Denmark: Princess Isabella of Denmark has begun 11 months of military service, becoming the first female member of the Danish royal family to join the military.
The 19-year-old joined duty at the Antvorskov Barracks in Slagelse on August 3, marking a historic moment for the Danish monarchy, Nine.com.au reported.
The eldest daughter of King Frederick X and Queen Mary of Denmark, Princess Isabella joined the Guard Hussar Regiment just weeks after graduating from high school.
Wearing baggy jeans, a suede jacket, carrying a large military bag over her shoulder and a small purse in her hand, she looked like an ordinary person among ordinary people. She had driven herself to the military camp, leaving all the comforts and pomp of the royal family behind. She showed her ID to the security guards at the gate and waved to the few photographers there, before stepping into the Guard Hussar Regiment training center.
‘Isabella’ has officially joined the military training (11 months) under the country’s expanded military regulations. With this, she has the distinction of being the first woman (princess) of the Danish royal family to join the military service.
Princess Isabella follows in the footsteps of her older brother Crown Prince Christian, who completed his military service at the same barracks and is now training as a second lieutenant.
Members of the Danish royal family have traditionally served in the armed forces, but Isabella is the first royal woman to complete active military service under the country’s expanded program.
Unlike other recruits, Princess Isabella has refused to receive the salary or daily allowance that is usually given for military service. The Danish government provides a monthly salary and daily allowance to every soldier who joins the military training. But Princess Isabella has refused to receive this money. She has maintained simplicity by saying that she will take care of her own expenses during the 11-month training period with the help of her parents.