It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you all here tonight to celebrate Crown Prince Frederik’s 50th birthday.

A warm welcome to all our guests from near and far who have come here to celebrate Crown Prince Frederik on his 50th birthday.

Frederik, I have looked forward to celebrating you on your 50th birthday where you are surrounded by family and friends from near and far, and where the official Denmark and the Danish Realm are represented, which is natural when Denmark’s Crown Prince is to be celebrated.

You are, as they say, in the middle of your life. You have achieved much and you have experienced much, and during these days you have experienced how all of Denmark supports you and takes pleasure in your work. You bring energy and enthusiasm to all that you do and it makes an impact wherever you go.

To be a crown prince is not at all easy for a very young and searching person. But you found your own way, and every time you started a new chapter of your  life, you showed the strength within you.

You learnt to grit your teeth and you finished the race. Last Monday you made all of Denmark join in the run. Your Grandmother would have been so proud of you, and how I wish that Papa could have lived to experience your 50th birthday, for he was just as proud of you as I am. He too saw how you developed your talents year by year.

When you found Mary, a new period of lifebegan. Now you were two, then three, then four – indeed, six! A whole family that everybody can take pleasure in, and a family that many are pleased to follow and see themselves reflected in. You and Mary have succeeded in creating a safe and warm family life while both of you together and individually assume tasks that take you to faraway places.

The two of you make Denmark bigger, and you are a credit to Denmark. You make me so happy!

Dear Frederik!  Congratulations!

Please raise your glasses and join me in nine cheers for Crown Prince Frederik!