King Frederik X of Denmark touches down in Greenland, with U.S. President Trump reportedly viewing the Arctic island as a strategic point of interest.
Stepping into the Arctic: King Frederik X's Visit to Greenland Amid US Tensions
In the heart of the Arctic, King Frederik X of Denmark stepped foot on Greenland's soil on a Tuesday, starting a strategic visit to the semi-autonomous region. The visit follows Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen's visit to Copenhagen earlier in the week.
The capital city of Nuuk warmly welcomed the monarch, with applause as he disembarked donning a jacket bearing the emblems of the Danish and Greenlandic flags.
In an interview with Danish broadcaster TV2, Frederik was asked about the purpose of his trip. He dismissed any mission, simply expressing his joy to be there.
Nielsen, in a conversation with reporters, emphasized the unquestionable affection of the Danish royal house for Greenland. He shared that the monarch is well-regarded on the island.
The flight was initially scheduled for Monday but was delayed due to inclement weather.
Amidst the Frozen Landscape, a Political Battle
The visit comes amidst renewed US interest in Greenland, with President Donald Trump eyeing its strategic Arctic location for potential annexation. However, Greenland is holding firm, asserting its political autonomy with a strong cross-party consensus against annexation.
A national unity government formed after the March 2025 parliamentary election is leading the charge to reinforce self-determination claims. An opinion poll conducted in January 2025 revealed that a staggering 85% of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the US, while only 6% support the idea.
Danish King Frederik X's visit in April 2025 was a clear demonstration of unity against the renewed US interest under President Trump. The visit aimed to bolster Denmark's stance, with Greenland seeking gradual independence while maintaining economic ties.
Key priorities for the new government under Prime Minister Jens Fredrik Nielsen include economic diversification, seeking greater control over Arctic affairs, and a delayed referendum on independence due to reliance on Danish subsidies.
This cautious approach balances aspirations for statehood with practical concerns about Greenland's limited resources and geopolitical pressures.
- Despite the ongoing US tensions over Greenland's strategic Arctic location, King Frederik X of Denmark's visit to Greenland in April 2025 was a clear demonstration of unity, aiming to bolster Denmark's stance and support Greenland's gradual independence while maintaining economic ties.
- In the interview with TV2, King Frederik X dismissed any specific mission for his visit and expressed his joy to be in Greenland, a stark contrast to the political battle unfolding amidst US interest in annexation.
- The Greenlandic Prime Minister, Jens Fredrik Nielsen, has emphasized the unquestionable affection of the Danish royal house for Greenland and shared that the monarch is well-regarded on the island.
- The recent opinion poll conducted in January 2025 revealed that a staggering 85% of Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the US, while only 6% support the idea, indicating a strong cross-party consensus against US annexation in Greenland.
