Alarm bells are ringing in Europe as serious concerns mount regarding the safety of Denmark's King Frederik X and Queen Mary following distressing revelations about the Royal Guard. A recent documentary has exposed a troubling culture of drug use among the guards responsible for protecting the Danish royals.
The documentary aired on Danish broadcaster TV 2 Echo under the title 'The Royal Guard on Drugs'. It reveals alarming insights into the internal dynamics of the Royal Guard, with testimonies from former soldiers suggesting that drug use was not just common, but seemingly institutionalized. The issues highlighted in the broadcast raise grave concerns about the reliability of individuals tasked with the security of the royal family.
Queen Mary, well-known for her strong ties to Denmark and her Tassie roots, recently made a public appearance, indicating that she had overcome health issues. She showed her support for the National Knowledge Center for Early Intervention during her visit in Copenhagen. However, her recent engagements come amidst a backdrop of escalating worries about her and King Frederik's safety.
In a particularly shocking segment, the documentary showcases video evidence of young guards snorting cocaine off ceremonial sabers within their barracks at Gothersgade, Copenhagen. This scandalous behavior, reportedly filmed during the summer of 2023, included three guards who engaged in this act while in uniform. The situation escalated when the video was later shared among guards and brought to the attention of the Royal Guard’s management.
According to the program synopsis, 'Parties, alcohol, and euphoric drugs are a dangerous cocktail along with weapons'. This sentiment was echoed by former guards, including Viktor Thomsen and Niklas Hladik, who corroborated the prevalence of drug use within the Royal Guard. Thomsen shared his discomfort working alongside colleagues who were clearly under the influence during duty shifts, underscoring the potential danger this creates.
A staggering 64% of the 151 former guards interviewed acknowledged using drugs during their time of service—an alarming statistic that raises fundamental questions about the culture within this elite military unit.
The Royal Guard’s response came swiftly via LinkedIn, where they claimed that only a small number of soldiers had tested positive for drug use—specifically, 13 of 7,000 soldiers who completed their service between 2018 and 2024. They also reaffirmed their "zero tolerance" policy regarding substance abuse. Nevertheless, this assurance seems less than comforting given the recent disclosures.
Previous incidents also haunt the Royal Guard, including a case in 2020 where three members were penalized for being under the influence while on duty. This history of substance abuse adds to the anxiety surrounding the royal family’s safety.
Observers note that this is not an isolated incident within European royals and their guards, as similar scandals have cropped up in Norway and the United Kingdom. Public confidence is shaken not just in Denmark, but across the continent, as expectations for royal protection standards come into question.
Compounding these worries is the fact that Queen Mary recently resumed duties after an undisclosed illness, making her public safety all the more pivotal during this tumultuous time. Meanwhile, King Frederik X, a veteran in military service, returned to honor his guards at a recent Royal Life Guards Watch Parade, where he awarded the coveted ‘King's Watch' to a particular standout guard. Yet, while such homage to dedication is commendable, it starkly contrasts with the disturbing revelations that threaten their safety.
The dual concerns for physical health and safety in the royal family reflect a broader societal inquiry regarding expectations for those in positions of trust and authority. As they navigate this tumultuous landscape, it remains to be seen how the Royal House will address these urgent issues while restoring public trust.
The documentary has certainly ignited public interest and concern, and demands may arise for thorough investigations into the Royal Guard's practices. Until then, one thing is clear: Danish royalty is caught in a precarious situation, facing not only the challenges of maintaining their royal duties but also ensuring their safety in light of alarming developments from their protectors.
