King Frederik's surprising marriage admission amid cheating rumours

King Frederik has opened up about his marriage to Queen Mary in a new book, praising the fact they have 'managed to stay together' over the years following rumours he cheated on her with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova.

The 55-year-old, who became King of Denmark on Sunday following his mother's abdication, spoke about his marriage in interviews for the new book The King's Word.

"I love marriage, my wife, our children and the whole happy base that arises for the people who manage to stay together and persevere," he told author Jens Anderson.

RELATED:

• King Frederik and Queen Margrethe coronation moment leaves fans in tears: 'Broke my heart'

• Royal fans divided over Frederik and Mary's 'awkward' coronation kiss: 'Forced'

• Danish royals break silence on claims Prince Frederik cheated on Princess Mary

Before his marriage to Mary, Frederik was known to be a playboy but admitted he hoped for the kind of relationship he has with Mary now.

"I remember how my mother, Queen Margrethe, said in her wedding speech in 2004 that I had found peace and joy with Mary," he said.

Frederik added that he felt a sense of dread about being the heir to the throne and as a young boy he craved a more normal life and "just wanted to be like all other boys of my age".

"I remember my 18th birthday as something similar to the end of the world. It was the feeling that now everything that was fun and exciting was coming to an end," he said. "Fortunately, it didn't."

Frederik met Mary during the 2000 Sydney Olympics and they went on to marry in Denmark in 2004. They now have four children together: Crown Prince Christian, 18, Princess Isabella, 16, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, 12.

What happened between Genoveva and Frederik?

Spanish publication Lecturas claimed last year that Frederik cheated on Mary with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova during a solo trip to Spain.

Frederik and Genoveva attended a Pablo Picasso exhibition together in Madrid, the publication also claims they went into her apartment building separately, both emerging two hours later before getting into the same car.

SHOP:

• The 'game changing' beauty brand supermodel Robyn Lawley swears by

• The popular body wash that gets rid of back pimples for good: 'Amazing'

• Koala's award-winning sofa beds are what every Aussie home needs

The pair left in the same car, with the then Crown Prince flying home to Denmark the following morning.

Genoveva released a statement at the time of the reports that reads: "I categorically deny the statements that suggest a romantic relationship between Prince Frederick and me.

Any statement of this type not only completely lacks the truth but also misrepresents the facts in a malicious manner.

"This is already in the hands of my lawyers, who will take care of the pertinent steps to protect my right to honour, truth and privacy."

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.