For the first time as a royal couple, King Frederik (56) and Queen Marie (52) of Denmark are preparing to spend the summer at Grasten Castle. From July 9, they will move with the children to the castle in South Jutland. Useful in Spanish Welcome!
This castle has been used by Danish kings for nearly ninety years at this time of year. Gråsten Castle is located near the larger city of Sønderborg.
Reception: When you move in, there is always a parade, a changing of the guard and a welcome from the locals. Here, Marie and the children received flowers in 2022. Photo: Rene Schutz/Aller
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Gråsten Castle has been available to the Danish royal family since 1935, when King Frederik IX and Ingrid, grandparents of King Frederik X, received it as a wedding gift when they were the crown prince couple.
Since then, Queen Margaret (84) has continued the tradition of spending her summers there, and the castle has become a meeting point for the royal family.
Tradition: Queen Margaret always spends a few weeks at Grasten Castle in the summer, and then Frederik and Mary come to visit the children – whatever the weather! Photo: Rene Schutz/Aller
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Now Frederick and Mary are the hosts.
They married on May 14, 2004 and have four children together: Prince Christian (age 18), Princess Isabella (age 17), and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine (age 13).
They had a turbulent time, after then-Crown Prince Frederick was on a whim in Madrid, and were said to have spent the night at the home of the beautiful TV personality Genoveva Casanova. Day after day for several months, the Danish media came out with new information about the alleged sideways jump.
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But the marriage survived, and it seems as if Mary stood by Frederick through the storm.
Now the royal couple has decided to continue the tradition of spending the summer in the historic city of Gråsten. Suddenly, King Frederick is the host, after his mother decided to abdicate this winter.
In addition to Frederik, Marie and their children, Queen Margrethe and her younger sister, Princess Benedict (79 years old), will also be present.
The season begins with an official reception where the King and Queen are welcomed by the mayor of Sønderborg, Erik Lauritzen, and the municipal council.
Meet the press: The Danish Komge family has a tradition of meeting the press for a short chat and a fun photo shoot in Gråsten. Photo: Rene Schutz/Aller
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While the royal family is at the castle, the lavish English-inspired gardens will be closed to the public, and the Royal Life Guard will march daily through the city to the castle.
Every Friday at 12.00 there is a planned changing of the guard in the castle square.
Trouble in Paradise: When it was revealed that Frederik had visited Mexican-born TV personality Genoveva Casanova – and spent the night at her house – in Madrid, it led to months of shocking headlines in the Danish and international press. This photo is a montage. Image: NTP.
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The current Gråsten Castle is the third on the same site.
The first castle was built in the mid-16th century to serve as a hunting lodge, but it burned down.
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In 1603, a new castle was built, probably in the south wing of the present castle. During World War II, the castle served as a hospital. The area includes the largest Baroque church north of the Alps, and is the only thing remaining of the original castle.
The castle has 15 living rooms and 25 bedrooms, and the property covers 65 acres, in addition to being rural.
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