Marie’s new protectorate: The Danish Ski Federation

In a move I suspected back in 2007, Princess Marie has taken on the patronage of the Danish Ski Federation.

The Federation has been working for a while to achieve this matter. It is an effort in trying to make winter sports more attractive to Danes, and increase its publicity.

The head of the Danish Ski Federation says: “We’re incredibly happy that Princess Marie has accepted to be the protector of our association. That she herself is an active skier is not inconsequential in this regard.”

The Federation is the umbrella organization for sports such as Slalom, Bob, Freestyle, Cross Country, Roller skiing, Snowboard and Telemark skiing.

The announcement comes just under a month before the Olympics in Vancouver, where Denmark is sending its largest delegation ever. The final decision on the size will be determined on January 18, when the final spots in the delegation will be awarded.

Where it seemed like Crown Prince Frederik would be the only member from the Danish royal family to head for Canada in February, it would now seem strange if he did not get accompanied by his sister-in-law.

Marie to become protector of UNESCO Denmark

I have to admit that I already thought this was a done deal back in March, when she had her first engagement with UNESCO Denmark, but on the coming Tuesday, Princess Marie will be presented as the royal protector of the organization.

In the months since the first engagement at the National Museum, Princess Marie has attended meetings with the organization to learn more about the way it is run, as well as participating in an UNESCO conference on school environment projects last month.

The latter seems to reflect that while being a protector is, by and large, being a figure head – some knowledge about the organization and how it operates may also be required.

UNESCO Denmark will be Marie’s third protectorate. In addition to her protectorates, the Princess will also be collaborating with the University of Southern Denmark – however, this role has not been quite defined as of yet.

Princess Marie collaborating with the University of Southern Denmark

The University of Southern Denmark reports that Princess Marie will be starting a new collaboration with them. The purpose of this is to increase the knowledge of the university’s programmes, research, and other affairs. Another reason for the princess’ involvement with the university is to nationally and internationally increase the awareness of the region of Southern Denmark as a place to study and live.

The Principal of the University says this:

Princess Marie has an international profile, and different experience that can inspire our Danish and foreign students. She knows what it means to study abroad, and she has worked in international corporations. We’re looking forward to seeing what tasks HRH Princess Marie can perform for the university.

The collaboration will officially begin at the yearly university party in Odense this Friday. The princess will attend with her husband.

The University of Southern Denmark has campuses in Odense (on Funen), Esbjerg (on Jutland), Kolding (on Jutland), Sønderborg (on Jutland), Slagelse (Zealand) and Copenhagen (Zealand). This latest bit of news just confirms that Marie’s focus will most likely lie outside of the Copenhagen area, and most likely in Jutland, as the main focus of the university is in Jutland/Funen.

Princess Marie will be giving out prize

Amidst the recent news that Prince Henrik is stepping down from some of his royal duties, comes another revelation.

Billedbladet reports that the annual “Prix Littéraire des Ambassadeurs de la Francophonie” awarded by the Prince Consort, this year will be awarded by his new daughter-in-law, Princess Marie, instead.

The prize has been given out since 2001, and is a monetary sum of 10,000 Danish kroner given to Danish authors who have been translated to French.

It is not up on the royal calendar yet – it usually takes place early/mid-October, but it will be interesting to see if Billedbladet is correct in their guess. I would not think it was strange if it turns out to be true – Prince Henrik has been voicing thoughts along the lines of retirement for a while, or at least stepping down, whereas Princess Marie is looking for patronages or events that would not be stepping on her sister-in-law’s turf.

Pictures from the event last year.

Prince Henrik stepping down

Today the Danish court released the news that Prince Henrik, the Prince Consort, will be stepping down from his role as chancellor of the Danish royal orders. The Queen has appointed Prince Joachim as his successor in this role.

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The name of the little Danish Prince

Today the son of Prince Joachim and Princess Marie of Denmark was baptised in Møgeltønder Church.

He received the names: Henrik Carl Joachim Alain.

Henrik comes from his grandfather, Prince Henrik.

Carl is a traditional name in the Danish royal family, although not used much in recent years. Before becoming the Norwegian King, King Haakon VII was Prince Carl of Denmark.

Joachim from his father.

Alain from his mother’s father, Alain Cavallier.

A new prince is born in Denmark!

French born Princess Marie of Denmark has given birth to a son, the Danish Royal Court announced on Monday morning. The Prince, whose name will remain a well-kept secret until his christening in a few months, was born at 04:57 at Rigshospitalet (The Copenhagen University Hospital), weighs 3032 grams and is 49 centimetres tall. Mother and child are well and are now resting at the hospital.

The proud father, who has two sons with his first wife Alexandra, now Countess of Frederiksborg, self drove his wife from Amalienborg yesterday evening when the labours started and after 10-11 hours the couple welcomed their first child. Joachim was present during the whole delivery and cut the umbilical cord, he told the gathered press at the hospital’s arrival hall this morning. The Prince further told that the couple was aware of the child’s sex beforehand and that they were happy it was a healthy and well-turned child, acknowledging that every time a child is born is equally exciting and big every time and that the moment when a new life comes is an incredible experience.

The new baby prince is number seven in the Danish line of succession and Queen Margrethe and the Prince Consort’s fifth grandchild following Prince Nikolai, Prince Felix, Prince Christian and Princess Isabella.