The question is no longer purely theoretical: could the United
States attempt to take control of Greenland? President Donald Trump
has repeatedly raised the possibility, citing the island’s
strategic location in the Arctic and its wealth of minerals
essential for high-tech industries. Recent public statements,
including a provocative tweet from the wife of a Trump aide showing
Greenland in American colors alongside the word “SOON,” have thrust
this “what-if” scenario into real-world urgency, prompting alarm in
Copenhagen and Nuuk alike.
Denmark Draws a Clear Red Line
Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has addressed the
U.S. “very directly,” saying there is no justification for any
threats toward Greenland. “The United States has no right to annex
any of the three nations in the Danish kingdom,” she said.
Greenland, she emphasized, is covered under NATO’s security
guarantees, and Denmark already maintains a defense agreement
giving the U.S. access while retaining Danish control.
“The people of Greenland have very clearly said they are not for
sale,” Frederiksen added, underscoring that any American attempt to
seize the island would violate both international law and centuries
of Danish sovereignty.
King Frederik: A Royal Symbol of Resistance
While King Frederik does not wield direct political or military
power, in such a crisis the monarch would become the symbolic face
of Denmark’s resolve. Imagine him addressing the nation from
Amalienborg Palace, calm but firm, reassuring both Greenlanders and
Danes that the crown stands united behind them. A royal visit to
Greenland itself – however logistically complex – would send an
unmistakable message: the monarchy is personally invested in the
island’s safety and sovereignty.
King Frederik paid special visits to the country in 2025
and shared
his support for Greenland amidst the ongoing geopolitical
events. In
a sharp statement on Danish television in March, the King
said “We live in an altered reality.”
Monarchs wield a unique form of soft power. Even without
commanding troops, King Frederik’s words and presence could shape
global perception, rally domestic support, and pressure allies to
defend Denmark’s position. In short, his role would be diplomatic,
moral, and symbolic—but no less critical.
Greenland: Strategic, Sovereign, and
Determined
Home to just 57,000 people, Greenland has extensive
self-government but relies on Denmark for foreign policy and
defense. While some Greenlanders favor eventual independence,
opinion polls show overwhelming opposition to becoming part of the
United States. Any U.S. move to annex the island would clash not
only with Danish sovereignty but also with Greenlandic
self-determination.
The island’s value goes beyond geopolitics: it sits at the
gateway to the Arctic, possesses rare earth minerals crucial to
modern technology, and offers strategic positioning for military
and scientific operations. This makes Greenland a potential prize,
but also a flashpoint for an international crisis.
A Royal Reminder of Denmark’s Sovereignty
If the United States were to test these boundaries, King
Frederik would serve as the embodiment of Denmark’s sovereignty and
the protector of Greenland’s people. The monarchy would act as both
a symbol of continuity and a diplomatic lever, ensuring that any
aggression is met with global scrutiny and unambiguous
opposition.
In today’s world, where tweets can spark international tension,
the question of Greenland’s future is urgent – and King Frederik
would be at the center of this unfolding story, standing for his
kingdom, the Arctic, and centuries of royal guardianship.
