Prince Christian of Denmark delighted crowds who had gathered outside the Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen this morning to celebrate the heir to the throne’s 18th birthday.
The future king, who is considered one of Europe’s most eligible bachelors, will celebrate his big birthday this evening with a grand gala with members of many of Europe’s royal families attending.
Ahead of the festivities, well-wishers gathered in Copenhagen while the royal family has shared a series of heartwarming childhood photographs of Christian.
The previously unseen images, taken by the Prince’s parents Crown Princess Mary and Prince Frederik, documented a number of private memories.
The snaps featured a trip to Paris, visiting Australia, skiing, playing tennis and ‘special moments with Grandpa’ – the late Prince Henrik.
Prince Christian of Denmark delighted crowds who had gathered outside the Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen this morning to celebrate the heir to the throne’s 18th birthday
The future king, who is considered one of Europe’s most eligible bachelors, will celebrate his big birthday this evening with a grand gala with members of many of Europe’s royal families attending
Ahead of the festivities, well-wishers gathered in Copenhagen while the royal family has shared a series of heartwarming childhood photographs of Christian
A royal wave! Christian, clearly already has great diplomatic skills, waved to crowds
The royal family shared a number of previously unseen photos of the Prince throughout childhood
Photos of Prince Christian with his mother Princess Mary, father Prince Frederik and sister Princess Isabella appeared
Prince Christian’s cousin, Count Nikolai, who is currently a university student in Australia shared a sweet throwback photo
Other members of the royal family, including his cousin Count Nikolai, shared happy birthday messages to the future king.
The Danish Royal House also released an official birthday portrait of Prince Christian – taken by his mother – along with a schedule of events.
‘Congratulations to His Royal Highness Prince Christian, who turns 18 today,’ the palace said in a statement.
‘The official program for today’s birthday celebration is as follows:
‘At 12.00, the birthday boy appears on the balcony of Frederik VIII’s Palace at Amalienborg together with the Crown Prince family and Her Majesty the Queen.
‘Everyone is welcome to attend the castle square and participate in the celebration.
‘At 17.00, the Queen will host a gala dinner at Christiansborg Castle, where especially young people from Prince Christian’s own generation are invited,’ the Instagram post read.
Meanwhile, flags have been raised throughout the country to honour the future King.
For the first time, 15 October has been declared an official flag day. From now on, all state buildings and state ships in Denmark will fly the Dannebrog on Prince Christian’s birthday.
For the first time, 15 October has been declared an official flag day. From now on, all state buildings and state ships in Denmark will fly the Dannebrog on Prince Christian’s birthday
The Danish Royal House also released an official birthday portrait of Prince Christian – taken by his mother – along with a schedule of events.
The Danish Royal House has provided a glimpse into the preparations for the evening gala, such as extravagant flower displays and the use of the royal family’s historic sol glass and porcelain tableware.
Arrangements are also underway for the live television broadcast of the event.
Details of the gala – including the dress code and some of the confirmed guests – continue to emerge, with the Prince reportedly not wanting guests to bring him presents, and photos not allowed.
The party, which promises to be one of the glitziest events on the social calendar, will see hundreds of well-heeled guests from across the commonwealth present.
Attendance has been confirmed by a number of guests so far.
Sweet unseen photos of Christian with his late grandfather Prince Henrik of Denmark were included
Pictures of baby Christian were also shared
Sweet childhood pictured of the prince were shared
Prince Christian’s godfather – Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon – will be at the gala, as will Haakin’s daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 19.
Another of Christian’s godparents – Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden – has also confirmed her attendance, alongside her husband Prince Daniel and their 11-year-old daughter Princess Estelle.
Other European royals who may join them at the gala include Queen Maxima of the Netherlands with her husband King Willem Alexander, and their oldest two daughters Princess Catharina-Amalia, 19, and Princess Alexia, 18.
And further possible guests include Princess Leonor of Spain, 17, and Princess Elisabeth, 21, of Belgium.
In addition to royals, it is expected that guests will include notable young people and representatives from youth organisations.
It is known that the guest list is extensive: the Danish Royal Household recently posted a video on Instagram, showing hundreds of invitations being printed, and put into envelopes, before being dispatched.
Accompanying the clip was a caption which said: ‘Then there is mail!
‘Several hundred invitations were sent out from Amalienborg today. The recipients are the many guests who have been invited to Her Majesty the Queen’s gala dinner on the occasion of His Royal Highness Prince Christian’s 18th birthday on 15 October.’
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