The new King of Denmark is a big triathlon fan with an eye-catching IRONMAN time to his name

Today sees Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark proclaimed King of Denmark – and there’s a strong triathlon connection!

Danes were given a big surprise on New Year’s Eve when Queen Margrethe II announced her abdication.

The longest-serving living monarch in Europe said she would step down on 14 January – 52 years to the day since she became Queen.

Her 55-year-old son will take over and he’s renowned for his outdoor adventures, including a four-month ski expedition across Greenland.

A big fan if the sport

But less well known is the fact he raced the inaugural IRONMAN Copenhagen back in 2013, clocking an impressive time of 10:45:32.

It was rounded off with a sub-four hour marathon, meaning he will be the first King to have finished an IRONMAN triathlon.

He’s remained a big fan of the sport and the positive impact it can have on the local community – he was spotted spectating last year’s IRONMAN Copenhagen from Amalienborg Palace, which athletes pass on both the bike and run course.

Could Prince George emulate him?

But while he may be the first King to complete an IRONMAN, he’s not the only royal.

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, also known as Prince Nasser, who is a member of the Bahraini royal family, competed at the 2018 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, finishing 57th place in his age group.

And in the UK it was also reported that Prince George is a budding triathlete so who knows what could happen in the future!

There will be no formal crowning ceremony for Crown Prince Frederik, with his accession announced from Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.