Standing to lose it

Isabella is the oldest daughter of King Frederick and Queen Mary and number two in the succession – just after big brother, Crown Prince Christian. This means that from today she technically stands as a potential future regent, if the circumstances one day should demand it.

« She probably won’t be a reigning queen, but you can never know. We don’t know if Crown Prince Christian will have children, but if not, then the succession will move on to her. Therefore, birthday is an important transition when it comes to someone who is as high up in the throne as she is, » says Lars Hovbakke Sørensen.

The new authority also includes the possibility of being appointed as a kingdom director – a function where you temporarily take place in the monarch’s place if the king is prevented from performing his duties, for example while staying abroad. Isabella thus becomes part of the exclusive circle of royals, which can be appointed to the role, together with, among others, Queen Margrethe, Prince Joachim and of course Crown Prince Christian.

The princess’s new role and responsibility hardly influence whether she is still allowed to swing her hair in a student car this summer. But life as an adult in the royal house is from now on a balancing act between duties, expectations – and privacy in the flashlight.