Queen Mary is undergoing another significant change after a difficult year finding her place as head of state.
The cause of her grief? Her eldest son and heir to the Danish throne, Prince Christian.
The 18-year-old will leave the family home and head to East Africa, where he will live until December to experience farm work and “deeper learning.”
The doting mother of four admitted that it will be very difficult not having her son around for the next few months.
“We’re going to miss him incredibly… very much,” she said while attending a ceremony in Copenhagen on Wednesday.
She added that both she and King Frederick are excited for him and “look forward” to hearing about his travels upon his return.
The Danish Palace revealed that the youngster will work on farms during his visit while trying out various roles and getting to know the community.
You will also learn about Africa’s natural landscape and how locals maintain a balance between work, life and conservation.
Queen Mary is undergoing another significant change after a difficult year finding her place as head of state.
Prince Christian leaves the family home and heads to East Africa, where he will live until December to experience agricultural work and “deeper learning.”
Prince Christian follows in the footsteps of his father and grandmother, Queen Margrethe.
It is tradition for members of the Danish royal family in line to the throne to spend significant time abroad during their youth so they can learn to appreciate the world, a palace spokesman said.
King Frederick went to Mongolia in 1986, where he worked with nomads, and in 1989 he made a second trip to California, where he worked in a vineyard.
Queen Margaret made extensive trips to Africa and South America in the 1960s.
The King and Queen have requested that the Prince’s exact location and duties remain private for the duration of the year.
The big step comes after her most recent solo trip, which took her to Paris to meet Danish athletes at the Paralympic Games.
Common agricultural and conservation challenges facing people in East Africa include keeping crops and water supplies safe from elephants.
Keeping livestock safe from hungry supermassive predators is also a concern.
The latest challenge for the future king of Denmark comes after he completes high school in July.
The big step comes after her most recent solo trip, where she headed to Paris to meet Danish athletes at the Paralympic Games.