Dennis Stenild, Kongehuset ©
While King Frederik heads to Poland for his first official visit as head of state, back in Denmark, Crown Prince Christian will undertake an important royal duty for the first time.
The Danish Royal Court confirmed to royal tabloid Billed Bladet that Crown Prince Christian will serve as regent while the King is in Poland for a long-planned business delegation.
The Crown Prince gained the ability to step in as regent a month after his 18th birthday when he attended a meeting of the Council of State and swore to abide by the Danish constitution.
In a post shared by the Danish Royal House at the time, it was revealed that this was a prerequisite for Crown Prince Christian to be able to step in as regent.
Others who can fill in while King Frederik is out of the country are Queen Mary, Queen Margrethe, Prince Joachim and Princess Benedikte. The Queen is the first non-royal to hold the position of a regent; and the second consort following Queen Ingrid, who was appointed in 1972 during the reign of Queen Margrethe.
King Frederik will visit Poland for a three-day period this week, leading a business delegation that the Royal Court stated has been long-planned. Traditionally, new Danish monarchs visit Sweden and Norway first before undertaking other visits, and the Royal Court shared that this will be the plan after the Polish business visit ends.
The King will be accompanied by government ministers and representatives of 38 Danish businesses, carrying out engagements in both Warsaw and Szczecin. In addition to business events, the King will visit NATO’s regional headquarters and meet with Danish and Polish business leaders.