**Emphasizing the Symbol of Greenland, the Polar Bear: “Clarification of Greenland as Danish Territory”**
On January 6th (local time), the Danish monarch unveiled a new royal emblem accentuating its autonomous territories, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. This sudden change is interpreted as a response to President-elect Donald Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland.
The Danish royal family announced on their website, “On December 20th of last year, a new royal emblem was established, with a corresponding new royal flag introduced.”
In the new emblem, a polar bear, representing Greenland, is prominently featured in place of the three crowns that used to dominate the space. A ram, symbolizing the Faroe Islands, is also given more emphasis.
“The standing polar bear became a symbol of Greenland in the 1960s,” the royal family explained, adding, “The ram symbolizes the Faroe Islands.”
The previous three crowns represented the Kalmar Union, a historical coalition of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The royal family stated that these crowns were removed as they no longer held relevance.
This change was made following the recommendations of a committee appointed after King Frederick X’s ascension in January of last year.
Since 1819, changes to the Danish royal emblem occurred in 1903, 1948, 1972, and now for the fourth time.
There is speculation that this change is not unrelated to President-elect Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland. On December 22nd, Trump asserted on Truth Social, “For national security and global freedom, it is absolutely necessary for the U.S. to own and control Greenland.”
Since his first term in 2019, Trump has consistently expressed interest in purchasing Greenland.
Currently, Greenland is a Danish territory. In 2009, it was granted autonomy but Denmark retains control over its defense and foreign policy. It is known to be rich in natural resources, including rare earth minerals.
Following Trump’s post, King Frederick X emphasized Denmark’s ownership of Greenland. In his first speech of the year, he stated, “We are all united and dedicated to the Kingdom of Denmark,” and “From the Danish minority in Schleswig beyond the kingdom, to Greenland, we belong together.”
Lars Hovbakke Sørensen, a Danish royal expert, interpreted this emblem change as reflecting Frederick X’s interest in the Arctic and as a message to the world.
He told local TV station TV2, “It’s important to clearly convey from the Danish side that Greenland and the Faroe Islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and this is not up for debate. This emblem is a way to express that.”