The Danish Royal Family has recently celebrated a significant milestone, as Princess Isabella, the second child of King Frederik and Queen Mary, turned 18. To mark this occasion, the royal family released a series of official portraits showcasing the young princess in her first tiara, a turquoise daisy bandeau gifted by her grandmother, the former Queen Margrethe II. The images, taken in the grandeur of Frederik VIII's Palace at Amalienborg, highlight a moment of tradition and transition for the princess, who is now second in line to the throne.
In a delightful twist, a behind-the-scenes photo captured by Queen Mary reveals a more personal side of Princess Isabella. The candid snapshot shows the princess, dressed in full royal regalia, clutching her cell phone with a surprised smile. This moment, shared on the royal family's social media, underscores the blend of royal tradition and the relatable aspects of modern youth, resonating with fans worldwide.
The official portraits not only celebrate Princess Isabella's coming of age but also her entry into the Order of the Elephant, Denmark's oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry. The honor, which includes wearing a sash and a miniature portrait of her father, King Frederik X, is a testament to her growing role within the royal family and the nation.
The release of these images has sparked admiration and warmth from the public, with many praising the balance between the solemnity of royal duties and the genuine joy of a young woman celebrating her birthday. Princess Isabella's 18th birthday marks a new chapter in her life, one that bridges the rich heritage of the Danish monarchy with the dynamic spirit of a new generation.
Dozens of guests who dined at the upscale Stockholm restaurant Coco & Carmen have fallen ill with listeria infections, with health authorities confirming at least four cases of sepsis among the affected patrons. The outbreak has resulted in approximately 80-81 formal complaints filed with Stockholm's environmental administration regarding food poisoning, with symptoms including high fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches appearing approximately 24 hours after dining at the establishment.
Health officials have expanded their investigation beyond the initial timeframe of September 25-27 to include guests who visited the restaurant on September 23-24, contacting approximately 400 people as part of the expanded tracing efforts. Currently, about 15 patients remain hospitalized, though none have required intensive care according to Maria Rotzén Östlund, an infectious disease physician with Region Stockholm. The condition of hospitalized patients varies, with some already recovering from their symptoms.
The restaurant's co-owner and chef Joakim Almquist expressed shock at the situation, stating in an email that the establishment is "distressed by what has occurred and hopes those affected recover quickly." Guests from multiple regions including Gothenburg, Örebro, and Uppsala have been identified among those infected, with many reporting severe illness lasting several days. One complainant described the experience as "torture," noting that they and their spouse had never felt so ill for such an extended period.
Coco & Carmen has temporarily closed during the investigation but is expected to reopen next week. Health authorities note that while listeria outbreaks in restaurants are uncommon, previous cases have been documented in medical literature. The exact source of the contamination remains unknown, though some guests have speculated about potential issues with shrimp served as part of the 14-course tasting menu that appears common to all complaints.