For the first time in history, the Danish Royal Family has released an official gift registry that provides insight into the numerous presents received by the royal couple during the first half of 2024. This list includes unexpected items such as a dog leash, French hats, and books about Denmark during the occupation period of World War II.
The royal family made the announcement on Wednesday, covering the period from February 7 to June 30 of this year, excluding gifts received in connection to the change of throne that occurred in January. Among the listed gifts are practical items from the royal couple’s first official trip to Greenland, including a rain jacket and a fleece sweater.
This disclosure marks the first instance of the royal family presenting such a list, but there are certain caveats. Gifts that possess “modest economic value” will not be included on the registry. However, the exact monetary threshold has not been specified. The royal family refers to guidelines used by the Norwegian and British royal families, where the thresholds are approximately 600 and 1300 Danish kroner (about $90 and $195 USD, respectively).
Personal gifts from friends and family will also not be disclosed, and the royal family has refrained from commenting further on these personal presents. There is a specific practice regarding gifts from businesses; such gifts are not accepted and are returned if sent nonetheless. Gifts received by the royal family typically originate from official events, travel, visits, as well as celebrations of birthdays and anniversaries.
During a visit from the Indian Ambassador, the royal couple received a silk tie and a shawl, while Crown Prince Christian received seven books about Denmark during the occupation from an anonymous citizen. Moving forward, the gift registry will be published alongside the royal family’s annual report and will include details about the gift, the giver, and the occasion. This initiative will provide an ongoing public overview of the royal family’s receptions.
Meanwhile, a decision is still awaited regarding the regulation of royal purveyors, which remains under consideration.