King Frederik and Queen Mary have set out on their first trip to Greenland since
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The Danish monarch typically visits Greenland annually. They will be visiting communities in the northern, western, and southern parts of Greenland over the next week.
The King and Queen first arrived at Pituffik Space Base, an American base, before heading to Qaanaaq. The town has approximately 650 residents and is primarily an Inuit population. The town was formed after the indigenous residents were forced to relocate for the space base.
King Frederik and Queen Mary were happily welcomed by Qaanaaq residents who performed songs and dances for the couple. They met with community members on a walkabout.
Qaanaaq itself has ties to The Danish King, as Frederik was actually part of a four-month sledding expedition for the Sirius Dog-Sled Patrol based out of Qaanaaq in 2000. Touchingly, the community was able to show The King the exact sled that he used when he was working there.
The Sirius Dog-Sled Patrol is an organisation that helps to protect Danish sovereignty in the Arctic.
Both Frederik and Mary looked to be enjoying themselves on the first day of their visit with big smiles and a lot of conversation with community members.