| Crown Prince Frederik's Pre-wedding Speech at Copenhagen Town Hall (12th May 2004) |
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| Written by Joanne Leyland | |
| Saturday, 13 May 2006 | |
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Venue: The Radhus, Copenhagen Speaker: Crown Prince Frederik Date: 12th May 2004 "Dear Lord Mayor, On behalf of my fiancée, Miss Mary Donaldson, I should like to express our sincere gratitude for the City of Copenhagen’s beautiful wedding present {sixty sets of five glasses}, and for this reception at the Copenhagen City Hall.  Today is my fiancée's first visit to Copenhagen City Hall. I am fairly certain that my own first visit here must have been on the occasion of my Christening in June 1968, when I was driven in an open car through the city of Copenhagen, which was decked out in flags.It would be wrong of me to say that I remember that day. Judging from press photos from the occasion, I wasn't in a very good mood for part of that journey! I do, however, remember a number of occasions when I have visited the City Hall in connection with official events, or when we have had an event to celebrate in my family. From my earliest childhood, I have sat quietly on the golden chairs and observed and absorbed the many details in this beautiful Banqueting Hall, while the grown-ups listened to the numerous speeches that always accompany these events. The coats of arms below the ceiling, remind one of the banqueting hall of King Arthur's Court; the red swallow-tailed flags; all the gold, and the huge chandeliers. And then there were the enormous walrus sculls with their tusks. They were enough to give a little boy much food for thought. Above them, one could see the Falcon of Iceland, the Polar Bear from Greenland and the Sheep of the Faroe Islands. I am quite sure that the strong impressions we receive as children remain with us. I have always been happy to come here, and I can say that the Copenhagen City Hall is very much part of my childhood and youth.  In a few days we shall celebrate our wedding, and I suppose I ought to confess already that I have violated Christian III's regulation not to invite more than twenty-four couples and twelve good friends to the wedding.Also, both beer and wine will be served. I think the fine for those guilty of breaking the rule then was in the order of 40 marks to the City, and 40 marks to the Monarch. Still, I suppose it is negotiable? Once again, thank you very much for today's reception at the City Hall. Thank you for many years of warm and genuine hospitality here in the Home of the City. And, naturally, my fiancée and I wish to thank you most warmly for this very beautiful gift which we shall use and enjoy. Thank you." Comment on this article
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