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King Frederik celebrates first birthday since changing into monarch

The Danish Royal Household has released a new portrait of King Frederik to mark the monarch’s 56th birthday. 

The father-of-four celebrates his first birthday since he ascended the throne with wife Queen Mary today.

Frederik opted to wear his military uniform for the new portrait, which was posted on Instagram this morning.

The royal’s black double-breasted jacket was adorned with his Air Force badge and his military citation bars.

In 1995, the Crown Prince began his service as a member of Denmark’s elite special operations forces, the Royal Frogmen Corps. He also completed training in both the army and air force in his younger years.

Pictured: The official birthday portrait of King Frederik, which was released by the Danish Royal Household this morning

Pictured: The official birthday portrait of King Frederik, which was released by the Danish Royal Household this morning

Posing against a dark grey background, Frederik also opted for a plain black tie and crisp white shirt. 

Later today, the royal is set to appear with Queen Mary and their children on the Amalienborg Palace balcony.

In the caption, the Royal Household informed royal fans of how Frederik and the family will mark his birthday today.

It read: ‘His Majesty the King has a birthday and is turning 56 today. 

‘The birthday is marked at 12.00 in Amalienborg, where the King and the Royal Family appear on the balcony of Frederik VIII’s Palace.

‘The audience is invited to take part in the festive celebration of the King at the Castle Square.’

What’s more, fans can also send their well wishes to the King via the Danish Royal Family’s website.

The post continued: ‘In addition, everyone has the opportunity to wish His Majesty a happy birthday on the Royal House’s social media as well as the website, where a digital congratulatory list has been created for the occasion.’ 

The King  ascended the Danish throne with his wife Queen Mary in January after his mother Queen Margrethe abdicated following a 52-year reign.

In the caption (pictured), the Royal Household informed royal fans of how Frederik and the family will mark his birthday today

In the caption (pictured), the Royal Household informed royal fans of how Frederik and the family will mark his birthday today

Pictured: King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark following the monarch's proclamation in January

Pictured: King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark following the monarch’s proclamation in January

The former monarch signed her historic abdication papers with her son and grandson Prince Christian, 18, present in Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.   

The Queen’s last words before leaving the Council of State were: ‘God save the King.’

Following this, the new King addressed the crowds that had gathered outside the royal palace from the balcony.

Earlier this month, King Frederik and Queen Mary celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary during a state visit to Norway.

Mary and Frederik donned matching padded navy and canary yellow gilets, with the Queen donning a black and white striped long-sleeve t-shirt and her husband wearing a plain white shirt. 

Australian-born Mary and Frederik’s 23-year romance was often dubbed a ‘real-life fairytale’ after they met in a Sydney pub. 

But pictures emerged of the monarch having an evening out with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova – the former daughter-in-law of the billionaire Duchess of Alba – in November last year.

The pair were seen walking through Madrid before heading to her apartment building, changing clothes and heading out again for the evening.

The publication of the photos resulted in Genoveva, 47, issuing a statement denying any kind of romantic relationship between herself and the royal and slamming the ‘malicious’ rumours.