Danish royal family arrives for summer holiday in Gråsten

The Danish royal family arrived in Gråsten on Monday afternoon to begin their annual summer holiday at the palace, marking 90 years since the tradition started.

King Frederik and Queen Mary, accompanied by their children except Princess Isabella, were officially received by Sønderborg mayor Erik Lauritzen and local councillors in front of the old town hall. The royal couple and their three children then walked about one kilometre through Gråsten’s streets before waving to well-wishers outside Gråsten Palace.

Gurli Thorhauge, a Gråsten care home resident, said she had never seen the royals in person before: “I’ve only seen them on TV. But today I made sure to be here, and I’m really glad I did because I’m very loyal to our royal house.”

The royal household has not announced how long the stay will last or whether other family members will join them.

The tradition of summering at Gråsten Palace began in 1936 with King Frederik’s grandparents, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Ingrid. King Frederik and Queen Mary continued the practice after Queen Margrethe.

Local resident Karin Riis said the visits remain important for the region: “It’s incredibly important for our part of the country that they still come here every summer. But I also think it’s good for the family. Here, they can walk freely around town and behave just like any other family.”

Marie Hornbæk Schmidt, another onlooker, added: “I think it’s lovely that they keep coming back year after year. That way, we can follow their lives.”