Barracks instead of throne! This young royal has to do military service

From Miriam Arndts

Copenhagen (Denmark) - The Danish Crown Prince Christian (19) has started his four-month military service.

Like his father Frederik (56), Christian (19) is now starting his military service.
Like his father Frederik (56), Christian (19) is now starting his military service.  © Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix Foto/AP/dpa

According to Danish media reports, the eldest son of King Frederik X. (56) and Queen Mary (52) arrived at a barracks in Slagelse, Denmark, with a travel bag over his shoulder.

The heir to the throne will spend the next four months there.

In Denmark, it is a tradition for members of the royal family to serve in the military for a time.

Christian's father Frederik continued his military training for a while after his military service; Christian's grandmother, Queen Margrethe II (84), also served in the Danish military.

Crown Prince Christian only graduated from high school last summer

The 19-year-old will spend the next few months doing his military service at Kasere Slagelse.
The 19-year-old will spend the next few months doing his military service at Kasere Slagelse.  © Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix Foto/AP/dpa

Christian has been Crown Prince of Denmark since his father's accession to the throne at the beginning of the year. He graduated from high school in the summer and then set off on a longer stay in East Africa at the beginning of September, where he wanted to gain an insight into life on farms and local nature conservation.

It is not yet clear what he wants to do after completing his four-month military service.