King Frederik of Denmark has dramatically altered the royal coat of arms for the first time in 500 years, prominently featuring Greenland and the Faroe Islands amid rising tensions with Donald Trump.
The significant redesign comes after the US President-Elect renewed calls to purchase Greenland from Denmark.
The move marks one of Frederik’s first major acts since succeeding Queen Margrethe on New Year’s Eve 2023, demonstrating his commitment to keeping the autonomous territory within the Danish Kingdom.
In a Christmas Eve statement, Trump tagged Denmark’s ambassador, declaring: “For purposes of national security and freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”
Royals send message to Donald Trump amid request to buy world’s biggest island
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The updated royal coat of arms removes traditional crowns, replacing them with a polar bear representing Greenland and a ram symbolising the Faroe Islands.
The redesign signals Frederik’s early commitment to Denmark’s territories following his ascension to the throne just over a year ago.
The timing is particularly pointed, coming after Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede dismissed Trump’s latest acquisition attempts as meaningless as his previous efforts during his first term.
Greenland has maintained home rule from Denmark since 1979.
The new design (right) features a large polar bear and ram, representing Greenland and the Faroe
Kongehuset.dk
The tensions come amid recent accusations from Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede, who charged Denmark with genocide over a forced contraceptive scandal from the 1960s and 1970s.
In his New Year’s address, Egede called for Greenlandic independence, urging the removal of “shackles of the colonial era.”
The controversy highlights the growing strain in relations between Denmark and its autonomous territory, as King Frederik moves to strengthen symbolic ties through the coat of arms redesign.
King Frederik and Queen Mary became King and Queen of Denmark in January last year
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King Frederik X of Denmark took over from Queen Margrethe of Denmark
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Trump’s territorial ambitions extend beyond Greenland, with recent comments suggesting Canada should become the 51st US state following Justin Trudeau’s announced departure as Prime Minister.
The President-Elect proposed Trudeau as “governor” of the “Great State of Canada.”
Taking to social media, Trump claimed the merger would mean Canada would no longer require US assistance to “stay afloat.”
