Denmark’s king makes second Greenland visit in a year to reaffirm unity amid Trump threats

Denmark’s King Frederik X arrived in Nuuk on Wednesday for his second visit to Greenland within a year, in a move seen as reaffirming unity between Denmark and the autonomous territory amid renewed US interest in the Arctic island.

The visit comes after Greenland, Denmark and the United States launched diplomatic talks late last month aimed at easing tensions sparked by US President Donald Trump’s repeated comments about acquiring Greenland.

The issue has strained relations within the Nato alliance in recent months.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Friday that she and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen held a constructive meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but cautioned that Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland remained unchanged.

Upon arrival in Nuuk, the king wore a black customised puffer jacket bearing the Danish and Greenlandic flags on the left side of his chest. He was greeted on the tarmac by Nielsen and Kim Kielsen, head of the Inatsisartut, Greenland’s parliament.

King Frederik will later on Wednesday visit a school and the headquarters of Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command in Nuuk, as well as Royal Greenland, the island’s largest company and seafood producer.

The Danish royal family traditionally makes annual visits to Greenland, often appearing in the island’s national dress, which includes a white anorak for men and an elaborate beaded collar in bright colours for women, as well as sealskin boots.

King Frederik has spent extended periods of time in Greenland, including a four-month expedition on the island’s ice sheet.

On Thursday, the king will visit Maniitsoq on the west coast, around 140 km (87 miles) north of Nuuk. On Friday he will visit the Arctic Basic Training programme in the western town of Kangerlussuaq.

With inputs from agencies