King Frederik marked his 57th birthday surrounded by his family on the balcony of Frederik VIII’s Palace, including Queen Margrethe’s first public appearance after her recent illness. The celebration featured the premiere of his new royal march of honor.

Queen Margrethe joined the royal family on the balcony, signifying her return to public life after being admitted to Rigshospitalet due to a cold. Last week she resumed her official duties, receiving the Bible Society Prize at Fredensborg Palace.

The King’s new march of honor debuted during the Life Guard’s grand changing of the guard, a tradition since the mid-1800s where the monarch’s personal march is played at the regent’s residence and significant royal events.

The march, composed by David M.A.P. Palmquist, was selected through a competition. This marked the first time King Frederik’s personal march was played publicly; Frederik VIII was the first monarch to have his own march composed.

The Royal House has not revealed further birthday celebration plans for the King. However, King Frederik will participate in the Royal Run on June 9.

The Royal Run, which began in 2018 to celebrate King Frederik’s 50th birthday, has become a tradition. This year, King Frederik will run in Ribe and Horsens. Royal Run 2025 is already sold out in all five host cities, offering distances of one mile, five kilometers, and ten kilometers.