The Royal Family
HM Queen Margrethe II has been the Head of State of Denmark since 1972 and is widely respected as a modern monarch.
As a Crown Princess Queen Margrethe II married Count Henri de Monpezat in 1967, today HRH The Prince. They were blessed with their first son HRH Crown Prince Frederik in 1968 and his brother HRH Prince Joachim in 1969.
The Queen has studied philosophy, archaeology and political science. She is an artist in her own right, known especially for her collages, her set- and costume designs for the Royal Ballet and her paintings.
The Danish Royal Family has personal ties to Vietnam through HRH The Prince. The Prince Consort spent his first five years in Hanoi where his father was in charge of family interests in industrial enterprises. The Prince returned to Vietnam 1950-52 and in 1958; this time to study in Ho Chi Minh City. Subsequently the Prince has returned to Vietnam several times in recent years.
Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary
HRH Crown Prince Frederik is accustomed to the duties of royalty. As heir to the throne, he takes over the Queen’s role as Sovereign of Denmark when she is abroad or otherwise unable to fulfil the function.
The Crown Prince holds a degree in political science, having studied both in Denmark and at Harvard University. He has continued the Danish Kings’ traditional association with the armed forces, and has received a thorough military training supplemented by a demanding course with the elite Royal Danish Navy Frogman Corps. He has also during shorter periods served as a diplomat.
HRH Crown Princess Mary grew up in Australia and holds a double degree in law and commerce. She and Crown Princess Frederik met during the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000, and married in Copenhagen May 2004. They have a son, HRH Prince Christian born in 2005, a daughter, HRH Princess Isabella born in 2007 and twins; HRH Prince Vincent and HRH Princess Josephine born in 2011.
The Crown Prince Couple's popularity in Denmark is huge and the Crown Prince has been voted “Dane of the Year” several times.
The visit in Vietnam in 2009 was the first State Visit where The Queen and The Prince Consort were joined by The Crown Prince Couple.
In 2011 the Crown Prince came back to Vietnam on the occasion of the 40 year anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Denmark and Vietnam.