Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark hosted the first major royal gala of the year on January 1, 2026. The traditional New Year’s dinner took place at Christian VII’s Palace in Amalienborg, bringing together key figures from Danish society, including the President of the Folketing, members of the Court, and various representatives of the nation.
The elegant evening featured a notable absence: Princess Isabella, aged 18, who was eligible to attend but reportedly remains undecided about her role within the Danish monarchy. Attendees included Queen Margrethe, her sister Princess Benedikte, and Prince Joachim, who made his return to the palace with his wife, Princess Marie, after spending Christmas in Washington, D.C., where they have resided since 2023.
Floral Arrangements and Festive Menu
The palace was adorned with striking floral arrangements, characterized by warm golden tones. Decorators chose shades of orange and ochre, accentuating the vibrant display with hints of bright yellow. Queen Mary played a significant role in selecting the flowers, which included roses, two varieties of orchids, and reddish eucalyptus. These arrangements were elegantly presented on the Frederik VI dessert service, crafted in the 1830s at the Royal Porcelain Factory.
The evening’s menu showcased Danish culinary traditions, featuring a selection of appetizers and main courses. Guests enjoyed a creamy cauliflower soup enriched with Parisian herbs and Jutland truffles, followed by Greenlandic snow crab served with tomato chutney on a bed of lettuce and sprouts harvested from the gardens of Fredensborg Palace, complemented by mussel cream. The main course consisted of wild duck breast and confit legs paired with beetroot, scorzonera roots, roasted leek, and a mild mustard sauce infused with horseradish. Dessert concluded the meal with a walnut cake accompanied by pickled lemons, skyr cheese, and mandarin Grand Marnier sauce.
Entertainment and Toasts
The royal gala featured fine wines from the Royal Family’s Château de Cayx in France, along with semi-dry Piper-Heidsieck champagne. Guests were treated to a musical performance by the Royal Life Guards band, which played a selection of pieces from composers such as Strauss, Bizet, Walter, Viraud, and Seebach, adding a festive atmosphere to the evening.
This annual event not only reflects the rich cultural heritage of Denmark but also serves as a platform for the royal family to engage with prominent members of society, reinforcing their connection to the nation as they welcome the new year.
