The Crown Prince couple have chosen to transfer their 16-year-old son, Prince Christian, out of the Herlufsholm School, after shocking allegations of bullying and sexual abuse at the academy were revealed.
While Prince Christian is not connected to the allegations, the Danish royal family say they have made the “difficult” decision to remove their son from the school, which is considered one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the country.
The decision comes after a TV documentary about Herlufsholm School revealed allegations of bullying and abuse by former pupils, leading to an investigation by the National Agency for Education and Quality.
“We are deeply shaken by the reports that have come out about Herlufsholm recently. We have also made it clear that, as parents of a child at the school, we expect that the school will do what it must do to rectify the unacceptable conditions,” said the Crown Prince couple in a statement.
“It has been a difficult process for us as a family, but, based on the overall picture and our special position as Crown Prince Couple, we have chosen that Prince Christian will stop at Herlufsholm and that Princess Isabella will not start in 9th class at the school after the summer holiday.”
The couple say they will make a decision with their children about their future choice of schools, adding: “with thoughts about the many students who will continue at Herlufsholm, it is our hope that the school now gets more peace to ensure the necessary changes and succeeds in creating a culture in which all thrive and feel safe.”
In an earlier statement, Crown Princess Mary and Prince Frederick said “bullying, violence and indiginites” were unnacceptable. “We must respond to the painful and devastating incidents by insisting on changes that ensure a safe environment for all,” they explained. “And then we must recognize the courage of those who have shared their violent experiences.”
