Crown Prince Christian receives original bridge sketch as gift for Queen Margrethe

Crown Prince Christian attended the inauguration of the new Storstrøm Bridge in southern Zealand on Saturday, where he was presented with an original architectural sketch to deliver to Queen Margrethe II, Danish broadcaster DR reports.

The bridge, officially named Dronning Margrethe II’s Bro (Queen Margrethe II’s Bridge), connects southern Zealand with northern Falster and includes railway tracks, a roadway, and pedestrian and cycle paths. While vehicle and foot traffic began using the bridge on 23 March, rail services are not expected to commence until 2027.

Queen Margrethe, who lent her name to the structure, did not attend the ceremony as she continues to recover following her discharge from Rigshospitalet. In her place, the 20-year-old crown prince undertook his first solo official engagement.

During the event, Barbara MacAyley, technical project manager at the Danish Road Directorate, handed Christian the original sketch by the bridge’s architect. Addressing the prince, MacAyley briefly slipped into informal speech before correcting herself: “Will you hold this for me?—Will Your Royal Highness hold this for me? Sorry,” she said, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

“I hope Your Royal Highness will take this north and deliver it to Queen Margrethe,” MacAyley added. “We hope she will enjoy it and send thoughts to her bridge now and then in the future.”