King Frederik X of Denmark published a book three days after ascending to the throne. The unexpected release has caught the attention of Danes, and the national media is actively sharing snippets from the book.
On January 17, the Danish Royal Family announced the release on Instagram. In a Facebook post, the publishers mention that the book also covers the history of Denmark and the king's life, describing his journey from a young and hesitant crown prince to a grown man, family man, and monarch.
The book is titled "Kongeord," which can be translated as "The King's Word." It may also be interpreted as a nod to the motto he announced for the first time from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace upon his ascent to the throne on Sunday: "United, committed, for the Kingdom of Denmark."
Titled "The King's Word," the book offers King Frederik's reflections on various subjects, including Denmark's role on the global stage and his relationship with Queen Mary. This publication comes shortly after the king's coronation on Sunday, succeeding his mother, Margrethe II, who stepped down on New Year's Eve.
Collaborating with Jens Andersen, the author of Frederik's 2017 biography, the book draws from interviews conducted over the past year and a half. King Frederik candidly shares childhood experiences, revealing his struggle to accept his future role as the monarch, stating that he 'just wanted to be like all other boys of my age.'
In one section of the book, the king opens up about his 18th birthday, describing it as a moment when he felt that life's joyous and exciting aspects were ending. However, he expresses gratitude that life continued to unfold positively.
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"The King's Word" has quickly become a literary sensation, surpassing last year's bestseller sales record at the online bookstore Saxo. Sources report that the book sold at an astonishing rate of 25 copies per minute in the hours following its surprise release. Priced at up to 250 Danish Krone, the book spans around 110 pages.
In the book, King Frederik discusses personal aspects of his life, touching on his faith and family dynamics. He shares that he and his Australian-born wife engage in nightly prayers with their children. Reflecting on family life, Frederik acknowledges the influence of his late father, Prince Henrik, describing him as 'very patriarchal.'
Frederik acknowledges that he has gained valuable insights from his wife, who occasionally reminds him that he is not infallible, emphasizing that being the man of the house does not mean his words are always unquestionable.
During his coronation, King Frederik X said he hoped to be a 'unifying king' for Denmark's future. Witnessed by an estimated 300,000 people outside Christiansborg Castle in Copenhagen, this moment signaled the end of Margrethe II's 52-year reign and the debut of the new monarch.
The unexpected book release has not only provided insights into the king's journey. Still, it has also become a cultural phenomenon, capturing the interest of the Danish public.
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