Princess Isabella of Denmark Sparks Online Debate with Modern 18th Birthday Portrait

Princess Isabella of Denmark, daughter of Queen Mary and King Frederik X, has stirred strong reactions online after the release of her official 18th birthday portrait, which blends traditional royal symbolism with contemporary Gen-Z aesthetics.

The portrait features the young royal in a vibrant orange dress, adorned with a delicate gold tiara. However, what drew the most attention was her holding an iPhone with a stylish case — a detail that many felt broke with longstanding royal portrait conventions.

Danish princess Isabella's official portrait shows her giving a candid pose while holding the smartphone in a trendy case

The photograph, taken by royal photographer Steen Evald, was shared to mark Princess Isabella’s milestone birthday and was uploaded to the Danish royal family’s official website and social media channels. Evald, who has served as the family's official photographer for over 20 years, captured both formal and informal shots of the princess for the occasion.

In the widely discussed image, the princess flashes a bright, relaxed smile while clutching her phone in what many have described as a candid, relatable pose. This unusual inclusion of a smartphone in an official royal portrait sparked a divided reaction from the public.

The photograph was taken to celebrate her 18th birthday

Some viewers questioned the decision, with one person calling the portrait "bizarre" and raising concerns over its message, asking whether it celebrated modern connectivity or reflected an overdependence on technology. Others applauded the bold, youthful statement, calling Princess Isabella “the ultimate modern royal” and praising her ability to bridge old-world tradition with present-day authenticity.

Alongside the portrait, Princess Isabella shared a message of gratitude to those who marked her birthday. She wrote: “Thank you so much to everyone who helped me celebrate my 18th birthday. It has been really nice that so many people have spent their time, thought, and effort to make my day so special. This means a lot to me.”

The Princess’s photo was captured in the Knight’s Hall of Frederik VIII’s Palace in Amalienborg

The portrait continues to trend online, with many debating the evolving role of young royals in a digital age and what it means for tradition, protocol, and public perception.

Princess Isabella was born on April 21, 2007, and resides with her family at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen. She is the second child of King Frederik X and Queen Mary, and part of a royal family considered one of the oldest monarchies in the world.

The princess donned a bright smile while wearing a bright orange dress and an elegant gold tiara

Earlier this year, on January 14, 2024, Queen Margrethe II abdicated the throne after more than 50 years of reign, passing the crown to her son, King Frederik. Queen Margrethe II had become Europe’s longest-serving monarch and the world’s longest-serving female head of state following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

The royal couple, Frederik and Mary, have four children: Prince Christian (born October 15, 2005), Princess Isabella, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine (born January 8, 2011). Prince Christian currently attends Herlufsholm Boarding School in Næstved.

Danish King Frederik X is joined by Queen Mary and his family on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace following a declaration of his accession to the throne

Queen Margrethe II is a descendant of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and King Christian IX of Denmark, making her a third cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. She also shares lineage with Prince Philip, who was born a Prince of Greece and Denmark and similarly descended from both Queen Victoria and King Christian IX.