Pandemic Christmas: Danish Royal Family To Give A Miss To Big Family Reunion

Traditionally, the Danish Royal family spends their Christmas holidays together, but this year, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark will have a socially distanced Christmas and holiday season.

The big celebration will take a hit due to the coronavirus pandemic forcing Queen Margrethe to stay apart from Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary, and the rest of their family, according to Hello.

The Danish royal family revealed their Christmas plans through a statement Wednesday. The 80-year-old monarch will celebrate the festive period at Schackenborg Castle located in Møgeltønder, Southern Jutland. She will be joined by her youngest son Prince Joachim, his wife Princess Marie, and their children, Prince Henrik and Princess Athena at the chateau. Prince Joachim’s sons from first marriage Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix will also join the festivities at the castle.

Unfortunately, the queen’s eldest son, the heir apparent Prince Frederik, his wife Princess Mary, and their four children -- Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent, and Princess Josephine -- will stay apart and celebrate the day at Frederik VIII's Palace at Amalienborg, which is their official residence. Located in Copenhagen, it is the place of several big royal engagements and events.

The family reunion remains inconceivable for the family due to COVID-19 restrictions. Traditionally, the royal family of Denmark comes together every year for Christmas celebrations at Marselisborg Palace in Aarhus, the royal residence of Queen Margrethe II and her family. They usually attend the Christmas Eve mass at Aarhus Cathedral.

There is no news about where the royals will attend the Christmas mass and a visit to church seemingly remains out of question.

Along with Christmas celebrations, New Year festivities remain subdued for the family, too. As per the report, the New Year’s galas that are usually conducted at Amalienborg were canceled in October, Hello reported. Nevertheless, the queen will address the nation with her traditional New Year’s speech on Dec. 31 at 6 p.m.