Crown Prince Christian of Denmark has sparked speculation about his future after revealing a surprising new passion – the day before his 20th birthday.
The eldest son of Tasmanian-born Queen Mary and King Frederik X took to social media to share photos from his first-ever flight in an F-16 fighter jet at Skrydstrup Air Force Station.
“Today a boy’s dream came true,” he wrote in Danish, translated by SkyNews.com.au.
“I had the opportunity to get on one of the last training flights in an F-16 aircraft – and wow, it was crazy.”
Speaking to Danish outlet Billed Bladet after the flight, the Crown Prince said: “It was incredibly impressive what that plane can do.:
“I am so grateful and honoured to be allowed to fly one last time before the planes are used elsewhere. So thank you very much to the pilot and the air force for giving me the opportunity.”
When pressed on whether he could see himself pursuing a career in the skies, the young royal gave a playful response.
“Until about a week ago, I actually thought I was too tall to fly an F-16,” said Christian, who stands at over 190 centimetres.
“But I’ve since realised that I’m not. So time will tell. It could be. You never know,” he added with a smile.
In his social media post, Christian said he’d “already had great respect for the pilots who fly our fighter jets” but that after his experience, “it has only gotten bigger.”
He also revealed his father, King Frederik, “stopped by” to watch, making the moment an even “bigger experience.”
The post sent royal fans into a frenzy, with many comparing the future monarch to Tom Cruise’s Top Gun alter ego.
“Okay! Maverick has called – he needs a stand-in for Top Gun 3!” one fan wrote, while another said: “A son Their Majesties can be proud of – as well as the people.”
Another gushed: “We have a really cool Crown Prince!” while one user declared: “The absolute coolest royal house in the world.”
As per Danish tradition, Christian joined the military for national service at 18, completing four months of basic training with the Guard Hussar Regiment in Slagelse in May before moving on to a one-year lieutenant training course that began in August.
His father followed a similar path, serving in the Royal Life Guards in 1986 before becoming a lieutenant in the reserve and later training as a member of Denmark’s elite Frogman Corps.