Denmark's Future King, Crown Prince Christian, Is Heading to Africa After Graduating High School

The heir to Denmark's throne is following in the footsteps of his father and grandmother

Crown Prince Christian of Denmark is heading out of the country after graduating from high school.

The Royal House of Denmark announced on Aug. 30 that the future king, 18, will travel to East Africa for an "extended stay" starting on Sept. 4 until December.

There, Prince Christian "will be involved in the daily operation of two farms, which will, among other things, include practical and administrative tasks and also give the crown prince insight into local nature protection."

The Royal House explained that Crown Prince Christian is following a "long tradition that the successors to the throne go on extended stays abroad during their youth and have the opportunity to develop and experience the world." King Frederik, Christian's father who acceded the throne earlier this year, traveled to Mongolia in 1986 and also worked at a California vineyard in 1989. Similarly, Queen Margrethe, Christian's grandmother who abdicated earlier this year, traveled to East and South America in the 1960s.

Related: Cinderella Found! Student Shares Why She Intentionally Left Her Shoe at Prince Christian's Birthday Gala

Prince Christian's travel plans were revealed two months after he celebrated his secondary education graduation at Denmark's Ordrup Gymnasium. At the time, it was unclear if the royal would go on to university or undergo military training.

Gap years after completing secondary education are a popular choice for young royals. After Prince William finished his studies at Eton and before he began at the University of St. Andrews, he spent time out of the classroom volunteering on environmental projects in Chile and visiting countries in Africa.

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Related: Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon Two Sicilies Responds to Prince Christian Relationship Rumors

Aside from his graduation, it's been a big year for King Frederik and Queen Mary's eldest child. In October 2023, his 18th birthday was marked with a gala dinner (complete with tiaras!) attended by royals from around the world. In a portrait taken during the festivities, Prince Christian posed with four future queens of Europe — Princess Estelle of Sweden, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium — previewing the next generation of monarchs.

In his first public speech at the birthday gala, Prince Christian said, "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."

Around the time of his birthday, Queen Margrethe also awarded her grandson with the Order of the Elephant, Denmark's highest honor of chivalry.

In January, Queen Margrethe officially abdicated the throne after 52 years of reigning. The move made her eldest son, Frederik, the new king and Christian the new heir to the throne, taking on the title of crown prince.

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