King Christian and His Family

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22335, 24 February 1938, Page 5 (Supplement)

King Christian and His Family

Many people have an idea that royalty spends its days in a perpetual succession of holidays. Few human beings, however, are mqre firmly tied down to a continuous round of duties than royalty. Of none is a greater mental strain demanded or more rigorous schooling In self-discipline. Kingship to-day is one of the most exacting professions in the world. Kings are prepared for it carefully, and trained to take their work seriously. Such a system finds its best justification in men like King Christian of Denmark, who, you may remember, celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his accession last year. As an ad-; ministrator he is industrious, thorough, and conscientious. Let us take, a peep into his daily life and that of the other members of his family. Always unassuming and amiable, dignified when it is needed, loving his country with the fervour of the true patriot, and never for one moment swerving from his loyalty to his position as head of the State, King Christian has been an upright, human, true . sea-king. He was born to, and has worked wholeheartedly towards fulfilling his calling as a King after the heart of the Danes. His personal motto is: “My God, My Country. My Honour;” and he lives his life, both as King and in private, in accordance with this rule. Numerous duties, in Copenhagen (the capital city) and other parts of the country, keep King Christian always in touch with his subjects. On their many tours, the Queen and he try to get at the human side of the people they meet. They visit farm and homestead, and are genuinely interested in the problems artd difficulties of the small farmer and peasant. Country folk are quite often amazed at the King’s memory for little incidents they have discussed with him, when years later they meet him again. Deeply interested in politics, the King has a firm grasp of State affairs. During difficult periods in the history of his country, he has acquitted himself with credit, working always for unity among his people. He has unhesitatingly gone to the rescue, when anything has tended to divide his people, and his honesty of purpose has had an important effect in the smoothing out of such 'difficulties. The sympathy and love with which King Christian met while a young man has been strengthened in the course of his 25 years’ reign by the recognition of his inflexible sense of justice, his keen sense of humour, and his understanding of life’s ups and downs. These qualities are part of the King’s character. An able wife, and one who has many interests in common with him, is Queen Alexandrine. They show warmheartedness and kindliness wherever they go, and in their home there is an unmistakable air of comfort and homeliness. Their family life is gentle, and with her modest, lovable ways, her kind personality and charm, Queen Alexandrine has indeed succeeded in making a real home for her husband and sons. • The Queen’s day is passed in womanly work and amusements. In winter, when the Royal Family Is in residence at “Amalienborg." the Queen takes long walks with her dogs and drives her own car when she goes shopping to town. Her favofirite outdoor sport is golf.

SERVICE TO DANISH PEOPLE 4

Handiwork is the Queen’s hobby. Evidence of her industry arid skill are the two splendid tapestries exhibited some years ago at the Museum for Applied Art. She also makes lace and knits. The Mission for Seamen, Which' collects Christmas gifts for Danish seamen in foreign ports, receives every year a score of parcels containing gloves, comforters, and other useful articles of wear knitted by the Queen. Enclosed in each parcel is a kind greeting and an autographed photograph of the Queen. In the summer, at "Marselisborg,” near Aarhus in Jutland, the Queen does quite a lot of gardening, and

at Scaw the King and Queen spend most of their time in the open air. They set out on long cycling tours, taking their cameras, for the Queen is also an expert photographer. To Scaw Their Majesties’ artist friends are invited and music and languages are studied. -

King Christian and , Queen Alexandrine have one great' interest in comrpon. It is yachtalg, and while everyone knows that the ]King is an able sailor, it is not generally known that the Queen is considered one of the best women sailors in Denmark. . Various duties and pursuits occupy the time of the Crown Prince' and his wife. The Crown Prince

has. of course, to train himself for kingship. A sovereign must have an intimate knowledge of his country and his people, and must be well-informed on many subjects, like industry and farming, art and literature. Crown Prince Frederick is a wide awake young man and very practical in his ideas. His wife, Princess Ingrid, is an intelligent, refined, and beautiful woman who helps him in his duties with womanly dignity. Crown Princess Ingrid has a graceful girl’s figure. She is.quiet, but energetic, and has numerous hobbies: gardening, architecture, furniture, languages, sport, and art. She rides on horseback and drives a car with amazing skill. She is also a keen yachtswoman, and she is fond of discussing gardening and such subjects with her grandfather, the Duke of Connaught. With Prince Knud, the King’s youngest son, and his wife. Princess Caroline Mathilde. and their little daughter, Princess Elisabeth,

the Royal Family circle is complete. Prince Knud has the true Dane’s fondness for the sea and is a Cap-tain-Lieutenant in the navy Motoring and yachting are his favourite sports and Princess Caroline Mathilde shares his keen enthusiasm. The Princess is a trained nurse and has studied professional photography. Since her marriage photography has been reduced to a hobby, but it is almost certain that there are some excellent photographs in their home of the little Princess Elisabeth, Princess Elisabeth is a charming baby,.lively and mischievous The g£ e iex SeWS little dresses