Denmark has changed its coat of arms

Less than a year after coming to the throne, King Frederick X updated the royal coat of arms, replacing the traditional three crowns symbolising the Kalmar Union (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) with images of a polar bear and a ram - the symbols of Greenland and the Faroe Islands. This change is perceived as a clear statement about preserving the territorial integrity of the kingdom.

The royal family emphasised that the changes were aimed at reinforcing the "importance of the Commonwealth", noting that the three crowns were no longer relevant. However, historians are divided in their opinions, with some calling it a "sensation" and others pointing to underlying political signals related to US claims to buy Greenland.

Historian Dick Harrison of Lund University reminded that the symbol of the trinity survived the wars with Sweden in the 17th century, the loss of Norway in 1814 and the German occupation during the Second World War. Therefore, the removal of this symbol seems unexpected even against the background of geopolitical changes.

Against this background, Trump's statements about US interest in Greenland have only increased tensions. The former president once again declared "the importance of Greenland joining the US" and even added his slogan "Make Greenland Great Again". His son, Donald Trump Jr. arrived on the island on a private visit, which caused discontent among local authorities.

Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Egede, strongly criticising Denmark, called the metropolis' policies "colonial shackles", demanding independence. Accusations of genocide in connection with the forced sterilisations scandal have only increased tensions between Greenland and Copenhagen. At the same time, the Faroe Islands continue to actively discuss the possibility of an independent course, which makes the king's position even more significant.

Historian Sebastian Olden-Jorgensen emphasised that the changes to the coat of arms emphasise the unity of the kingdom and show support for the policy of maintaining territorial integrity. In his opinion, the changes are not accidental - it is an attempt to show the world that any attempts to challenge the status of Greenland and the Faroe Islands will be met with a demonstration of the power of symbols.

The royal coat of arms has always reflected the identity of the nation, and the updated version has become a kind of symbol of the era. Expert Lars Hovbakke Sørensen said: "This is the royal family's way of showing the world that the ownership of these territories is not subject to revision.