On the evening of March 31, 2025, King Frederik X of Denmark and Queen Mary were warmly welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte at the Élysée Palace in Paris. This marked the royal couple's first state visit to France since Frederik ascended to the throne, following the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe, in January 2024.
The state dinner, attended by approximately 200 distinguished guests, was a grand affair that showcased the close ties between Denmark and France. Among the attendees were notable figures from various sectors, including astronaut Thomas Pesquet, renowned architect Jean Nouvel, film director Jean-Jacques Annaud, and Franco-Danish footballer Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. Political figures such as French Prime Minister François Bayrou, Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, and several other ministers were also present, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
During the dinner, King Frederik delivered a speech in nearly perfect French, impressing the guests with his eloquence and charm. He recalled his previous visit to Paris during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, praising France for its unique ability to blend history with modernity, culture with sport. "This unique experience highlighted France's talent in combining national pride with international unity in a context marked by divisions and uncertainties," he noted. The king also humorously pointed out the friendly rivalry between Denmark and France in sports and gastronomy, referencing their shared history of competing for culinary accolades.
Frederik's French heritage is well-known; his father, Henri de Laborde de Monpezat, was French, which has contributed to his fluency in the language. This connection to France was further emphasized during the medal exchange ceremony that took place before the dinner, where King Frederik received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor, and Brigitte Macron was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Dannebrog.
Following the state dinner, the royal couple's itinerary included visits to various cultural spots in Paris. They planned to tour the Manufacture des Gobelins, the Grand Palais, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, as well as enjoy a cruise on the Seine River. Queen Mary was set to visit a school in the second arrondissement that has implemented the Free Bullying program initiated by her foundation, which aims to combat school bullying.
This state visit is particularly notable as it is the first by a Danish monarch to France since 1978, reflecting the strengthening relationship between the two nations. The visit comes at a time when Denmark is set to assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union later this year, amidst a shifting transatlantic landscape. Recent tensions have arisen due to comments made by U.S. Vice President JD Vance regarding Denmark’s investments in Greenland, which have sparked diplomatic discussions.
As part of the ongoing cooperation between France and Denmark, the two countries are expected to finalize a strategic partnership agreement on April 1, 2025, focusing on various sectors, including defense, health, and ecological transition. This partnership is particularly relevant given Denmark's recent military support to Ukraine, having provided 19 French-made Caesar cannons to assist in the ongoing conflict.
King Frederik and President Macron are also scheduled to participate in the Franco-Danish economic forum, which aims to bolster economic ties between the two nations. This forum will feature around 50 Danish companies, including the pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, which has significant operations in France.
The royal couple's visit is expected to foster deeper connections and collaborations across multiple domains, enhancing the longstanding friendship between Denmark and France. As they navigate through their busy schedule, King Frederik and Queen Mary are set to meet with various dignitaries and participate in discussions that will shape future cooperation.
In a light-hearted moment during the dinner, King Frederik joked about the friendly competition between their nations, saying, "We have always known how to challenge each other in sports, gastronomy, and the arts." This playful spirit underlines the camaraderie that exists between the two countries, making the state visit not only a diplomatic endeavor but also a celebration of shared history and culture.
As the royal couple prepares to conclude their visit on April 2, 2025, they will be received by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, further solidifying their engagement with French officials. The visit serves as a reminder of the enduring ties that bind Denmark and France, rooted in a shared commitment to cultural exchange and mutual support on the global stage.
