Crown Prince Christian sets hearts ablaze

Queen Mary’s eldest son just became the most eligible bachelor in Europe, turning heads as he joined King Frederik X to be proclaimed first in line to the throne of Denmark.

Crown Prince Christian set hearts ablaze as the new heir to the throne of Denmark became the most eligible bachelor in Europe.

The 18-year-old was the striking image of his father King Frederik X, who Prince Christian replaced as the first in the royal family’s line of succession.

Tens of thousands who lined the streets erupted in cheers as Christian stepped out to join his parents in his first official public appearance as Crown Prince.

Prince Christian with King Frederik X. Picture: Supplied

Queen Mary’s eldest son has been fending off rumours he was dating the glamorous Italian Princess Maria Chiara di Borbone delle Due Sicilie.

But after Princess Maria issued a wistful denial of a relationship, all eyes turned toward the newly-proclaimed heir to one of Europe’s longest-lasting thrones.

“While we all enjoy dreaming of fairy tales, what truly matters is reality,” Princess Chiara said to “set the record straight” over their “close friendship”.

“At first, this situation made me smile; however, over time, this rumour has exceeded the limits of common sense and has spiralled becoming at odds with reality,” she added.

Crown Prince Christian makes his first appearance as heir to the throne of Denmark. Picture: AFP

Prince Christian joined his father and mother on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace 24 years after their own fairy tale romance began during the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

As the future, future King of Denmark he earlier he sat next to the King at the Council of State where Queen Margrethe II signed the official abdication.

The Crown Prince cast a comforting eye at his grandmother as she teared up at the official signing of the paperwork.

The two share a close bond, and rumours last summer of the family matriarch inviting his Italian friend to tea evoked a similar moment between Frederik and Mary and ignited furious speculation of a budding romance.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark signs a declaration of abdication as Frederik becomes King and Christian becomes Crown Prince. Picture: AFP

King Frederik X of Denmark and Crown Prince Christian step up to lead the Royal Household of Denmark as Queen Margrethe fades into the background after 52 years. Picture: AFP

Mary was the first girlfriend to meet Frederik’s mother when she was invited to tea in 2002, revelled in a Danish book only recently translated to English.

A panicked Mary asked him to teach her how to curtsy. But as Queen Margrethe remembers the meeting at Christian VIII’s Palace, there was no hint of Mary’s nerves.

(L-R) Crown Prince Christian, King Frederik X of Denmark and Queen Mary of Denmark wave to the crowd after the a declaration of the King's accession to the throne. Picture: AFP / Denmark OUT

“I went over to the apartment and met her for the first time, and I was very, very happy,” Queen Margrethe said.

“I thought, too, that my mother would have felt she was exactly the right choice.

“She really had such a … genuine nature … a sweet and a good and sensible character, and a bearing. And she wasn’t shaking like a leaf at having to meet this frightful queen and mother.”

Originally published as Crown Prince Christian sets hearts ablaze