The first ‘half Australian’ prince is now online
Prince Christian’s life has changed dramatically. Not only is the 18-year-old a crown prince, but he is also the first ‘digital native’ heir.
Prince Christian not only carries a new title of Crown Prince but is also, at 18, Europe’s first “digital native” heir.
The eldest son of King Frederik X and Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark has officially commenced his apprenticeship as a future king with the abdication of his beloved “far mor” (father’s mother), Queen Margrethe.
Last year, following his 18th birthday, it was announced Christian would refuse a publicly funded salary in order to pursue his university studies. That all changed on Sunday night when he attained a seat in the Council of State next to his father. If Frederik is unfit to govern, Christian will be appointed regent.
Like all royals, Christian’s entire life has been in the spotlight. At five days old he made his debut in the arms of his mother; at eight he was involved in official duties; now, at 18 he will start learning the ropes to one day ascend the throne of one of the world’s oldest, and most revered, monarchies. The core difference to his probation period to his father’s, despite the fact Frederik assumed the title of Crown Prince at just three years old, is that Christian has come of age and will reign in the era of social and modern media.
It’s a lot harder for a prince to separate public from private when everyone is a citizen journalist and camera operator.
“His whole life as he knows it is played out on Instagram. If Mary were a typical Australian mum she would have probably started an account for him but she’s not a typical mum and he’s not a typical child, but he is really one of the first royals where social media has followed his life even since before he was born,” social media expert Meg Coffey said. “He’s 18, the time when you’re finding yourself, as well as partying. But in order for the future of the monarchy to survive they have to show he is relevant, relatable and approachable. The way to do that is via social media.
“Just look at how Prince William has diverted from King Charles, his social media is a lot more relaxed and personal, they are reading the room really well. Christian too should look to them and also someone like Robert Irwin, who’s online persona is brilliantly executed.”
Christian’s debut sparked mass coverage and millions of hashtags and viral videos last year, and “#princechristian” now has close to 200 million followers on TikTok alone. In October, Margrethe hosted a white-tie gala at Christiansborg Palace, where, among his school friends and other young royals, representatives from a selection of Denmark’s youth organisations as well as young people who have distinguished themselves in the world of sport, art and culture were invited.
Frederik made mention of his son’s affection for the digital world. “Before you always looked in our direction when there was a question you couldn’t find an answer to. Today, you also look elsewhere – for example – down at your phone,” Frederik said.
After a gentle ribbing the young prince made his first official public comments, as his beaming parents looked on with tears in their eyes. “Thank you, Mum and Dad, for supporting me … all the way … I take pride in having to serve my country. So even though I have shaking hands a little today, I have in my heart a meeting with the future.”
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