The (Danish) Queen’s Gambit
As we readied the Champagne to ring in the new year, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark decided to play a move none of us saw coming. During her annual New Year’s Eve address, she announced that she will abdicate the throne in favor of her son, Crown Prince Frederik. Queen Margrethe II will formally step down as monarch on January 14, 2024, the 52nd anniversary of her accession.
Following The Queen’s abdication, Frederik will be proclaimed King Frederik X of Denmark, and his wife Mary will be become Queen Mary. Following Danish tradition, the new king and queen will not have a coronation, instead a proclamation of the new reign will be made at Christiansborg Palace.
To join in the festivities, I have compiled a watchlist of films, and an episode of “The Great British Bake Off.” Watch at your leisure, but don’t fall too far behind! January 14 will be here sooner than we can learn to say, “Hans Majestæt Kong Frederik.”
A Royal Affair (2012)
Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2013 Academy Awards, “A Royal Affair” tells the story of Caroline Matilda’s tumultuous marriage to Christian VII of Denmark and her romance with royal physician, Johann Friedrich Struensee. Told through Caroline Matilda’s perspective, the film provides a compelling view at the struggles of Denmark during the 18th century.
Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction (2023)
Based on the novel “Ehrengard,” this Danish romantic comedy period drama is set in the fictional kingdom of Babenhausen. In the film, an artist named Cazotte is hired by the Grand Duchess to help her son Prince Lothar marry and produce an heir. When the plan backfires, Cazotte goes into hiding with Prince Lothar, Princess Ludmilla and Ehrengard. Queen Margrethe II is credited as the set and costume designer, having designed 51 costumes and 81 decoupages for the film.
Lifting the Veil: Behind the Scenes of Ehrengard (2023)
Behind the scenes with Queen Margrethe II and director Bille August as they showcase their meticulous attention to the costumes and sets of the film adaptation of “Ehrengard.”
Mary: The Making of a Princess (2015)
Produced for Australian television, “Mary: The Making of a Princess” is based on the courtship of Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Mary Donaldson. The film features Frederik and Mary’s chance encounter in a Sydney pub during the 2000 Summer Olympics to their 2004 wedding in Copenhagen.
The Great British Bake Off: “Danish Week” (2018)
This quarterfinal episode for the 2018 series of “The Great British Bake Off,” sees the remaining five bakers attempt some Danish recipes. For their signature bake, the contestants are tasked with making rye bread and two types of smørrebrød. The technical challenge comprises making 14 æbleskiver; and for the showstopper challenge, the bakers must make kagemand (aka kagekone).
The Prince & Me (2004)
Starring Julia Stiles, this American romantic comedy focuses on Paige Morgan, a pre-med college student in the Midwest who is pursued by Denmark’s Crown Prince Edvard while posing as ordinary college student Eddie Williams. The film inspired three direct-to-video sequels: The Prince & Me 2: The Royal Wedding (2006), The Prince & Me: A Royal Honeymoon (2008) and The Prince & Me: The Elephant Adventure (2010).