King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark concluded their first official visit to the Faroe Islands as monarchs, underscoring their commitment to the unity of the Kingdom of Denmark. Accompanied by Princess Josephine, the royal couple spent three days across the archipelago from 11 to 13 June 2025, meeting local communities and highlighting key areas such as education, sport, art, and nature conservation.
According to royal affairs commentator Thomas Larsen, the visit took on particular significance given the current geopolitical pressures in the Arctic. Strengthening the unity of the Realm (Rigsfællesskabet), which includes Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, was described as one of the monarchy’s key roles.
Spotlight on Faroese handball
One of the visit’s first stops was the multihall Við Tjarnir, where the royal family met with young Faroese handball players. The sport is experiencing rapid development in the islands, with the men’s team qualified for the 2026 European Championship in Norway and the women’s team preparing for their first World Cup appearance.
In a country of just over 54,000 residents, such sporting achievements foster national pride and identity. Queen Mary and King Frederik took time to speak with both young talents and national team members, supporting a discipline that resonates strongly with the Faroese public.
Faroe: from family ties to historical bonds
In his address during the official dinner in Tórshavn, King Frederik emphasized the strong links between Denmark and the Faroe Islands. These include family connections, historical ties and a shared Nordic identity. “One of my central duties as monarch,” he noted earlier, “is to preserve and nurture the unity across our Realm.”
The visit included several stops at schools, kindergartens, and elderly homes, illustrating the royal couple’s interest in local welfare and intergenerational solidarity.
Discovering ‘Merkið’: the flag of a proud people
A poignant moment came with the visit to Fámjin, a village on the island of Suðuroy. There, in the local church, hangs the original Faroese flag, known as Merkið. Created in 1919 by three Faroese students in Copenhagen, the flag drew inspiration from the Nordic cross tradition. Initially unrecognised by Danish authorities, it gained official status only after the British acknowledged it during World War II and later through the Faroese Home Rule Act of 1948.
The story of the flag reflects the Faroese aspiration for cultural recognition and local identity within the broader Danish Realm.
Nature, tradition and a tree from the south
Environmental themes also featured prominently. In the plantation of Tvøroyri, King Frederik and Queen Mary planted a southern beech tree grown from a specimen in Tierra del Fuego, South America. The hardy tree, well suited to Faroese conditions, symbolises both resilience and environmental care. The plantation, founded in 1924, represents a rare example of afforestation in an archipelago traditionally lacking native woodland.
Faroe: Art and affection in Eði
The final day brought the royal family to the village of Eði on the island of Eysturoy. There, they visited renowned painter Sigrun Gunnarsdóttir, a celebrated figure in Faroese art. In honour of her lifelong contribution, she was awarded the Order of the Dannebrog.
During their meeting, Gunnarsdóttir gifted the couple a handcrafted glass orb, which she described as a “sphere of love”. The king noted in his speech that they own one of her paintings in their home, describing her as both an artist and a symbol of national pride.
Embracing the Faroe Islands’ spirit
The royal visit ended on a light note, with the king, queen and princess taking a zipline ride across the rugged landscape of Vágseidi. In a brief press encounter, the monarchs praised the islands’ development since their last visit in 2018 and reiterated their appreciation for Faroese nature and community.
The visit, planned well in advance, succeeded in reinforcing the ties between the Faroe Islands and mainland Denmark, while celebrating local culture, achievements, and aspirations.
