Insiders reveal the money scandal that could break the Danish royals – and why a photo of Mary and Frederik’s family was the tip of the iceberg

Imagine getting an eye-watering pay rise to do the exact same job you already have – sounds like a dream come true, right?

That’s precisely what King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark are in line for, with the royal couple slated to receive a whopping multimillion-dollar raise next year.

According to the Danish government’s latest proposed budget bill, the royal family is set to receive an extra 4.9 million kroner, the equivalent of AU$7million, in 2026. 

This will see King Frederik’s pay go from 129.7 million kroner in 2025 to 134.6 million kroner in 2026. 

He shares this salary with Mary, which they use to cover staff costs and private expenses. Another bonus? It’s tax-free.

It’s certainly not a bad deal given that they aren’t being saddled with any extra roles or responsibilities beyond what they are already doing. And it doesn’t stop there.

In addition to the inflated pay cheque, the Danish royal family also has one less drain on their bank balance to worry about.

Previously, the royal household had to use their apanage – a provision or grant to their children – to fund interior renovations and upkeep of their vast property portfolio, including castles and mansions.

King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark, pictured here disembarking the royal ship Dannebrog in Copenhagen on September 10, have a new reason to smile

The Danish government’s newly announced royal budget will see the King – and by extension the Queen – paid an extra 4.9 million kroner in their 2026 appanage

But after some successful lobbying by the House of Glücksburg, a Danish Parliament majority decided in 2024 that these maintenance payments will no longer come from the royal purse, and will instead be footed by the taxpayer.

On top of all that, it should be noted that the extended royal family are also well looked after. Frederik’s mother Queen Margrethe, brother Prince Joachim, and even his first cousin Count Ingolf are the recipients of royal funds.

The proposed total financial benefit to the royal family in 2026 will be an eye-watering 154 million kroner, or AU$23million. And yes, these royal stipends are also exempt from tax.

But before Frederik, 57, and Mary, 53, pop open the bubbly to celebrate their windfall, they should take a moment to consider whether their salary bump is actually a poisoned chalice.

Kim Bach, royal reporter for Danish tabloid Ekstra Bladet, weighed in with the ominous warning that the pay rise is ‘dangerous’ for the long-term survival of the royal family as an institution.

The reason? The moment any royal family is perceived by the public to be ‘too expensive’, it can impact its popularity.

Ultimately, this could lead to the question of whether having a royal household is even necessary in the modern era.

In an opinion piece for the outlet, Bach explained there is a fine line to tread when it comes to the public’s willingness to support the royal family financially.

King Frederik of Denmark’s 2025 salary – shared with Queen Mary – was 129.7 million kroner. A rise to 134.6 million kroner has been proposed for 2026. The couple are seen in February 2025 

Bach wrote: ‘There are two things that can be downright harmful to support for a monarchy. One is major scandals. The other is if it becomes too expensive.

‘It is one of the most dangerous things for a royal family’s support if it costs too much in relation to what the population feels they are getting for their money.’

Bach explained that the Danish royals’ latest pay rise has come about because the royal salary has always historically followed the price of ‘beef and butter’.

And with the costs of these household goods rapidly rising, so too has the proposed pay for the monarchy.

But unlike food on the kitchen table, the value of the Danish royal family perhaps is not perceived to have inflated at the same rate.

From one year to the next, small pay increases might go unnoticed. But Bach says it adds up – and can wind up putting the institution in precarious reputational waters. 

Danish commentator Kim Bach says it can be problematic when a royal family is perceived as ‘too expensive’. (The Danish royals are pictured here in April 2025. From L-R: Prince Vincent, Princess Josephine, Queen Mary, Princess Isabella, King Frederik and Crown Prince Christian)

‘It’s like the frog being boiled. You turn it up and turn it up, but suddenly it’s problematic,’ Bach added.

‘It is extremely dangerous to keep turning it up. It is one of the biggest challenges if a monarchy is to maintain its popularity.’

When your livelihood depends on perception, every step demands care – but recent history has shown some baffling decisions.

Bach noted that the royals made a curious move shortly after the 2024 parliamentary decision about taxpayers funding the upkeep of the family’s properties.

Rather than accepting the decision with quiet gratitude, the royals instead suddenly put in an application to restore the pool at their summer residence, Gråsten Castle.

Soon after parliament ruled in 2024 that taxpayers would fund royal property upkeep, the family applied to restore the pool at their summer residence, Gråsten Castle (pictured)

At the June 2024 graduation of Crown Prince Christian, royal style-watchers noted that Mary and Frederik’s children were wearing designer items. (Pictured from L-R: Prince Vincent, Queen Mary, Prince Christian, King Frederik, Princess Isabella and Princess Josephine)

Once the royals were no longer footing the bill, the pool suddenly became a priority.

A similar example came when the Danish press made particular note of the royal family’s teenage children wearing head-to-toe designer gear.

At his June 2024 graduation, Crown Prince Christian was spotted in a Prada shirt, Rolex watch and Lanvin sneakers.

His younger brother Prince Vincent rocked Prada sneakers, Princess Isabella wore an Hermès bracelet, and Princess Josephine wore stacked Dior and Valentino bracelets.

Of course, it’s natural for parents to want to give their kids the best. And, in fairness, Christian graduated from Ordrup Gymnasium with a perfect score, which is certainly deserving of a few designer duds.

But when it’s the public picking up the tab, the royals might want to think twice before flashing the cash.