Copenhagen | Denmark
His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark’s funeral took place yesterday morning in Copenhagen. As was his request, the Prince Consort’s funeral was a private occasion with only family and friends in attendance. Although attendance was restricted, Denmark’s DR television channel streamed the service live.
Hosted at Christiansborg Palace Church, the service had roughly 60 guests. In attendance were Her Majesty Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary with their children as well as Prince Joachim and Princess Marie and their children. Also in attendance was Prince Joachim’s ex-wife Countess Alexandra, Princess Benedikte (sister to Her Majesty), His Majesty King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece and Prince Henrik’s siblings.
Seated according to Royal protocol, her Majesty Queen Margrethe and her sons together with their spouses sat in the front row. Behind them were Her Majesty and Prince Henrik’s eight grandchildren. It was an exceptionally moving service with her Majesty and many other members of the family in tears throughout.
Prince Henrik of Denmark’s funeral was conducted by the former bishop of Copenhagen Cathedral and royal confessor, Erik Normann Svendsen. The service included the reading of Psalm 23, a selection of hymns and a performance by a children’s choir. With the conclusion of the service, the church bells rang out over the city followed by a gun salute that was fired from the Sixtus Battery and Kronborg. The official day of mourning was marked with flags flying at half-mast on all public buildings.
His Royal Highness’ coffin was carried by officers from the Royal Life Guard to the hearse where the procession was followed by members of the Danish Royal Family. With the conclusion, a tribute was played in Stockholm’s Riddarholmskyrkan. His Royal Highness, Prince Henrik will be cremated.