King Frederik X awarded Nikolai, 25, and Felix, 22, the Grand Cross of the Order of Dannebrog at a private event before his birthday celebrations at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen yesterday.
Queen Margrethe of Denmark was recently hospitalised - and her calendar of events was swiftly cleared. Meanwhile, Queen Mary carried on with her scheduled royal engagement.
Queen Margrethe II concluded her 85th birthday celebrations with a lavish banquet dinner at Fredensborg Palace.
But glaringly absent was her daughter-in-law, Queen Mary.