Princess Isabella Begins Military Service, Forgoes Salary

Princess Isabella of Denmark has officially commenced her military service, joining the ranks at the Antvorskov barracks in Slagelse. The 19-year-old royal arrived independently in a black Audi Q4, greeting the occasion with a smile.

Isabella is among the first women in Denmark to enter the newly reformed conscription system, which now mandates eleven months of service for all individuals over 18, including women. This year, approximately 1,600 young Danes began their service across 14 military bases nationwide, with women making up about one-fifth of the recruits.

What sets Princess Isabella apart is her decision to waive the salary and daily allowances typically provided to soldiers, a sum estimated at $29,400 for the eleven-month period. This choice mirrors that of her elder brother, Crown Prince Christian, who made the same decision during his service with the same unit, the Guard Hussar Regiment.

While Crown Prince Christian has independent income as heir to the throne, Princess Isabella will remain financially dependent on her parents during her service, as her costs will be covered by the King and Queen's annual budget. Her choice to join the Guard Hussar Regiment, rather than branches like the air force or navy, suggests she intends to fulfill her mandatory service without pursuing a long-term military career, according to royal family expert Sebastian Olden-Jørgensen.