Danish King and Queen Bow to Pressure: Frederik X and Mary Tell All in Interview Amid Photoshop Scandal

In the midst of their first scandal as monarch and consort of Denmark, King Frederik X and Queen Mary gave an interview in a rare move for the Scandinavian nation's monarchy. The King and Queen engaged in conversation with Danish broadcaster TV 2 while aboard their regal vessel, the Kongeskibet Dannebrog.

Last month, Frederik and Mary unveiled their inaugural official gala portrait. However, some royal enthusiasts raised allegations of photoshopping against the couple. One commenter remarked, "Was this photoshopped? It seems like they were photographed separately and then merged together."

In response to the critique, the Danish Palace affirmed, "The Royal House's official gala portrait remains untouched."

In their first interview since ascending the throne earlier this year, Frederik and Mary discussed the monarchy's future and reminisced about their childhoods. The couple reiterated their commitment to preserving the monarchy's traditions while also emphasizing their focus on its "present and future."

It has been reported by some analysts that Frederik and Mary, having been inspired by Britain's King Charles III, wish to modernize the Danish royal family "for the 21st century."

The Queen stated: "We haven't charted a fixed course, but we've set a solid direction. We'll stay on the path we've forged, with our focus on nature, communities, and business. It's important for us to be an active royal presence across Denmark."

Discussing their imminent state visit to Sweden and Norway aboard their yacht, the King expressed warmth towards their Scandinavian counterparts, saying, "Scandinavia feels like home to us. We're not just colleagues; we're family. Our counterparts have become close friends, and our interactions are marked by open dialogue and a relaxed atmosphere."

Her Majesty elaborated on their royal obligations in the countries, characterizing the tour as a reflection of "our shared interests in research, nature, and sustainable development."

Their Majesties will traverse from one nation to another aboard the royal yacht Dannebrog, a vessel with a history entwined with the Danish royal family, predating Frederik's birth. Reminiscing about their experiences on the yacht, Frederik recalled playful moments from his childhood, when he and his brother, Prince Joachim, would scamper around the decks.

Mary also recounted cherished family vacations on the yacht, stating, "The children, the crew, and us — although not as daring in my case — would leap from the ship's highest point into the deep blue waters."

The duo acceded to the Danish throne upon the "shock" abdication of the King's mother, Queen Margrethe II, who became the first Danish monarch since the medieval era to surrender the Crown. The Danish monarchy practiced the traditional order of monarchies, where the sovereign served until death, such as seen with Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.

GBN reported on Frederik and Mary's interview.