The visit of Danish royalty was a delightful mix of cheerful smiles and serious business, creating a captivating atmosphere that delighted observers, from the media to guests in festive attire.
After observing the Danish royalty for two days, it has become clear: The King’s smile is contagious. The Queen seems just as happy, whether in pouring rain or evening sunshine. When you add President Alexander Stubb and his spouse, Mrs. Suzanne Inness-Stubb, to the mix, you get one big happy bunch.
State visits, though, are serious business. At this writing, the media are just about done reporting on the visit that took place from Tuesday to Wednesday regarding the Ki… ehm … about the Queen’s clothes (absolutely perfect, by the way), and it’s hard to find an article on anything King Frederik X of Denmark actually said.
But we caught some of the King’s speech at the royal reception in the Finlandia Hall on Wednesday, a sort of honorary farewell event for their Finnish hosts. Tonight we walk with the King!
King Frederik X began his speech by humorously stating that his official program in Finland had been “like Superman’s, in a positive way.” His comment elicited laughter from the audience of about 200.
He described visiting Lapland as “an incredible experience,” mentioning that the highlight was a selfie of him and the Queen in a reindeer sleigh, with a big, white reindeer behind them. King Frederik X continued by saying, “Finland and Denmark complement each other,” and noted, “we have a lot to offer each other.”
He concluded by confessing to the audience that he is known for his repeated jokes. “My wife and I are having a candlelight dinner when a waiter approaches,” the King recounted. “The waiter asks if I am Finnish. I always say no, I’m Danish. But now I can say that some of our closest friends are Finnish.”
The audience responded with a rousing round of applause. “Kippis!” said King Frederik X in Finnish, raising a toast with a glass of golden bubbly.
