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Prince Christian of Denmark Celebrates His 18th Birthday With A Glittering Gala Dinner in Copenhagen #royalcorrespondent #royal #royalfamily The Court Jeweller: Prince Christian of Denmark's Speech: Your Majesties, Your Royal Highnesses, minister, dear family, dear everyone - not least you, who have come two by two from all corners of the kingdom. It is great for me to stand here today. Thank you, Grandma, for the kind words and the beautiful celebration. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for supporting me and being there for me all the way. And thank you to all the young people who are here today. It feels really good to be surrounded by so many peers. We are not the same, but we stand in the same place in life. We have something in common. And tonight is new for all of us. That makes it a little easier. And I need that right now. Last summer I had to start 2nd grade at a new high school. I was nervous. Really nervous. Everyone in my new class had known each other for a year. I was the new him. So there I was, with a high pulse and a dry mouth, on the threshold of something new. I got over myself, got to say “hello“ and introduce myself to my new classmates. They welcomed me and one step at a time I got to know the tone, the routines and the other students. Today it is hard to understand what I was so nervous about. It happens often; we fear something that lies before us, and as soon as we are past it, it seems completely harmless. I remind myself of that when I get nervous. I reminded myself of that before I had to stand here today. Because it is great to stand here with the country's highest order and a special responsibility resting on my shoulders. Fortunately, I don't have to carry it alone, nor from one day to the next. I am excited, but also comfortable and proud to be part of my family, and I take pride in having to serve my country. So even though I shake my hands a little today, I have my heart in the meeting with the future. Many of us young people experience that there are high expectations of us. Both from ourselves and from others. To a large extent, expectations become a pressure. Too many people don't feel they can live life the way they want to. But in reality we can only be who we are. You may not be the funniest or the smartest in the class, but then you are something else. We don't have to be the most or the best to deserve a place. And I say that, even though there are a few handfuls here tonight who are at the very top when it comes to culture and sport. You are a huge inspiration - and I myself love both watching and playing sport - but I would never get on the field if I demanded of myself that I should be at your level. Think how much we miss out on if we don't dare to try new things. We don't have to be a talent to join in or have fun. We like to practice and go for the win, but we are more than our defeats and victories. No matter what course they take place on. Of course I want to be the best heir to the throne imaginable, but I'm definitely going to step aside. There might not be holes in my socks on my first official visit … dad … but then it will be something else. I can't deliver perfection, because what is perfection anyway, but I can promise dedication. I will give everything I have and learn everything I can. Dear Mom and Dad, You have always looked after me and Isabella, Vincent and Josephine. Everyone in our family knows that we can turn to each other and find strength right there. If one person is low on energy, there is always someone else in the family who has surplus. We count on each other because we have always been able to count on you. Like when I had to give a speech to my godson at Berleburg a few months ago. Without a word, you got me up at the right time despite my nerves. You have always both guided and given freedom. You have always given me the opportunity to take one step at a time. Today is one of those steps. There are many more to come. Because we come of age in one day, but we become adults along the way. I would like to thank everyone who helped celebrate me. Both you who are here and all of you who have sent greetings and gifts. I will never forget today. But maybe I will remember it as less challenging already tomorrow. I have to find my way, even if it leads to a familiar place. I have roots in many places in the world and I enjoy traveling. But home will always be here. Because I love my country. I suggest that we rise together and raise a toast to the Kingdom of Denmark.
