Recently, the Danish royal family has made headlines not just for their majestic traditions, but also for making significant adjustments to their investment strategies and addressing public sentiment. King Frederik and Queen Margrethe made quite the impression during a formal gala, where they showcased historical royal regalia. King Frederik donned his gala uniform, which among other decorations displayed the chains of the Elephants Order and the Dannebrogorden, sparking admiration and pride among attendees.
According to sources from DR, the Elephants Order was worn on selected ceremonial occasions such as the Order of Knights Day on January 1, the King's birthday on May 26, and the birthday of Valdemar Sejr on June 28. Meanwhile, the Dannebrogorden's chain hadn't seen the light of day since Queen Margrethe wore it at her 40th anniversary celebration as the reigning monarch. These grand displays of heritage not only underline the royal family’s role as custodians of Danish tradition but also serve to reinforce public affection for the monarchy.
Yet, as glamorous as these appearances are, the royal family has faced considerable criticism of late, particularly concerning their financial decisions. Reports emerged from Danwatch detailing controversial investments made through the royal foundations, which included large stakes in major oil companies like BP, Shell, and Chevron. Environmental and climate organizations, including NOAH, have harshly criticized these choices, labeling them hypocritical, especially since members of the royal family have been vocal advocates for combating climate change.
Following this backlash, the royal family took proactive measures. Dan Folke Pedersen, the royal family’s financial manager, stated to DR, "All the royal foundations' shares now lie in the Global Sustainable Future investment fund at Danske Invest," signalling a shift toward more ethical investments. Pedersen emphasized the new focus on sustainable investing, which will only involve funds with clear sustainability goals. This move has garnered mixed reactions—some view it as long-overdue, others as merely a public relations effort.
Expert Jacob Dahl Rendtorff, professor of business ethics, opined, "This adjustment is a good signal," referring to the proactive steps taken by the royal family. His insights reflect the bachelor of public relations now inherent within royal duties, as the monarchy must navigate modern societal expectations.
Public sentiment surrounding the royal family remains largely favorable, based on the recent Epinion poll conducted for DR. Despite the controversies, Danes have expressed continuing support for the monarchy, with 75 percent holding positive views overall. Notably, Queen Margrethe tops the popularity chart with 88 percent approval, followed closely by King Frederik and Queen Mary, both enjoying 85 percent approval ratings. Meanwhile, Prince Joachim and his wife, Princess Marie, were identified as the least popular members, with only 47 and 56 percent, respectively, expressing favorable opinions about them.
Interestingly, Princess Benedikte stands just above Prince Joachim with 58 percent approval, illustrating perhaps the complex nature of public perception of the royal family members. This hierarchy of popularity within the Danish monarchy reflects not only their individual efforts and public engagements but also broader societal attitudes toward their roles.
These developments highlight the royal family's efforts to adapt and modernize, all the more important as they navigate challenges associated with public expectations and environmental accountability. While the visible royal ceremonies continue to enchant the public, the underlying financial decisions and their societal impact will likely dictate the monarchy's public opinion and future direction.