King Frederik’s 57th birthday is being marked with the release of a new portrait and public celebrations. The Royal House has announced the release of the picture and opened a digital platform for birthday greetings.
The portrait, which was also released last year, has been published on the Royal House’s website. While last year the Royal House said the picture was “new,” they did not specify when the photograph was taken this year.
Adding to the celebration, King Frederik’s new honorary march debuted during the changing of the guard at Frederik VIII’s Palace in Copenhagen. The King will appear on the palace balcony at noon for the traditional birthday observance.
The new march, composed by David M.A.P. Palmquist, was selected through a competition. This is the first time the march has been played publicly. Royal honorary marches have been a tradition since the mid-1800s, played at the changing of the guard and major royal events. Frederik VIII was the first monarch to have his own march composed.