Not too young to rule... Danish 18 year old crown prince steps up ahead of Queen Mary
Denmark's 18-year-old prince steps up as head of state instead of Queen Mary in King Frederik's absence Prince Christian, Denmark’s 18-year-old heir, stepped up as head of state instead of his mother, Queen Mary. The Crown Prince will take on his father’s role until the King arrives home with duties such as signing laws, public appearances and appointing or dismissing ministers. The King of Denmark is currently in Poland for a three-day visit to Warsaw and Szczecin for his first overseas visit as monarch. Christian, the King’s eldest son, will take the role ahead of the Queen as he is “deputy regency” and so the role falls to him first. If the Crown Prince was unable to perform royal duties, then the job would fall to Mary followed by Prince Joachim, the King’s brother, and finally Princess Benedikte, the King’s aunt. Unlike the UK, when a Danish monarch flies overseas, a regent must step in. However, in the UK, Counsellors of State often carry out royal functions if needed. Se