Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark received a frosty reception this morning as they arrived at Christiansborg Palace for a New Year's reception.
Frederik, 55, wore military regalia while Mary, 51, looked chic in a navy dress as they met Queen Margrethe, who is due to step down in 11 days.
The Danish queen, who ascended to the throne in 1972, is Europe's longest-reigning monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
In a shocking New Year's Eve speech, she announced that she would abdicate and be succeeded by her son on January 14 after 52 years on the throne.
The Danish royal family arrived at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen on Wednesday to welcome the diplomatic corps in the New Year – and there was little affection between Prince Frederik and Princess Mary.
Insiders told Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet that “the future royal couple didn't look like anyone having a good time.”
Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark appeared distant as they arrived at Christiansborg Palace this morning for a New Year's outing
The royal couple is preparing to ascend the Danish throne after Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe II, announced her resignation in her New Year's Eve speech
“Words were exchanged between the two and it did not appear as if they wished each other good luck,” the newspaper said.
The couple kept a polite distance and barely exchanged a word as they walked to the knight's hall, flanked by soldiers.
The atmosphere remained frosty as they sat next to Queen Margrethe in the hall, both dressed formally for the occasion.
Mary chose a high-necked navy dress while Frederik wore his military uniform.
Queen Margrethe was also highly decorated with medals and wore a deep red dress with black details on the collar and sleeves.
The Danish royal family has been rocked by rumors in recent weeks – after photos emerged of Crown Prince Frederik enjoying an evening with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova in Madrid in October.
Despite rumors circulating about the alleged “affair,” 55-year-old Frederik and his Australian-born wife demonstrated their unity as they entered Aarhus Cathedral on Sunday, December 24.
However, there was little obvious affection today between the couple who will soon be the new King and Queen of Denmark.
The Danish queen, who ascended to the throne in 1972, is Europe's longest-reigning monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022
The Danish royal family arrived at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen on Wednesday to welcome the diplomatic corps for the New Year
The couple kept a polite distance and barely exchanged a word as they walked to the knight's hall, flanked by soldiers
The atmosphere remained frosty as they sat next to Queen Margrethe in the hall, both dressed formally for the occasion
The future king looked dapper in his military regalia
Mary chose a high-necked navy dress while Frederik wore his military uniform
Queen Margrethe was also highly decorated with medals and wore a deep red dress with black details on the collar and sleeves
There was speculation that Queen Margrethe's abdication was intended to save the marriage of her son and Princess Mary in the wake of the alleged “affair”.
Ms Casanova has denied allegations of a relationship with Frederik.
Royal commentator Phil Dampier told The Telegraph: “It is possible that the Queen took this action because she would have been fearful of the marriage breaking down and the royal family losing Mary. “It would have caused major problems.
“The Queen has always seen Mary as a tremendous asset.”
There was speculation that Queen Margrethe's abdication may have been to save the marriage of her son and Princess Mary in the wake of the alleged “affair”.