I’m not really a fan of royalty. I can understand though why people fawn over them and why many literally dream to be in their shoes or at least be associated somehow. We all grew up with fairy tales and unicorn fantasies. Blame the Grimm Brothers. We all wanted to be a princess at some point. Scratch that, I thought I was a princess at some point, haha!
But now that I’m older, I am wiser? Well, I see royalty simply as individuals with extra special benefits locked up in a golden cage with diamond and pearl trimmings. Benefits because they get enormous allowances, get to live extravagantly and don’t have to pay taxes.
Now, for royalty to be exempted from the power of government levy is pretty much medieval to me. I do wonder though how long royalty can hold fort with not paying taxes? Monarchy in the 21st century does not have power anymore; they have become symbols, a preserved culture and the Public Relations department of their own country.
And when you are royalty these days, you have nowhere to go really. You cannot just speak your mind out and you cannot do anything you want. Protocols. You live in a glass house and walk on eggshells. And there are a lot of people who want a part of you (read: the media and those psychotic stalkers). Not many people can handle this. I know, I wouldn’t want to be locked up in a golden cage for everyone to venerate and analyse (and poke at as well). Unless if I will be an unknown royalty who rarely gets attention, then I will gladly take the lifestyle =)
Nevertheless, royalty is still serious business here in Europe. Super serious business.
In fact I am quite curious about the old monarchies—historically and culturally speaking, as to how they led their kingdoms before and lived their prodigal wayward lives. In Rosenborg Castle’s Treasury they have the ‘Royal Danish Crown Regalia’, the ultimate symbol of Danish monarchy on exhibit. Now, that is an interesting piece of history and culture, and jewellery as well that I’d like to take a closer look at.
Royal crown, the jewels and more:
The crown of King Christian IV, circa 1595.
The crown of Christian V, circa 1665.
Necklaces; Brooches; Sword of State; Sceptre; and the Globus Cruciger
Some more of the Danish Royal’s historical collection:
The entrance and the Royal Danish Life Guards (or Army?):
The Treasury is guarded by Danish Royal Life Guards armed with machine guns with bayonets. The entrance here is separate from the castle, as well as the fee. You will have to buy an extra ticket to see the Royal Crown Jewels. I had the cOPENhagen card so I didn’t have to pay anything. But like the rest, I however have to queue up at the entrance of the castle for my cOPENhagen card to be validated.
They also ask an extra fee of 20DKK if you wish to take pictures. I find this ridiculous so I did not pay. And of course I took pictures. See, I can never ever be royalty! I don’t follow rules. I actually hate rules and those silly protocols. Not fit for a princess or queen.
Travel Period: April 2012
Destination: Copenhagen, Denmark