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New Danish king and queen continue summer tradition, assuaging fears of broken bond with Southern Jutland

Tuesday 9th 2024 on 20:50 in  
Denmark

It is not a given that a son will continue his mother’s traditions. He may choose his own path. So when Queen Margrethe passed on the throne, there were concerns from the mayor of Sønderborg Municipality. The question on everyone’s mind in Southern Jutland was whether the strong bond with the royal family would disappear once Mary and Frederik took over.

In the municipality, Gråsten Castle is nestled like a white pearl in the borderland. It was a place frequently used by the king’s mother and grandmother to spend their holidays and gather the family. Crown Prince Frederik also spent his summer holidays at Gråsten Castle with his grandmother, Queen Ingrid. He was often joined by his cousins Pavlos and Nicholas of Greece, as well as Prince Gustav of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg.

The strong connection between the royal family and the Southern Jutland town has brought great value to both the town and the border region, according to the mayor. Today, the royal couple affirmed that this tradition is not going to fade anytime soon as they arrived in Gråsten to enjoy their summer. From the town square, they walked down Slotsgade towards their summer residence, while their royal car followed leisurely in the good weather.

Many locals showed up with flags to welcome the royal couple. King Frederik and Queen Mary arrived at Gråsten Square, where they were received by Sønderborg’s mayor Erik Lauritzen and flower girl Cathrine Staugaard Jepsen. The queen received gifts from many of those present. Even with flowers, flags, and a painting in her arms, she still managed to shake hands. The city’s old town hall could be seen in the background.

They then walked up Slotsgade, which, as the name suggests, led them to the right path. Along the route, the king and queen were flanked by many spectators. Some wanted to capture the moment with a video or a picture, while others simply enjoyed the moment.

Queen Margrethe has spent countless summers at the castle, which she calls her summer home. According to the royal family, the castle is still available to the queen, even though her son is now king and has formally taken it over.