The royal families of Europe are once again making headlines as emotional moments from Christmas celebrations intertwine with public opinion and familial discord. Recent events showcase the Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish monarchies grappling with both traditional holiday cheer and challenging personal circumstances.
On December 20, 2024, Norway's royal couple, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon, attended the Christmas service at the chapel of the palace, marking what many considered to be the family's most challenging year yet. This year, the royal family faced severe criticisms due to allegations against Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Høiby, which have thrust them deep within public scrutiny. During the service, Mette-Marit expressed her gratitude toward humanitarian organization workers and reflected on the importance of traditions and family during "unsettling times." Tears emerged as she shared her sentiments, exemplifying the burden of the preceding year, imbued with tension and sorrow.
Meanwhile, Princess Ingrid Alexandra offered her thoughts to the assembled congregants, stating: "Christmas is a time where we want to be with all those we love… both those we haven't seen for long and those we might see perhaps too often. And it is a time where we particularly think of all those we miss." The words struck many as deeply personal, hinting at the family's struggles without addressing them directly. Despite the upheaval, the royal family's Christmas festivities continued, with traditional gatherings and activities emphasizing the enduring nature of love and joy during the season.
Across Europe, the royal families are embracing Christmas with typical fanfare. Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik has chosen to revitalize his public image following previous controversies. According to the latest poll results reported by TV2 on December 21, 2024, public admiration seems to have turned decidedly against Crown Prince Christian, his 18-year-old son. This survey revealed established King Frederik, at 49 percent approval, as the preferred representative of the monarchy, overshadowing Queen Margrethe’s 17 percent. Christian ranked at the bottom of the poll, with only one percent of respondents perceiving him as suitable for royal representation.
Christian's popularity decline can partially be attributed to his newly acquired status as the 'party prince,' enabled by post-graduation celebrations captured on social media. Observers noted images of him at festivals, often depicted with drinks and companions. This shift from childhood to young adulthood carried expectations and scrutiny never felt as intensely by his father, who had faced similar criticisms for being perceived as frivolous long before maturing with his military career. While Frederik managed to transcend his initial image through dedicated service, Christian now braces for mandatory military training, speculated to assist his public standing.
Meanwhile, back in Norway, the organization of the public memorial for Queen Elizabeth II has begun. Having passed away on September 8, 2022, the Queen's legacy continues to resonate. The British authorities have revealed plans for the project, estimating its budget at between £23 million and £46 million. The memorial, expected to be unveiled on what would be her 100th birthday, is to be constructed near St. James's Park, offering visitors and locals alike the chance to reflect on her long reign.
The holiday spirit is palpable through these royal events, as Crown Princess Mette-Marit and her daughter took time on December 13 to visit children at the University Hospital of Drammen. Their visit coincided with the Lucia festival, where they were welcomed by young children dressed as Lucia, singing traditional songs and sharing moments of joy. For Mette-Marit, who also battles chronic health issues herself, the visit held personal significance, as she empathized with the struggles faced by the children she met.
Notably, for the Danish royal family, the festive season includes lively displays of creativity and humor. This year's Christmas decorations included unconventional pieces, as King Frederik and his wife Mary showcased their whimsically decorated tree, adorned with kangaroos and images of the famed singer David Bowie—further emphasizing their desire to present a relatable image to the Danish public.
Despite the highs and lows of being members of royal families, these traditions remind us of the bonds of love, the importance of support during crises, and the ever-evolving nature of public perception surrounding royal figures. The upcoming year will undoubtedly continue to challenge these individuals as they navigate their roles and relationships amid public expectations and familial connections.
From the emotional reflections of Norwegian royals to the scrutiny faced by the Danish crown, the holiday season reveals the powerful interplay of joy, grief, and the heavy weight of royal responsibilities.
