Christian from Denmark turns 19 and celebrates in Africa, where he is for work

First birthday away from home for Christian of Denmark, king’s firstborn Frederik and of Queen Mary. The prince, 19 years old on October 15, celebrated in Africa, where it has been since the end of August and where it will remain until Christmas. The family’s best wishes were sent remotely, also via social media, with a shot of him smiling: “It’s celebrating the day under warmer skies,” the caption accompanying the photo reads jokingly.

And if for his 18th birthday the then queen, grandmother Margrethe II, wanted a party for him worthy of an heir to the throne, to which all the representatives of the European aristocracy were invited, this time the prince will have to settle for a more basic party . Christian from Denmark is in Africa for work experience. After graduating from the Ordrum Gymnasium in Copenhagen, the choice to spend some time away from home.

«The Crown Prince will be involved in the daily management of two farms which, among other things, will include practical and administrative tasks and will also provide the Crown Prince with an overview of local nature protection. The plan foresees that the crown prince will return to Denmark in December”, the Palace announced at the beginning of September, coinciding with the departure. “There is a long tradition in the royal family that successors to the throne spend long stays abroad during their youth and have the opportunity to grow up and experience the world.” And again: «His Majesty the King took part in an expedition to Mongolia in 1986 focused on nomads and, in 1989, worked for a year in a vineyard in California. Her Majesty Queen Marghrete made extensive trips to the East and South America in the 1960s.”

No further details were provided regarding Christian’s period abroad: Palazzo specified that it was “a private matter”which we hope will remain so “from start to finish”. The boy, moreover, has yet to find his passion, despite having an already marked future, as a king. «I still have to find my way»he said during his 18th birthday speech, “I have roots in many places in the world and I like to travel, but my home will always be here because I love my country.”

Institutional commitments, moreover, have already begun for him. A month before the celebrations for his eighteenth birthday he swore on the Constitution, an obligatory step for heirs to the throne all over the world, and then participated in his first Council of State. A decisive moment, which made him a potential regent. It will be up to him, if his father cannot carry out his duties, to take a step forward.

With his father Frederik and his mother Mary, on the day of his confirmation.

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