NUUK, Greenland — King Frederik X of Denmark began his visit to Greenland on Tuesday, amid renewed attention on the territory’s strategic importance in the Arctic. This trip follows a visit by Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen to Copenhagen, signaling a deepening of relations between Greenland and Denmark.
As the king arrived in Nuuk, he was met with warm applause and donned a jacket adorned with the flags of both Denmark and Greenland. In a brief exchange with reporters, he expressed his satisfaction with the visit, stating that there was no specific mission guiding his trip. Nielsen, meanwhile, reaffirmed the enduring connection between the Danish monarchy and Greenland, emphasizing the king’s popularity among its residents.
Originally slated for Monday, the king’s arrival was postponed due to adverse weather conditions, a reminder of the often inhospitable Arctic climate. During this week, Frederik is scheduled to engage with the new Greenlandic government and partake in a traditional “kaffemik,” a coffee break intended to foster community interaction with locals.
The visit was marred by further weather-related adjustments, leading to the cancellation of a highly anticipated trip to Station Nord, the northernmost military and scientific outpost on the island. Plans for Frederik to meet with a Danish special forces dogsled unit, which patrols isolated regions of northeast Greenland, were also scrapped.
This visit marks Frederik’s return to Greenland just months after he ascended the Danish throne following his mother’s abdication. His presence in the territory comes at a time of heightened geopolitical interest, particularly from the United States. Recently, U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited a remote military base in Greenland, critiquing Denmark for what he described as inadequate investment in the region.
Former President Donald Trump notably expressed a desire to annex Greenland during his tenure, citing its mineral wealth and strategic value for U.S. security. This ambition raised eyebrows globally, especially considering Denmark’s status as a NATO ally. Despite Trump’s previous remarks suggesting a potentially aggressive stance, the situation remains complex, with diplomatic relations between Denmark and the U.S. continuing to evolve.
The king’s visit highlights not only the kinship between Denmark and Greenland but also the broader implications of Arctic geopolitics, as nations compete for resources and influence in this remote part of the world. As the week unfolds, the discussions between the king and Greenlandic officials may shape the trajectory of their relationship in the face of growing international scrutiny.