Denmark takes part in celebrating Latvia’s declaration as an independent state 100 years ago, and, as a part of this celebration, the Crown Prince Couple will visit Latvia by invitation of HE Latvia’s President Raimonds Vējonis. The royal participation in Latvia’s 100th anniversary celebration underscores the strong ties between Denmark and Latvia.

In addition to the official celebration, the visit in Latvia will focus on art, design and history, and, over two days, Their Royal Highnesses will take part in a number of arrangements in the capital, Riga. During the visit, the Crown Prince Couple will be accompanied by culture minister Mette Bock. 

PROGRAM

Thursday, 6 December

Official welcoming ceremony at Riga Castle
11.30
The Crown Prince Couple participate in an official welcoming ceremony on the Castle Square at Riga Castle and are received by the Latvian President and First Lady, Raimonds Vējonis and Iveta Vējone.

Official photographing and inscription in guest book
11.50
The Crown Prince Couple and the President and First Lady pose for photographing, after which the Crown Prince Couple sign the guest book.

Conversation with Latvia’s President and First Lady
11.55
The Crown Prince Couple participate in a conversation with the Latvian President and First Lady. 

Laying of flowers at Freedom Monument
12.40
The Crown Prince Couple take part in the placement of flowers at the Freedom Monument in Riga together with the Latvian President and First Lady and the Danish and Latvian culture ministers.

The Freedom Monument was unveiled on 18 November 1935 in honor of those who died in Latvia’s fight for independence (1918-1920). It was constructed with the help of donations from the Latvian people and was designed by sculptor Kārlis Zāle. The three stars at the top of the statue represent Latvia’s three historical regions, Kurzeme, Vidzeme and Latgale.

Book donation ceremony at the National Library of Latvia
13.00
The Crown Prince Couple participate in a book donation ceremony at the National Library of Latvia with the Latvian President and First Lady as well as the Danish and Latvian culture ministers. At the ceremony, Their Royal Highnesses hand over a book of particular importance to the National Library of Latvia in connection with Latvia’s 100 years of independence.

Official luncheon
13.40
The Crown Prince Couple take part in an official luncheon hosted by the speaker of the Latvian parliament, Ināra Mūrniece. In addition to the Crown Prince Couple, the Latvian President and First Lady and the Danish and Latvian culture ministers participate. 

The parliament building was built in the years 1863-1867, at that time to house the Livonian Order. In 1920, the constitutional convention became the owner of the building and later the parliament, which in Latvian is called Saeima.

Reception in Great Guild concert hall
17.15
The Crown Prince Couple take part in a reception at the Great Guild concert hall arranged by the Danish embassy in Latvia, DCCL and the Danish cultural institute. In addition to the Crown Prince Couple, the Danish culture minister takes part.

Concert by Concerto Copenhagen
18.00
The Crown Prince Couple attend a concert by Concerto Copenhagen in the Great Guild concert hall. The Latvian President and First Lady and the Danish culture minister also attend.

Concerto Copenhagen was established in 1991 and is based in Copenhagen.

Official dinner
19.45
The Crown Prince Couple participate in an official dinner at Riga Castle hosted by the Latvian President and First Lady. The Danish culture minister takes part. 

Friday, 7 December

Presentation of architectural drawings for “Tabakas fabrika”
09.00
The Crown Prince Couple preside over the presentation of architectural drawings for “Tabakas fabrika” at Art Museum Riga. The drawings are the culmination of an architectural competition that is Denmark’s special contribution to the 100th anniversary celebration. The winning proposal will be the basis for how the former Scandinavian tobacco factory in Riga will be converted into a new cultural center and incubator for the creative industry. In addition to the Crown Prince Couple, the Danish culture minister takes part.

Opening of conference on creative industries
09.30
The Crown Prince Couple take part in the opening of a conference on creative industries at Art Museum Riga. The conference is organized by the Danish cultural institute, the Danish embassy in Latvia, LIIA and the Latvian cultural ministry. The objective of the conference is to further develop Danish creative industries via cooperation with Latvian partners.

HRH The Crown Prince will give a speech in connection with the opening.

Visit at exhibition of Danish design and fashion with Danish companies
11.00
The Crown Prince visits an exhibition of Danish design and fashion and meets with Danish companies at Art Museum Riga. His Royal Highness is introduced to the companies and is shown around the exhibition.

Visit at the NGO Center Dardedze
11.10
HRH The Crown Princess visits the NGO Center Dardedze, which works for childhood without abuse. This is done by, among other things, helping children who have been victims of abuse and generating attention to the protection of children’s rights.

Visit at the exhibition “A Century of Latvia” at the National History Museum
13.45
The Crown Prince Couple visit the exhibition “A Century of Latvia” at the National History Museum. The exhibition illustrates Latvia’s 100 years of independence with biographies, portraits from the period, 1500 unique objects, photos, sound recordings, film and video. In addition to the Crown Prince Couple, the Danish culture minister takes part.