Prince Henrik, husband of Denmark’s Queen Margrethe, dies

STOCKHOLM: Prince Henrik, the French-born husband of Denmark’s Queen Margrethe, has died at age 83, ending a half-century struggle to win the hearts of Danes that only succeeded in his later years. The royal family declared a month of mourning, as flags were lowered to half-mast nationwide Wednesday. Danish daily Politiken headlined “Au Revoir, Henrik”. Diagnosed with dementia in September 2017 and hospitalised in Copenhagen since January 28 for a lung infection, Henrik passed away late Tuesday. A private funeral will be held on February 20 at the Christiansborg Palace chapel in the capital, the palace said. In line with his wishes, he will be cremated. Half of his ashes will be spread in Danish waters and half buried on the grounds of Fredensborg Castle north of Copenhagen.