Prince Henrik, the French-born husband of Denmark's Queen Margrethe, has died at age 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 half-mast nationwide Wednesday. Danish daily Politiken headlined "Au Revoir, Henrik" above a photo of the dashing young prince waving from a convertible.
Diagnosed with dementia in September 2017 and hospitalised since January 28 for a lung infection, Henrik passed away late Tuesday. A private funeral will be held on February 20 at the Christiansborg Palace chapel in the capital, the palace said.
Prior to that, Danes will be able to pay their respects at the chapel, where the prince's closed casket will be on display for three days. 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."¨ Outside Amalienborg, the royals' main residence in Copenhagen, Danes laid down flowers, children's drawings, and candles. One of them, Nina Langebaek, told AFP she would remember the prince as interested "in art, poetry, and making food.
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