bullying and violence
“Heartbreaking”: Mary and Frederik comment on the scandal at their son’s school – and warn
Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark are shocked after what happened at their eldest child’s school, Prince Christian
© PPE / Imago Images
Prince Christian and future Princess Isabella of Denmark attend a renowned boarding school. But now a documentary revealed serious allegations – Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary are shaken.
Danish Crown Prince Frederik (53) and his wife Crown Princess Mary (50) have openly criticized serious allegations against their son Prince Christian’s (16) school.
In a statement the couple shared on Instagram, they said: “As parents of a child who goes to Herlufsholm, we are deeply shocked by the statements revealed in the latest documentary. It is heartbreaking of systematic bullying and a culture of abuse and violence. This is completely unacceptable. As parents, we expect the school to ensure a culture where everyone is safe and part of a community. We will monitor the coming period for changes that are clearly necessary. “
Such a statement by representatives of the royal family is very unusual. Experts consider this to be proof of how seriously the Danish royals take the allegations made in a television documentary. Crown Princess Mary’s foundation campaigns intensively against bullying, among other things.
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark: allegations of violence and abuse against her son’s school
Prince Christian is a high school student at the boarding school near Næstved, a good 70 kilometers southwest of Copenhagen. His sister Princess Isabella (15) also wants to go to school after the summer holidays.
In a documentary called “Herlufsholms hemmeligheder” (The Secrets of Herlufsholm), broadcaster TV2 describes cases of physical violence, bullying and sexual abuse at the school. The creators of the show spoke to 50 former students, and many of them recount upsetting experiences they had at the prestigious institution. Older students are said to have attacked the younger ones, especially at night, and regularly beat them up, among other things.
The school management announced that it would initiate an independent investigation. “Billed Bladet” quoted a press release from the school board chair: “I would like to apologize on behalf of the board. We owe a debt of gratitude to the two who appeared on the show, as well as to those who have had similar experiences, for their courage.” The problems and possible solutions were discussed in a meeting. As an immediate measure, the principal, Mikkel Kjellberg, was dismissed. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen demanded on Facebook on Friday that the school must take responsibility and stop the underlying culture.