On his 56th birthday, he took her by surprise.

The Monarch Frederik and His Royal Consort Mary - On his 56th birthday, he took her by surprise.

This past weekend, King Frederik X. of Denmark (56) marked his birthday by gracing the balcony of Copenhagen's Royal Palace with his family. Celebratory crowds gathered to honor the royal figure, but instead of basking in the glory, he chose to present a special gift to his wife, Queen Mary (52). An Instagram post by the Danish Royal Palace made it official - King Frederik had bestowed upon his spouse the prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog. The caption read, "On his birthday, His Majesty, the King, gifted his wife, Her Majesty, the Queen, with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog."

Now regarded as the highest rank in the Dannebrog Order, this illustrious honor was bestowed on only a select few individuals throughout Denmark's long history. Currently, only seven people are its living recipients—King Frederik X., his brother Prince Joachim (54) (who received the award in 2004), and Queen Margrethe (84)—following the recent addition of Queen Mary.

A royal honor with roots in Danish history

First established to recognize those who dedicated themselves to the Danish kingdom through exceptional public service, the Dannebrog Order acknowledges outstanding achievements in the fields of arts, science, economy, and the promotion of Danish interests. Once intended only for royalty and nobles, considered as "White Knights," this emblem of distinction underwent a transformation in 1840 under King Christian XIII. (1786-1848). He broke with tradition by giving the order to his aunt, Queen Marie Sophie Friederike (1767-1852).

Stepping into the shoes of his mother, Queen Margrethe II., who retired in January, King Frederik X. is surrounded by several events of recognition and celebration this year. He will commemorate his 20th wedding anniversary with his wife Mary on May 14th.

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1. King Frederik X.'s surprise birthday gift to Queen Mary was the Grand Cross of the Dannebrog Order, an honor with deep roots in Danish history.
2. Celebrating his 56th birthday in Copenhagen, King Frederik X. of Denmark presented the prestigious award to his wife, joining his brother Prince Joachim and Queen Margrethe as living recipients.
3. The Dannebrog Order, originally intended for royalty and nobles, underwent a transformation under King Christian XIII in 1840 when he bestowed the honor upon his aunt, Queen Marie Sophie Friederike.
4. With the recent addition of Queen Mary to its ranks, only seven individuals now hold the title of living recipients of the Dannebrog Order.
5. This past weekend, King Frederik X.'s birthday celebration included announcing the special order on Instagram, showcasing the royal family's embrace of social media platforms.
6. King Frederik X., who has taken the throne after his mother, Queen Margrethe II., will commemorate various milestones this year, including his 20th wedding anniversary with Queen Mary in May.

Source: www.stern.de