Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Danish Princess Isabella Makes History with Military Service, Declines Pay
In Denmark, a princess named Isabella has started training to be a soldier.
She is 19 years old and is the daughter of the King and Queen of Denmark.
Isabella is the first princess in her country's royal family to join the military for real.
She reported to her army base on August 3, just a few weeks after finishing high school.
She drove herself to the base in a black car and showed her ID at the gate.
Most young soldiers get paid for their service, but Isabella chose not to take the money.
Instead, her parents will help pay for things while she trains.
Her older brother, Prince Christian, also served in the military before her.
Denmark now asks women as well as men to serve, and the training lasts 11 months.
The country wants a stronger military because of worries about safety in Europe, including the war in Ukraine.
Princess Isabella of Denmark, 19, began an 11-month military service at Antvorskov Barracks in Slagelse on August 3, becoming the first woman from the Danish royal family to undergo full conscription.
The eldest daughter of King Frederik X and Queen Mary joined the Guard Hussar Regiment weeks after graduating from high school, driving herself to the barracks in a black SUV and keeping a low profile.
Unlike other recruits, she declined the conscript salary and tax-free daily allowance and will rely on financial support from her parents during her service.
She follows her older brother, Crown Prince Christian, who completed his service at the same barracks and is now training as a second lieutenant.
Denmark made military service mandatory for women in 2024 and extended it from four months to 11 months amid security concerns including the war in Ukraine and Arctic tensions; about 1,600 recruits began the extended service this week.
- Who
- Princess Isabella of Denmark, the 19-year-old eldest daughter of King Frederik X and Queen Mary.
- What
- Began an 11-month military conscription, becoming the first female member of the Danish royal family to undergo full military service, while declining the standard salary and allowances.
- When
- On August 3, weeks after graduating from high school.
- Where
- Antvorskov Barracks, home of the Guard Hussar Regiment, in Slagelse, Denmark.
- Why
- Denmark expanded conscription, making it mandatory for women from 2024 and extending service from four to 11 months in response to European security concerns including the war in Ukraine and Arctic tensions; members of Denmark's royal family have long served in the armed forces.
- Royal member
- Princess Isabella of Denmark
- Age
- 19
- Service length
- 11 months
- Start date
- August 3
- Location
- Antvorskov Barracks, Slagelse, Denmark
- Regiment
- Guard Hussar Regiment
- Milestone
- First female Danish royal family member to undergo full military conscription
- Pay
- Declined salary and daily allowance; supported by parents
