Prince of Denmark Arrives at Harvard

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, heir to the oldest throne in Europe and a new visiting student at the College, made his royal entrance to the University community yesterday, discussing everything from his off-campus apartment to his course load during a press conference in Quincy House.

Frederik, 24, said he wants to be a "regular student" during his year at Harvard. Wearing a plaid jacket, blue shirt and dark blue slacks with matching tie, Frederik said he had been able to blend into the landscape during his first two weeks on campus.

"These two weeks I've been here have shown...I'm not that famous here," Frederik said.

Frederik said he planned to take courses in government and international relations. He said he was particularly impressed by two courses he shopped: Historical Study A-12, "International Conflicts in the Modern World" taught by Dillon Professor of International Affairs Joseph S. Nye and Historical Study B-66, "The Nuclear Revolution" With Warren Professor of American History Ernest R. May.

But, like many undergraduates, Frederik said he was still not sure about his schedule.

"Since we're still in the shopping [period], I really haven't decided," Frederik said.

Last week, Frederik settled into an apartment in an undisclosed location in West Cambridge. Although he has not seen the apartment, Quincy House Master Michael Shinagel assured reporters that the prince's digs are "princely."

Frederik had originally planned to live in a rent control apartment, but a citycouncil resolution and the prospect of damagingpublicity forced the Danish government to transferthe prince to his current digs.

The prince yesterday tried to downplay thecontroversy despite frequent queries by local andDanish press. He added that he's "adjusting" tohis new digs.

While he lives off-campus, Frederik will haveall the privileges of house life.

"He can eat here and he's a very good Footballplayer," Shinagel said of the Quincy Houseaffiliate.

"He's just a charming young man, and if allprinces were that way, Americans might considerroyalty again," Shinagel said.

Frederik, accompanied by his chamberlain PerThornit and Danish Consul General Leif Donde, wasrepeatedly asked if he feared for his safety afterthe murder of an MIT student from Norway earlierthis week.

"The dangers are perhaps closer here than in myown country."

Frederik studied political science for threeyears at Aarhus University in Denmark, earning theDanish equivalent of a B.A. He said he came toHarvard because he wanted to spend a year abroadbefore beginning work on a master's degree.

"I wanted to focus on international relations,"said Frederik, "and I think Harvard had a lot ofopportunities and good choices."

But, in accordance with Danish custom, theprince did not comment on any matter that might beconsidered political. He said, however, that hisknowledge of political science would allow him toanalyze his country's situation and, as king,participate in the Danish government behind thescenes.

Frederik said he had received a "small taste"of Cambridge nightlife and was impressed by the"restaurants, bars and cafes" in Harvard Square.But he offered no royal endorsements of specificestablishments.

"What I've tried so far has been veryrecommendable," he said

The prince yesterday tried to downplay thecontroversy despite frequent queries by local andDanish press. He added that he's "adjusting" tohis new digs.

While he lives off-campus, Frederik will haveall the privileges of house life.

"He can eat here and he's a very good Footballplayer," Shinagel said of the Quincy Houseaffiliate.

"He's just a charming young man, and if allprinces were that way, Americans might considerroyalty again," Shinagel said.

Frederik, accompanied by his chamberlain PerThornit and Danish Consul General Leif Donde, wasrepeatedly asked if he feared for his safety afterthe murder of an MIT student from Norway earlierthis week.

"The dangers are perhaps closer here than in myown country."

Frederik studied political science for threeyears at Aarhus University in Denmark, earning theDanish equivalent of a B.A. He said he came toHarvard because he wanted to spend a year abroadbefore beginning work on a master's degree.

"I wanted to focus on international relations,"said Frederik, "and I think Harvard had a lot ofopportunities and good choices."

But, in accordance with Danish custom, theprince did not comment on any matter that might beconsidered political. He said, however, that hisknowledge of political science would allow him toanalyze his country's situation and, as king,participate in the Danish government behind thescenes.

Frederik said he had received a "small taste"of Cambridge nightlife and was impressed by the"restaurants, bars and cafes" in Harvard Square.But he offered no royal endorsements of specificestablishments.

"What I've tried so far has been veryrecommendable," he said