Princess Josephine, the youngest daughter of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, will begin 8th grade at a boarding school far from royal life in Copenhagen, marking a unique step in her education and a modern move for the Danish royal family.
A Royal Shift in Scenery
At just 14 years old, Princess Josephine is embarking on a new chapter in her life, one that includes moving over 170 miles away from Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen to attend Spir Efterskole, a boarding school situated in rural East Jutland near the town of Juelsminde. This decision marks the first time one of the four children of Denmark’s royal couple has enrolled in a traditional Danish “efterskole,” a unique type of residential secondary school popular in Denmark.
The choice of Spir Efterskole is notable. Founded by Nicolai Moltke-Leth—a sociologist, former special forces soldier, and close personal friend of King Frederik—Spir focuses on personal development, leadership, collaboration, and community. The school, which recently changed its name, is one of just 85 boarding schools in Denmark offering 8th-grade instruction, according to the Danish Efterskole Association.
Personal Choice and Modern Traditions
While the Royal House has not provided detailed commentary on the reasons behind the change, an official statement said that Princess Josephine’s decision to attend Spir was made based on her own wishes. Though her twin brother, Prince Vincent, remains at their current day school, this is not her first school switch. After starting at the public Tranegård School in Hellerup—also attended by her older siblings—she moved to the nearby private Kildegård School for 6th grade.
Royal expert Thomas Larsen suggests that the decision reflects a broader desire of the Danish monarchy to illustrate greater integration with society. He also points out that while Crown Prince Christian may be subject to higher expectations due to being first in line to the throne, his younger siblings are afforded more freedom in shaping their own paths.
Involvement Beyond the Classroom
Spir Efterskole requires students to participate in a “challenge subject,” often involving performing arts, team-building, or leadership development. Princess Josephine appears well-suited to this aspect, having already tried her hand at acting. In 2023, she made her stage debut in a Copenhagen production of Peter Pan, performing under the name Josephine Sophia Ivalo. Additionally, she had a small role in Denmark’s Christmas TV series “Tidsrejsen 2” which aired in December.
These experiences hint that she may be inclined toward creative electives at her new school, aligning with Spir’s values of holistic development and teamwork.
A Broader Royal Context
Modernizing the monarchy by integrating the royal children into ordinary aspects of Danish life has been a trend increasingly visible over the years. Crown Prince Christian was the first heir in Danish history to attend a regular public school, beginning in 2011. Princess Josephine’s transition to boarding school continues this tradition of openness and relatability.
However, navigating educational choices hasn’t always been smooth for the royal family. In 2021, Prince Christian briefly attended Herlufsholm, an elite boarding school, but withdrew after less than a year following revelations of bullying and violence aired in a national documentary. He later completed high school at Ordrup Gymnasium in Gentofte, graduating in 2024.
This turbulent history contrasts with the seemingly thoughtful and personal choice Josephine has made in moving to Spir, a school known for its supportive environment and emphasis on leadership development.
Growing Up as Number Four
Princess Josephine is currently fourth in line to the Danish throne, following her father Crown Prince Frederik and her older siblings Christian and Isabella. That position grants her both opportunities and fewer constraints. Where Prince Christian is expected to undergo military training and prepare for future leadership duties, Josephine’s educational and personal development is viewed as more flexible, allowing her to explore different interests and environments.
Her move to Spir Efterskole represents a significant step in that journey—a blend of traditional royal responsibility and contemporary Danish values emphasizing independence, self-discovery, and community. As the school year begins, Princess Josephine will join hundreds of other Danish teenagers in the shared experience of boarding school life, bridging her royal heritage with ordinary adolescence.
