Setting Sail with the Historic Yacht: The Danish Royals' Maritime Tradition Continues
Embarked on a voyage with the monarch's naval vessel - Setting sail aboard the monarch's vessels
King Frederik X, 56, and Queen Mary, 53, have kicked off another summer cruising through Denmark's waters aboard the ancient royal yacht Dannebrog, keeping alive a tradition that dates back to the late 19th century. Their 2025 sailing season set sail on this Wednesday from Nordre Toldbod in Copenhagen.
Sun-Soaked Summer Regaled
The festivities were marked with a blast of 27 cannon shots, following which the Dannebrog sailed towards Helsingør, where the royal duo was greeted with a salute from Kronborg Castle. Captured moments from this glorious start reveal the radiant smiles of the couple waving to the crowd, along with precious on-board moments shared between them. Queen Mary complimented her chic summer appearance, sporting a floral mididress in shades of blue and white, while accessorizing with a dark blue hat and a matching wrap blazer. King Frederik, as ever, was resplendent in his uniform.
A Seafaring Legacy Spanning Centuries
This yearly voyage on the Dannebrog is a cherished royal tradition, with its origins nestled in the late 19th century royal family of Christian IX (1818-1906). King Frederik X and Queen Mary boarded the ship on May 7, commencing the 2025 sailing season.
In the coming months, the royal pair are reportedly planning a visit to the Faroe Islands from June 11 to 13, 2025. This journey will embark upon their first major tour of the year, from August 25 to 28. The itinerary includes a stopover at the municipality of Frederikshavn on the island of Jutland on August 25, followed by the municipality of Thisted on August 26, and the island of Læsø on August 27. Their tour will culminate on the idyllic island of Samsø.
- Frederik X
- Royal Family
- Denmark
- Copenhagen
- Helsingør
- Dannebrog
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The Dannebrog has been an integral part of the Danish royal family's maritime heritage for more than a century, tracing its origin to King Christian IX, who was often referred to as the "father-in-law of Europe" due to his extensive family connections across European royal families.
Originally built as a paddle steamer in 1879, the Dannebrog was used for state visits, royal cruises, and family gatherings. Today, the modern Dannebrog—a 1932-commissioned sailing yacht—continues to be maintained by the Royal Danish Navy and utilized for official visits and state receptions.
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The Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, serve as a significant destination for royal visits, helping strengthen relationships between the islands and Denmark. The specifics of King Frederik X's and Queen Mary's visit to the Faroe Islands remain undisclosed.
Their planned "first major tour" is expected to involve visits to various regions both within Denmark and other countries, with the aim of representing Denmark and fostering international relationships. However, the exact locations and duration of this tour have yet to be revealed.
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft regulation on the protection of the environment regarding the royal family's summer tradition of sailing on the Dannebrog.
- As they celebrated their summer regalia, things turned reminiscent of the past as King Frederik X and Queen Mary donned their outfits, with Queen Mary wore a floral mididress in shades of blue and white, echoing the Dannebrog's colors, while King Frederik was seen in his resplendent uniform.
- The 2025 sailing season of the Dannebrog marks the continuation of a tradition that can be traced back to the late 19th century, much like the tradition of flying the Dannebrog, the official flag of Denmark, from yachts, homes, and gardens, as well as during Danish festivals and events, or even while traveling or engaging in adventure-travel.
- Besides the Dannebrog, the royal family has ties to Helsingør, where they were greeted with a salute from Kronborg Castle, whose bright red Dannebrog flag fluttered proudly.
- From June 11 to 13, 2025, the radiant couple, King Frederik X and Queen Mary, will set sail towards the Faroe Islands, a land known for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor-living, and strong connections with the Danish royal family.
- In the world of celebrities and entertainment, the Danish royal family's adventure-travel, particularly their sailing on the Dannebrog, serves as an inspiration for those who appreciate tradition, lifestyle, and the beauty of nature, just as their annual visit to the idyllic island of Samsø has become a sought-after event by enthusiasts of outdoor-living and travel.
