King Frederik expresses his deep love for Greenland
King Frederik has emphasized the significant role Greenland has played in his life, both personally and in preparing for his current role as king. This was revealed during a speech at an official dinner in Nuuk, hosted by Naalakkersuisut, the government of Greenland, during the ongoing visit of the royal couple to Greenland.
“For almost half a year now, I have been king, a role I have prepared for most of my life,” the king stated. “Part of this preparation took place on the fjord off Nuuk, on a dogsled in Northern Greenland, and especially when I fell in love with Greenland and its people,” he added.
This visit marks the royal couple’s first official trip to Greenland, although Frederik has visited the country many times before. For example, as Crown Prince, he participated in a dogsled ride with the Sirius Patrol in 2000. The Sirius Patrol is part of the Defence’s patrol service in North and Northeast Greenland and has left an indelible impression on Frederik.
In his speech, the King highlighted how meeting Greenlandic hunters has deeply inspired him. “While our sled was filled with provisions, the hunters chased their food along the way and continuously provided through hunting and gathering. Their ability to read nature fascinated me deeply,” he said.
King Frederik concluded his speech with a toast in Greenlandic – “Kasuuttu”. The royal couple’s visit to Greenland continues on Friday, when Queen Mary will visit a daycare center in Nuuk that works with the Mary Foundation’s anti-bullying program. The journey then continues to the southern tip of Greenland, where the villages of Narsarsuaq and Igaliku will be visited before the trip concludes on Saturday.