Danish King Returns to Greenland Amid Trump's Territorial Ambitions
King Frederik X of Denmark has departed for Greenland on a three-day visit intended to show support for the autonomous Danish territory coveted by United States President Donald Trump.
Frederik was welcomed by the territory's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen. The 57-year-old monarch waved to supporters flying Greenland flags at Nuuk airport.
"It is an honour for me to return to Greenland and meet the people of Greenland," Frederik said, as reported by AFP news agency on Thursday (18 February 2026).
He affirmed his closeness to the people and welfare of Greenland. "They always have been. They always will be," he said.
Trump's threats to seize the mineral-rich Arctic island have heightened tensions between the United States and Denmark.
Frederik spent the day in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, to begin the visit. After holding talks with Nielsen, he visited a secondary school and a fishing company. He was also scheduled to attend a coffee gathering with local residents at a cultural centre.
On Thursday, he will travel to Maniitsoq, approximately 150 kilometres north of Nuuk. He will subsequently visit the Danish military's Arctic training centre in Kangerlussuaq, further to the north, on Friday.
Despite Denmark's past as a colonial power in the autonomous territory, the monarchy has long enjoyed considerable popularity in Greenland.
Frederik, who became king in 2024 following the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe, last visited the island in April 2025. He also visited in July 2024.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said she believes Trump still wishes to acquire Greenland, despite having withdrawn his threats to take it by force. Trump has insisted that mineral-rich Greenland is vital to US and NATO security against Russia and China.
Frederik was welcomed by the territory's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen. The 57-year-old monarch waved to supporters flying Greenland flags at Nuuk airport.
"It is an honour for me to return to Greenland and meet the people of Greenland," Frederik said, as reported by AFP news agency on Thursday (18 February 2026).
He affirmed his closeness to the people and welfare of Greenland. "They always have been. They always will be," he said.
Trump's threats to seize the mineral-rich Arctic island have heightened tensions between the United States and Denmark.
Frederik spent the day in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, to begin the visit. After holding talks with Nielsen, he visited a secondary school and a fishing company. He was also scheduled to attend a coffee gathering with local residents at a cultural centre.
On Thursday, he will travel to Maniitsoq, approximately 150 kilometres north of Nuuk. He will subsequently visit the Danish military's Arctic training centre in Kangerlussuaq, further to the north, on Friday.
Despite Denmark's past as a colonial power in the autonomous territory, the monarchy has long enjoyed considerable popularity in Greenland.
Frederik, who became king in 2024 following the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe, last visited the island in April 2025. He also visited in July 2024.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said she believes Trump still wishes to acquire Greenland, despite having withdrawn his threats to take it by force. Trump has insisted that mineral-rich Greenland is vital to US and NATO security against Russia and China.