| Staying Grounded in Uncertain Times | Reflections on King Frederik X's New Year’s Address
Let me invite you to share one of the Danish traditions I have happily embraced: The New Year's address by the king.
On New Year's Eve, together with over 2 million Danes, our little family of three turned on the TV a few minutes before 6 pm to hear King Frederik X deliver his thoughts about national themes and the state of the world.
In my opinion, it was a very inspiring and insightful speech, conveying the gravity of the planet's situation, but at the same time naming the strengths we have to deal with it.
Here is my selection of quotes from the speech and my own thoughts about them:
"Livets vekslen er livets lod."
In English: "The change of life is the fate of life."
Used both at the beginning and the end of his speech, I feel a lot is lost in translation in this little phrase. I like to think of it as the ornate lock on the fine chest containing his speech.
And what does it mean? Basically, the oscillation between joys and misfortunes is the very fabric of life.
A little extra insight: the word "lod" has several meanings in Danish. It can mean destiny, but it is also used to refer to a lottery ticket (lodseddel). I think that adds a bit of depth to the translation, conveying the beauty of the expression in a better way.
"The number of wars is high. One of them is raging close to us. […]
For the Finns, the threat from the east has never lost its momentum. They live with it, but do not succumb to it."
This is one of the places where King Frederik is direct and serious about the current circumstances.
The gravity of his tone prompted some media to write headlines about the king preparing Denmark for the possibility of war. But then again, he also makes space to showcase the other side of the coin: resilience.
He brings up Finland as "an example of a country that manages to bear in mind the worst-case scenario without putting life on hold," and I truly appreciate his observation. It tells of a person who can bring balance to a complicated situation, instead of just lingering on the negative bias mainstream media is so keen to exploit.
Just a side comment here: by 2025, Finland has—for the eighth year in a row—been named the happiest country in the world. Followed closely by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands; all of them with strong welfare systems, low corruption, and access to nature.
Mentioning this just to support what King Frederik said about the Finns… they live with the menace, but do not succumb to it.
"To turn off the news flow may seem one way out – many have probably wanted to – but it is a fleeting comfort. Reality exists, whether or not we pay attention to it.
The skill lies in staying informed without allowing fear to dominate our lives. In being watchful without dancing to the tune of the wrong people. In preventing mischief makers from succeeding."
I feel this is my favorite part of King Frederik's address: his very clear call to stay grounded, with all it entails, and not let fear run the show.
When I look back at the conflicts I have had with my family and my culture of origin, this is definitely one of the reasons behind them: I refuse to let fear be my way of relating to the world.
I totally agree that awareness is key, but the choices we make after becoming aware of the gravity of a situation are what define the tone of our existence.
"Our greatest strength is to stand united – in the Kingdom of Denmark, in Europe, and in NATO.
Our task is to endeavour to find room in our hearts to be charitable – also when we find it difficult."
My second-favorite section of the king's speech. A call to unity and tolerance.
History has shown time and again that unity is the great resolver (is that even a word?? Just a second, checking with Google… yes, it is 😁).
Here is my biggest dream: that in the future we are all Earth citizens, holding the same black passport featuring on the cover our beautiful blue gem floating in the darkness of space… too naive and Pollyanna? Maybe. But also necessary. These wild dreams are fuel that can power us through the times we live in.
Because, in my opinion, the only way out is through. And the way through is riding the chaos of division mounted on tolerance, also when we find it difficult to stay on the horse.
Listening to King Frederik X New Year's address reminded me that history, culture, and leadership are not just things we observe from a distance — they are mirrors we can use to reflect on how we choose to stand in the world.
Insight, after all, doesn't only come from travel or grand moments; it can also be an everyday happening when we pause, listen, and ask ourselves what kind of presence we want to cultivate in the times we live in.
If this reflection resonated with you, you might enjoy exploring the world — and your inner landscape — through my Insightseeings™. You'll find more reflections, self-guided audio walks, and mindful ways of engaging with the place you are and your circumstances here on the site.
- ...the Danish monarch's New Year's address has been televised since 1958?
- ...as a crown prince, Frederik had a bad reputation as a speaker? However, he grabbed the bull by the horns in an honest and vulnerable way at the beginning of his very first address at the end of 2024:
"I am aware that there may still be some who are a bit nervous on my behalf. For can the New Year Address be given by others than Queen Margrethe?"
In a nutshell..
Why do Danes watch the King's New Year's Address?
Danes watch the King's New Year's Address as a shared national moment of reflection. The speech addresses current challenges, values, and unity, offering perspective rather than politics. More than a third of the Danish population tune in to watch it every New Year's Eve.
What was the main message of King Frederik X's New Year's Address ?
The 2025 edition of King Frederik X New Year's address emphasized resilience, unity, and staying grounded in uncertain times, encouraging awareness without fear and responsibility without division.