Princess Isabella of Denmark displayed her witty side during her first official speech, marking the beginning of celebrations for her 18th birthday.
The eldest daughter of King Frederik and Queen Mary, Isabella turns 18 on April 21. On April 11, during an event at Aarhus City Hall, she surprised the audience with a self-deprecating joke as she started her speech. The city of Aarhus kicked off her birthday celebrations by hosting a party for 100 local young people. Princess Isabella took the stage to thank everyone for their efforts.
She began by saying, “Almost four years ago, I learned that your words can be overheard when you least expect it. Today, I have no doubt that the microphone is on.” This comment was a reference to a past media mix-up involving Isabella and her mother, Queen Mary. In 2021, Isabella had asked her mother, “Are you completely confused?” in a sharp tone as the royal family adjusted positions for a photo following Crown Prince Christian’s confirmation. The moment was widely shared by the media, likely due to its relatable nature for many families, according to The Daily Mail.
In her speech, Princess Isabella also thanked Aarhus for organizing the birthday event. “Thank you so much for a very special birthday celebration. It makes me really happy to be celebrated in a city that means a lot to me and my family,” she said.
The Danish royal family includes Crown Prince Christian, 19, Princess Isabella, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, 14. One day, the younger royals are expected to take on full royal duties. Isabella’s composure during the birthday event in Aarhus on April 11 showed her readiness for this role. She was joined at the event by her parents and younger siblings.
On April 11, local young people gathered at Aarhus City Hall to celebrate Isabella’s birthday. The event honored local talent in music, sports, cuisine, and design. The city spent approximately $42,800 on the celebration, which included a sustainable fashion show, music, dance performances, and a birthday cake created by vocational students. Princess Isabella appeared at ease as she interacted with the flag-waving crowd, accepted flowers, and met others her age.
The birthday festivities will continue on April 15, when Princess Isabella and the royal family will attend a special performance in her honor at The Old Stage of The Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen. The event will be attended by over 1,000 young people from Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland, who won tickets through a lottery.
Princess Isabella will celebrate her actual birthday on April 21, sharing the day with the late Queen Elizabeth, who was a third cousin of Isabella’s grandmother, Queen Margrethe.
