Prince Frederik to take the throne months after rumoured ‘affair’

Rumours regarding Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik continue to swirl, as his mother Queen Margrethe II announces her shock abdication.

Rumours continue to swirl about a royal affair involving Crown Prince Frederik, sparking controversy within Denmark’s royal family — and he is yet to address the scandal.

Crown Prince Frederik’s fidelity was called into question after Spanish magazine Lecturas printed pictures of the heir to the Danish throne attending an exhibition with a Mexican socialite in Madrid in October last year.

The married father of four — who will soon become the King of Denmark — is rumoured to have had an “alleged” affair with Genoveva Casanova, 47, after the duo were spotted having an evening night out three months ago, which included a stroll in the park, going to a Pablo Picasso exhibition, as well as having a meal while watching flamenco.

The royal and the former daughter-in-law of billionaire Duchess of Alba were seen spending hours together without his wife, Princess Mary.

Crown Prince Frederik Of Denmark and Genoveva Casanova were seen together in Madrid where they sparked affair allegations. Picture: Splash News/Media Mode

The pair were seen visiting Ms Casanova’s apartment where they changed outfits before heading to dinner. Picture: Splash News/Media Mode

At one point, the pair headed to the model and socialite’s home, where they changed clothes before heading out again for dinner.

When the photos first emerged, Ms Casanova released a statement denying any form of romantic relationship had taken place between herself and the royal, threatening to take legal action.

“I categorically deny the statements that suggest a romantic relationship between Prince Frederik and me,” Ms Casanova said.

“Any statement of this type not only completely lacks the truth but also misrepresents the facts in a malicious manner.”

Nonetheless, the rumours have been widely reported.

The Royal Household has refused to comment on the rumours.

The 55-year-old Crown Prince and his Australian-born wife, Princess Mary, 51, who have been together for 23 years, appeared unbothered by the rumours on Christmas Eve.

The married couple were seen holding hands as they headed with their children to the Aarhus cathedral on December 24.

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark arrive for High Mass at Aarhus Cathedral. Picture: Mikkel Berg Pedersen / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP

Overnight, Queen Margrethe II shocked the nation by announcing her abdication, paving the way for Crown Prince Frederik to ascend to the throne.

Denmark is set to have a new king on the 14th of January, as Crown Prince Frederik’s mother steps down from the throne after more than five decades of rule.

His ascension means that Australia-born Mary will become the Queen of Denmark.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced the news during her traditional New Year’s Eve televised address Sunday, saying it was time “to leave the responsibility to the next generation”.

Citing her age and health issues, the Queen made the announcement during her traditional New Year’s Eve speech broadcast on Danish television.

“In two weeks time I have been Queen of Denmark for 52 years,” she said.

“That length of time would take its time on anyone,” she added.

“One cannot undertake as much as one managed in the past …”

“On 14th January, 2024 — 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father — I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I will hand over the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik,” she said.

Queen Margrethe II is the longest serving monarch in Danish history and took over after her father King Frederik IX in 1972.

The abdication will also see Hobart-born Crown Princess Mary’s oldest son Christian, 18, become Crown Prince months after signing a formal promise to uphold the country’s constitution — should he become king.

The future King and Queen have been married for 19 years and their relationship is often compared to a “real-life fairytale.”

The couple’s story began during the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where they met at a local pub the Slip 23 years ago.

Born Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, Princess Mary struck up a conversation with Frederik, not knowing about his royal status at the time.

The prince asked Mary for her number,

“The first time we met we shook hands. I didn’t know he was the prince of Denmark,” she said to New Idea in an interview in 2015.

The royal couple have been together for 23 years. Picture: Ida Marie Odgaard / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP

The future King and Queen have four children together. Picture: Ida Marie Odgaard / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP

“Half an hour later someone came up to me and said, ‘Do you know who these people are?’”

“Something clicked. It wasn’t the fireworks in the sky or anything like that but there was a sense of excitement,” she said.

At that time Princess Mary was a commerce and law student working as an advertising executive, while Prince Frederik was in Australia to barrack for Denmark’s sailing team.

He then asked for her phone number and their love soon blossomed.

Princess Mary and Prince Frederik maintained a long-distance relationship before Mary made the decision to move to Denmark.

She quickly learned Danish, but still maintains an Australian accent.

The couple got married on 14 May 2004 in Copenhagen and honeymooned in Africa.

They have four children including Prince Christian Valdemar Henri John, Princess Isabella Henrietta Ingrid Margrethe, Prince Vincent Frederik Minik Alexander and Princess Josephine Sophia Ivalo Mathilda.