Prince Christian: Off to military service – nobility obliged

Prince Christian von Denmark (19) started his four-month basic training at Garde-Husaren Regiment in Slagelse in February 2025 and is about to finish. From August, the Danish heir to the throne will continue his military career with a one -year course on the lieutenant, as the royal family announced. Military training follows the tradition of the Danish royal family, in which his father, King Frederik X., and other male family members were also military.

But Crown Prince Christian is not the only European young royal who does military service.

Preparation for the role as head of the armed forces

In many monarchies, such as in Spain, the constitution provides that the monarch or the monarch is also commander -in -chief of the armed forces. Throne successors such as Princess Leonor therefore complete military training in order to be able to fill out this role credibly and competently later.

Tradition and role model function

Military training is a long tradition in many royal houses. It serves to show continuity and connection with the country and its armed forces. King Felipe of Spain, King Charles III. Great Britain and many other Royals have already followed this path and pass on the role model function to the next generation.

Personal development and character formation

Military service is regarded as a school for discipline, responsibility and leadership. Young royals learn teamwork, perseverance and dealing with challenges – skills that they later need as head of state.

Equal treatment and credibility

Through military training, Royals show that they do not avoid difficult tasks and face the same challenges as other young people in the country. This strengthens their credibility and acceptance among the population.

Legal or political guidelines

In some countries there are considerations or even regulations that Royals (like all other citizens) also have to do military service. In Great Britain, for example, there is currently a discussion to introduce a mandatory national service for all 18-year-olds, from which the children of the Royal Family would not be excluded.

The military training of the European Royals differs significantly in scope, duration, practical relevance and objective. Here is an overview of the most important differences:

Crown Princess Leonor of Spain (19) completes a three -year -old ,. The aim is to prepare for the role as commander -in -chief of all partial forces. She strives for several military ranks: Lieutenant of the Infantry, Flag the Navy and Lieutenant of the Air Force.

Crown Princess Amalia of the Netherlands (21) does not do a full officer training, military service in the Netherlands has been officially exposed to since 1997. : She got an insight into the Air Force, Marine and Infantry, drove in the tank, flew in a fighter jet and visited a submarine. The training is practice -oriented, but shorter and less formalized than in Spain.

Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium (23) completed a degree in social and military sciences at the Royal Military Academy in 2020 to 2021. After a year she was sworn in as an officer (sub -lieutenant). This training attaches importance to tactical exercises, weapon handling and leadership skills.

And Princess Ingrid Alexandra von Norway (21) also becomes the military: a one -year military training is planned. She has already completed several trial days at army, navy and air force. The training has so far been less formalized, but there are plans for longer military preparation.