Queen Mary is undergoing another major change after a difficult year finding her feet as head of state.
The cause of her sorrow? Her eldest son and heir to the Danish throne, Prince Christian.
The 18-year-old leaves home and heads to East Africa, where he will live until December to work on the farm and ‘learn more deeply’.
The devoted mother of four admitted that it will be very difficult not having her son with her for the next few months.
“We will miss him immensely… very, very much,” she said at a ceremony in Copenhagen on Wednesday.
She added that both she and King Frederik are excited for him and look forward to hearing about his travels upon his return.
The Danish palace announced that during his visit the young man will work on farms, try out different roles and get to know the community.
He also learns about the natural landscape of Africa and how local people balance work, private life and conservation.
Queen Mary is undergoing another major change after a difficult year finding her feet as head of state
Prince Christian leaves home and heads to East Africa, where he will stay until December to experience farm work and ‘learn more deeply’
Prince Christian follows in the footsteps of his father and his grandmother Queen Margrethe.
According to a palace spokesman, it is tradition for Danish royals in line for the throne to spend significant time abroad during their youth so that they can learn to appreciate the world more.
King Frederik went to Mongolia in 1986, where he worked with the nomads. In 1989 he made a second trip to California, where he worked in a vineyard.
Queen Margrethe made extensive trips to Africa and South America in the 1960s.
The King and Queen have requested that the Prince’s exact whereabouts be determined and that the Prince’s duties during the year be kept private.
The big step follows his most recent solo trip, which saw him travel to Paris to meet Danish athletes at the Paralympic Games.
Common challenges facing agriculture and conservation in East Africa include protecting crops and water supplies from elephants.
Protecting livestock from hungry Apex predators is also a concern.
The future king of Denmark faces a new challenge after graduating from high school in July.
The big step follows his most recent solo trip, which saw him travel to Paris to meet Danish athletes at the Paralympic Games.