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2 weeks ago
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Queen Mary is navigating yet another significant change after a difficult year finding her feet as head-of-state.
The cause of her heartache? Her eldest son and the heir to the Danish throne, Prince Christian.
The 18-year-old is moving out of the family home and heading to East Africa where he will live until December to experience farm work and ' deeper learning'.
The doting mother-of-four admitted it'll be very difficult not having their son around for the next few months.
'We are going to miss him unimaginably... very, very much,' she said while attending a ceremony in Copenhagen on Wednesday.
She added that both she and King Frederik are excited for him, however, and 'look forward' to hearing about his travels upon his return.
The Danish Palace revealed the youngster will be working in farms on his visit while trying out various roles and getting to get to know the community.
He will also learn about the natural landscape in Africa and how locals maintain the balance between work, life and conservation.
Queen Mary is navigating yet another significant change after a difficult year finding her feet as head-of-state
Prince Christian is moving out of the family home and heading to East Africa where he will live until December to experience farm work and ' deeper learning'
Prince Christian follows in his father's footsteps, and those of his Grandmother Queen Margrethe.
It is tradition for Danish royals in line for the throne to spend a significant time abroad in their youth so they can grow to appreciate the world, a palace spokesperson explained.
King Frederik went to Mongolia in 1986 where he worked with the nomads, and in 1989 he took a second trip to California where he worked in a vineyard.
Queen Margrethe went on extended trips to Africa and South America in the 1960s.
The King and Queen have requested the Prince's exact location and duties remain private over the course of the year.
The big step will follow his most recent solo travel duty where he headed to Paris to meet Danish athletes at the Paralympic games
Common farming and conservation challenges people in East Africa experience include keeping crops and water supplies safe from elephants.
Keeping livestock safe from hungry Apex predators is also a concern.
The future king of Denmark's latest challenge comes after he completed high school in July.
The big step will follow his most recent solo travel duty where he headed to Paris to meet Danish athletes at the Paralympic games.
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