In the King’s speech at the banquet, Frederik spoke in French, thanking President Macron for the “warm welcome” and calling France “a country that is very dear to me”.
“Like so many of my compatriots, I remain fascinated by the elegance, cultural richness, and vibrant history of France,” he said.
“My attachment to your country is also personal. My father, the late Prince Henri, passed on to me his deep love for France, and my own journey has allowed me to cultivate it.”
The King’s father, Prince Henrik (or Henri in French), died in February 2018.
The Danish royal family regularly travels to the south of France to stay at their private mansion, Château de Cayx, which is located near the city of Cahors, 15 kilometres from Prince Henrik’s childhood home.