Since I know that non-Danish often have issues when they try to figure out how some of the Danish royal names are pronounced – I pestered a Danish friend of mine, Stine, into helping me make an audio-file so you all could enjoy it.
Well, only that it’s not one audio file. We ended up making two. One for just the brief names, they are known as in every day conversations. And one for their full names.
With many thanks to Stine.
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Princess Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, daughter of Princess Benedikte of Denmark who is a sister of the ruling Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, today secured Denmark’s first medal at the Olympic Games in Beijing – and Denmark’s first ever team medal in dressage in Hong Kong.
After performing the best ride of all the Danish team members, Princess Nathalie and her horse Digby, a horse which she and her family has breeded and trained themselves, secured an individual score of 70,417%. With the USA team right in their heels, the bronze medal was not secured until the very last Danish and American riders had performed their programs.
Coming behind equestrian superpowers Germany (gold with 72,917%) and the Netherlands (silver with 71,750%) with equestrian super stars Isabell Weth and Anky van Grunsven on their teams, Nathalie and the three other Danish riders were all smiles as relief and happiness showered over them as the team score of 68,875% was enough to snap the bronze medal from the USA who ended with 67,819%.
- It’s a dream come true, Princess Nathalie said afterwards, continuing:
- I’m pretty satisfied with myself. We have been out here for two and a half weeks and built up adrenalin for this, so a big rock has fallen from my heart. I’m very happy for how it went.
The individual dressage is not over yet. Princess Nathalie is currently on an 8th place and qualified to compete for the individual medals in the Grand Prix Special on Saturday where the 25 best riders and horses will fight. Next Tuesday there is also the individual Grand Prix Kür.
In Hong Kong to watch her ride were some of Nathalie’s royal relatives. King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, Prince Philippos and Princess Theodora of Greece and mummy Princess Benedikte were all there to show their support.
More: click here to see more pictures.
jane on 
Sofia on