Denmark’s King Frederik arrived in Nuuk on Wednesday for his second visit to Greenland within a year, signalling solidarity with the autonomous Danish territory amid renewed interest from US President
Donald Trump in acquiring the Arctic island.
The visit comes weeks after Greenland, Denmark and the United States initiated diplomatic talks aimed at easing tensions sparked by Trump’s repeated remarks about purchasing Greenland, comments that stirred unease within the NATO alliance.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said last week that she and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen held a “constructive” meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, she cautioned that Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland had not changed.
Symbolic Show of Unity
King Frederik wore a black customised puffer jacket bearing both the Danish and Greenlandic flags, underscoring unity between Copenhagen and Nuuk. He was greeted on the tarmac by Prime Minister Nielsen and Inatsisartut (Greenland’s parliament) speaker Kim Kielsen.
During his visit, the monarch is scheduled to tour a local school, Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command headquarters in Nuuk, and Royal Greenland, the island’s largest company and a major seafood exporter.
Longstanding Royal Ties
The Danish royal family traditionally makes annual visits to Greenland, often donning national dress including white anoraks for men and colourful beaded collars for women — reflecting close historical and cultural ties.
King Frederik has previously spent extended time in Greenland, including a four-month expedition across the island’s ice sheet.
On Thursday, he will travel to Maniitsoq, about 140 km north of Nuuk, before concluding his trip on Friday with a visit to the Arctic Basic Training programme in Kangerlussuaq.
