The Danish royal family has shared a rare glimpse of Crown Prince Christian as he marks his 19th birthday on Tuesday, enjoying his gap year in East Africa.
The photo, posted on Instagram, shows Christian smiling warmly against the backdrop of a stunning golden sunset in the region.
In the caption, the Danish palace noted: “His Royal Highness the Crown Prince turns 19 today. The Crown Prince is currently staying in East Africa and is celebrating under warmer skies.”
This birthday also marked a change in style, as Christian debuted a much shorter hairstyle, moving away from his signature wavy mop.
Christian arrived in East Africa on September 4 and is set to stay there until the end of the year. A palace statement released in August explained: “On 4 September, HRH the Crown Prince will leave for an extended stay in East Africa, where he will be involved in the day-to-day operations of two farms.
“His tasks will include practical and administrative duties, as well as gaining insight into local nature conservation efforts. The Crown Prince is expected to return to Denmark in December.”
The statement concluded: “The Royal Couple and the Crown Prince hope for privacy during this stay abroad, which is why no further details will be shared.”
Fans and followers flooded the comments section with warm wishes, with many complimenting his new look. One wrote: “Happy Birthday! The short hair looks fantastic,” while another added, “Enjoy life and soak up all the experiences and lessons,” and a third commented: “Congratulations Crown Prince! The new hairstyle really suits you.”
Christian is following in the footsteps of other royals who traveled at a young age to “develop and experience the world.” His father, King Frederik, visited Mongolia and California, and his grandmother, Queen Margrethe, journeyed to East and South America in the 1960s.
While Christian’s future remains uncertain, military training and university enrollment are likely next steps. As the eldest child of King Frederik and Queen Mary, he became heir to the throne after his grandmother, Queen Margrethe, abdicated in January. Frederik and Mary also have two other children: Princess Isabella, 17, and 13-year-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.
