Denmark’s Prince Henrik dies, aged 83
PRINCE Henrik, the French-born husband of Denmark’s Queen Margrethe, has died at 83, ending a half-century struggle to win the hearts of Danes that only succeeded in his later years.
The royal family declared a month of mourning, as flags were lowered to halfmast nationwide yesterday. Danish daily Politiken headlined “Au Revoir, Henrik”.
Diagnosed with dementia in September last year and in hospital in Copenhagen since January 28 for a lung infection, Henrik died late on Tuesday.
A private funeral would be held on Tuesday at the Christiansborg Palace chapel in the capital, the palace said.
In line with his wishes, he will be cremated. Half of his ashes will be spread in Danish waters and half buried on the grounds of Fredensborg Castle north of Copenhagen.
Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the prince had represented Denmark magnificently.
“His commitment was infectious, and his insight great.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said Henrik had helped promote the long and unfailing friendship between France and Denmark.
The prince was a bon vivant who