1951. Recipients are nominated by government ministries and approved by the monarch.