King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark have broken royal protocol as they took a family holiday away with their eldest son, 19-year-old Crown Prince Christian.
Usually, the Crown Prince is intended to rule in the monarch's place as regent when they are out of the country.
Frederik's mother and former monarch, Queen Margrethe, 85, will perform the duties as regent from Thursday to Sunday this week.
Danish publication Billed-Bladet earlier revealed that Frederik and Mary were set to embark with their four children on a private stay abroad.
King Frederik and Queen Mary broke royal protocol by taking the Crown Prince Christian, who would normally serve as regent, with them on a trip
Getty
Along Crown Prince Christian, the royal couple will be joined by Princess Isabella, 18, and 14-year-old twins, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.
King Frederik will return to his royal duties on Monday, beginning with daily audiences.
Queen Mary will join him for welcoming leaders from the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament at Amalienborg Palace on Tuesday.
Mary is also expected to attend the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen on Wednesday as a regular supporter of sustainable style.
Frederik's mother and former monarch, Queen Margrethe, has stepped in as regent
Getty
Elsewhere, Isabella, who turned 18 in April, is set to graduate from Øregård Gymnasium over the next weeks – marking a milestone in her secondary education.
The family was seen together waving from the balcony of Amalienborg palace for the King's 57th birthday.
Frederik and Mary were seen arm and arm as they waved to gathered well-wishers with their free hands, repeatedly sharing intimate looks.
Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine later joined their parents on the balcony alongside Queen Margrethe.
Crown Prince Christian was noticeably absent from Frederik's birthday balcony appearance
Getty
Crown Prince Christian was notably missing from the recent royal event as he continues to follow in his father’s footsteps as a part of the Denmark’s armed forces.
The 19-year-old royal, who enrolled in military training at the Antvorskov barracks in Slagelse in February, finished the arduous exercise.
The REX tour is infamous for its extreme physical and mental challenges. Each cadet carries approximately 25 to 30 kg of equipment whilst covering around 31 miles in 36 hours.
Crown Prince Christian has been undertaking military training
Kongehuset
Crown Prince Christian went beyond the standard requirements, reaching approximately 40 miles as he participated in extra patrols during the exercise in his role as second-in-command.
The four-day exercise is divided into two 48-hour parts, with severely limited rest periods.
Cadets receive only a two-hour break once or twice daily throughout the entire exercise.
Crown Prince Christian is following a royal tradition by pursuing military service, walking in the footsteps of his father, King Frederik.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
King Frederik spent much of his early royal career in the Danish Navy
Getty
The King spent much of his early career in the military, serving in the infantry regiment of the Royal Life Guards and the elite Royal Frogmen Corps, a special forces unit within the Danish Navy.
Before beginning his military journey, Crown Prince Christian completed his high school education last summer.
He then spent three months in East Africa from September to December, where he gained valuable experience in the day-to-day operations of two farms and developed insights into conservation efforts.
Most Read
