Denmark's King Frederik on Monday pushed back by one day a visit to Greenland planned to underscore unity with the Danish territory in response to US President Donald Trump's interest in taking over the huge Arctic island.
According to the royal palace in Copenhagen, the trip was now expected to begin on Tuesday following the closure of the island's main airport on Monday because of stormy weather.
The king, who has remained popular in Greenland despite recent strained relations between Greenland and Denmark, was set to arrive alongside Greenland's prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who is returning after a visit to Denmark.
DAILY POST reports that King Frederik, who ascended the throne last year, serves as Denmark's symbolic head of state but does not hold formal political powers.
Meanwhile, his visit is said to be a significant demonstration of Danish historical unity with semi-autonomous Greenland.
The visit comes months of tension stirred by Trump's repeated assertions that Greenland should become part of the United States.
It will be recalled that in December, Greenland's then-premier accused Denmark of historical “genocide” there and then stepped up a push for independence in January.
However, Nielsen, who assumed office this month, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen affirmed their alliance at a joint press conference in Copenhagen on Sunday.
DAILY POST reports that the Danish royal family traditionally makes annual visits to the island, and King Frederik has spent extended periods of time there, including on a four-month expedition.
Greenland, a Danish colony until 1953, officially became part of Denmark that year.
