When Queen Margrethe stripped titles off several of her grandchildren, it wasn’t the last major change coming to Denmark’s royal court. King Frederik and Queen Mary have recently announced their own big plans to shake things up to help modernise the monarchy by phasing out the Danish royal warrant system.
The palace issued a statement confirming that use of Danish royal warrants will be discontinued out under the new reigning couple.
The system, which dates back to the 1800s, gives companies some added royal prestige when selling their wares.
Holders currently have the right to use the image of the Danish crown on their letterhead, packaging and labels.
Why is Denmark’s royal warrant system being phased out?
There are just over 100 Danish and multinational companies who hold royal warrants either as a “Royal Court Supplier” or “Supplier to the Royal Danish Court”.
“It is the Royal House’s opinion that a scheme that means that individual companies can claim special recognition from the Royal House for a number of years is no longer up to date,” the palace said.
The changes will impact major international Danish brands including silverware giant Georg Jensen whose jewellery Mary is often seen wearing, and porcelain company Royal Copenhagen.
The long-running scheme will be phased out by 2030 with current warrant holders having until December 31, 2029, to remove the insignia from their packaging.
Why did Queen Margrethe strip the titles off her grandkids?
This is just one of the many expected changes since King Frederik took the throne in January following the abdication of his mother.
Frederik is often described in the Danish media as a moderniser.
Queen Margrethe also made some tough decisions before she handed over her crown, making the unpopular decision to strip the titles off the children of her youngest son, Prince Joachim.
This is now widely seen as an attempt to “slim down” the monarchy in line with others countries, before handing it over to Frederik.
Despite the change, the palace has said the royal couple will continue to support local businesses.
“The King and The Queen and the other members of The Royal Family will continue to support the interests of Danish business in a way that considers as many companies and industries as possible,” a statement said.
“This will – as is the case today – take place in connection with, among other things, company visits, conferences and promotional business campaigns abroad.”
