The Danish king has surprised some historians by updating the royal coat of arms to place greater emphasis on Greenland and the Faroe Islands, a move seen by many as a subtle rebuke to US-elected President Donald Trump.

Less than a year after ascending to the throne following the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe, on New Year’s Eve 2023, King Frederik made a bold statement about Denmark’s commitment to retaining Greenland and the Faroe Islands as part of the kingdom.

For the past 500 years, the Danish royal coat of arms has featured three crowns, representing the Kalmar Union between Denmark, Sweden, and Norway from 1397 to 1523. These crowns also serve as a significant symbol for Sweden. However, in the updated version, the crowns have been removed and replaced with more prominent depictions of a polar bear (symbolizing Greenland) and a ram (symbolizing the Faroe Islands).

Political relevance

This change comes amid rising tensions regarding Greenland, which remains under Danish control, particularly over foreign and security policy. Last month, US President Donald Trump reiterated his desire for the US to purchase Greenland, a notion met with resistance from both Greenland’s leadership and Denmark. Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede has accused Denmark of historical genocide, referencing the forced contraceptive scandal of the 1960s and 1970s. In his own New Year’s address, Egede pushed for full independence and called for the removal of “the shackles of the colonial era.”

Donald Trump Jr. was also reported to be visiting Greenland this week to record content for a podcast, though he was not scheduled to meet with local officials. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump Sr. confirmed his son's trip and emphasized, “Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation. We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside World. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!”

The Danish royal household explained that the updated coat of arms, which is used on official documents and seals, reflects a stronger representation of the unity of the Danish commonwealth. The decision to remove the three crowns was based on their diminishing relevance. A royal committee, formed shortly after King Frederik's accession on January 14, 2024, recommended the change.

In his first New Year’s speech, King Frederik remarked, “We are all united and each of us committed for the kingdom of Denmark. From the Danish minority in South Schleswig – which is even situated outside the kingdom – and all the way to Greenland. We belong together.”

Greenland's strategic importance

Since 1827, the US has repeatedly considered or attempted to purchase Greenland, the largest island in the world that is not a continent.

While geographically part of North America, Greenland maintains strong geopolitical connections to Europe and has received funding from the European Union, as it is classified as an overseas territory linked to the bloc through Denmark.

Greenland is rich in natural resources such as gold, silver, copper, and uranium, and there is believed to be substantial potential for oil in the waters surrounding the island. The territory also has access to the Arctic, a region where nations are competing for resources.

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