The Danish Royal House and Aarhus University: education and engagement

On 14 January 2024, HM Queen Margrethe abdicated and passed the throne to HRH King Frederik. To mark the occasion, we’ve curated a selection of videos and articles about the Queen and the new King's time as students at AU and their subsequent engagement in the university.

We’ve also made it easy for you to find AU’s experts on the Royal House and learn more about the succession of the throne in Denmark.

In 2013, Queen Margrethe and AU researchers participated in archaeological digs at Alken Enge outside Skanderborg. Photo: AU Foto

During her studies at Aarhus University, Queen Margrethe participated in several archaeological digs in Denmark and abroad.

Future political science students excitedly entering the Main Hall at Aarhus University – one of them is King Frederik. August 1989. Photo: Dan Jakobsen, Aarhus Stiftstidende.

Queen Margrethe enjoying student life at Residence Hall 9 in the University Park.

In 2008, King Frederik was the first to be named Aarhus University distinguished alumnus. Photo: AU Foto.

King Frederik attending the 2019 MatchPoints conference on leadership in the public sector. Photo: AU Foto.

King Frederik giving the opening speech at the inauguration of the Crown Prince Frederik Centre for Public Leadership in 2018. Photo: AU Foto.

In 2022, Queen Margrethe visited the University City, where she spoke with PhD students from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. Photo: AU Foto.

King Frederik and the Norwegian royal couple meeting AU students when they visited Aarhus in 2023. Photo: AU Foto.

In 2004, King Frederik and Queen Mary visited Department of Computer Science with Professor Kaj Grønbæk (now head of department) demonstrating new digital technologies. Interactive walls and floors, etc. Photo: Department of Computer Science.

Queen Margrethe was actually supposed to focus on political science classes – and get a taste of archaeology. But it ended up being the other way round.