Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A Danish princess has traded palace life for military barracks. Princess Isabella, the 19-year-old daughter of King Frederik X and Queen Mary, reported for duty this week to begin 11 months of military service. In a first for Denmark’s royal family, she will serve under the country’s new conscription system and has declined thousands of dollars in pay that other recruits receive.
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Dressed in a light brown suede jacket, white T-shirt, baggy jeans and practical shoes, Isabella arrived alone in a black SUV after driving herself to the military barracks. Carrying a large backpack and a smaller bag, she briefly greeted photographers before presenting her identification to security and walking through the gates to begin her 11-month training.
Only weeks after graduating from high school, Isabella reported for military duty following the Danish royal family’s summer break.
FIRST FEMALE ROYAL TO SERVE
Isabella’s enlistment marks a historic milestone for Denmark’s monarchy. While male royals have traditionally undergone military training, female members of the royal family had never been required to do so because conscription previously applied only to men.
That changed after Denmark expanded compulsory military service to women through a lottery-based system as part of broader defence reforms introduced amid growing security concerns across Europe, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The reforms also extended the basic period of military service from four months to 11 months. Around 1,600 young Danes reported for duty across the country this week under the revised system, with women making up a significantly larger share of recruits than in previous years.
PRINCESS DECLINES MILITARY PAY
Although Isabella will undergo the same training as every other recruit, one major difference sets her apart.
The Danish Royal House confirmed that the princess has voluntarily declined the salary and daily allowances normally paid to conscripts. Military recruits typically receive just over 9,000 Danish kroner each month, along with a tax-free daily allowance. Over the course of the 11-month programme, the combined payments amount to roughly 190,000 kroner, or about 40,000 US dollars.
Instead of accepting the government-funded compensation, Isabella’s expenses during military service will be covered by her parents through the Danish royal household’s annual budget.
Her older brother, Crown Prince Christian, made the same decision when he completed his military training at the Guard Hussar Regiment earlier this year.
The choice of regiment is also significant.
Crown Prince Christian trained at the same military base before completing his lieutenant training in June. He has since joined the Royal Life Guards, where he now serves as a platoon commander for newly enlisted recruits. Princess Isabella had previously visited the Slagelse barracks while her brother was undergoing training. That visit has now come full circle as she begins her own military service at the same location.
FROM CLASSROOM TO BARRACKS
Only weeks ago, Isabella was celebrating her graduation from Oregard Gymnasium alongside classmates. Like many Danish students, she took part in the country’s traditional graduation celebrations before preparing for military service.
Reports in Danish media claimed the princess had originally hoped to spend a gap year before beginning the next stage of her education. However, changes to Denmark’s conscription rules meant military service became her immediate priority.
Her parents, King Frederik X and Queen Mary, spent part of their summer holiday in Greece after the royal family’s annual stay at Grasten Palace. Isabella did not join them for the entire holiday, choosing instead to spend time with friends before reporting for military duty.
Royal status will offer little special treatment during the months ahead.
Like every other recruit, Isabella will follow a tightly structured daily schedule beginning with a 6 am wake-up call. Her routine will include morning inspections, physical drills, weapons training, classroom instruction and field exercises alongside fellow conscripts.
The Danish Royal House has stressed that the princess will serve under the same operational conditions as everyone else.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
