Frederik X of Denmark Family Tree: The Story Behind Denmark's Modern King

Frederik André Henrik Christian, born 26 May 1968 in Copenhagen, Denmark, became King of Denmark on 14 January 2024 when his mother Queen Margrethe II abdicated — the first Danish abdication in 900 years. From the House of Glücksburg.

The Family's Roots: The House of Glücksburg

The Danish royal house is the House of Glücksburg (Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg), which has held the Danish crown since 1863. Frederik is the third Glücksburg monarch.

His Parents

Father: Prince Henrik, Prince Consort of Denmark (1934–2018) — born Henri Marie Jean André de Laborde de Monpezat in Talence, France; French diplomat; married Margrethe in 1967; never given the title "King" (which long irked him publicly).

Mother: Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, born 16 April 1940 — Queen from 14 January 1972 to 14 January 2024; first female Danish monarch in 562 years (since Margrethe I died in 1412). Abdicated 14 January 2024.

His Brother

Prince Joachim, born 7 June 1969 — younger brother; was a businessman and farmer; married Alexandra Manley (Hong Kong-British) 1995, divorced 2005; married Princess Marie 2008.

His Nieces and Nephews

Prince Nikolai (b. 1999), Prince Felix (b. 2002) — Joachim's children with Alexandra; both stripped of their princely titles by Margrethe in January 2023 (now Counts of Monpezat).

Prince Henrik (b. 2009), Princess Athena (b. 2012) — Joachim's children with Marie; also stripped of titles in January 2023.

His Wife: Queen Mary

Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, born 5 February 1972 — Australian; commoner; born in Hobart, Tasmania; daughter of mathematics professor John Dalgleish Donaldson. Met Frederik at the Slip Inn pub in Sydney during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. They married on 14 May 2004 at Copenhagen Cathedral.

Their Children

Crown Prince Christian, born 15 October 2005 — heir apparent; will be the next King.

Princess Isabella, born 21 April 2007 — daughter.

Prince Vincent, born 8 January 2011 — son; twin.

Princess Josephine, born 8 January 2011 — daughter; twin.

The Danish Glücksburg Family Tree at a Glance

Family Origins: House of Glücksburg; Danish crown from 1863.

Father: Prince Henrik (1934–2018) — French-born Prince Consort.

Mother: Queen Margrethe II (b. 16 April 1940) — Queen 1972–2024.

Brother: Prince Joachim (b. 7 June 1969).

Wife: Queen Mary (b. 5 February 1972; Australian; m. 14 May 2004).

Children: Crown Prince Christian (b. 15 October 2005); Princess Isabella (b. 21 April 2007); Prince Vincent (b. 8 January 2011); Princess Josephine (b. 8 January 2011).

King Frederik X:

  • Born 26 May 1968, Copenhagen
  • Krebs' School; Eton College (1982–83); Aarhus University (Political Science, MA 1995)
  • US Embassy intern, Washington D.C. (1992)
  • Frogman Corps (Danish Royal Navy elite forces): 1995 — first Royal of Denmark to be allowed to serve as an active soldier
  • Continued service in army, navy, and air force into the 2000s — colonel-rank
  • Crown Prince: until 14 January 2024
  • King of Denmark: from 14 January 2024
  • Patron of the Crown Prince Couple's Awards (annual Danish cultural and humanitarian prizes since 2004)
  • Patron of The Mary Foundation (his wife's charity since 2007 — anti-bullying, mental health, equality)

What the Danish Glücksburg Family Story Teaches Us

A French diplomat father who never received the title "King." A queen mother who abdicated after 52 years on the throne — the first Danish abdication in 900 years. A younger brother whose children had their princely titles removed in January 2023. An Australian commoner wife met at a Sydney pub during the 2000 Olympics. Four children, including a Crown Prince and a set of twins.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Frederik X story carries the same lesson. Royal families sometimes shed titles deliberately. Margrethe's 2023 stripping of her grandchildren's princely titles (to simplify the family budget and public role) is on the Glücksburg family record alongside the 2024 abdication. Write down which family titles were granted and which were withdrawn.

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