HRH The Duchess of Gloucester visits St Alban's Church on St George's Day

It was a great joy to welcome HRH The Duchess of Gloucester to St Alban's Church on Thursday 23rd April, St George's Day.

Her Royal Highness became our Patron in October 2024, following the death of the previous Patron, Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We are deeply honoured by this visit and grateful for Her Royal Highness's interest in the life and mission of our church here in Copenhagen.

The Chaplain remarked that, historically, the church building reminds us of the family of European nations, and that today it stands as a sign of the global family of nations, as worshippers come from many continents and traditions.

At the end of the visit, the Duchess visited the tree she planted in Churchillparken outside the Church in 2025, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Denmark.

Three collects were said at the beginning of Her Royal Highness's visit.

Collect of St George, martyr and patron

God of hosts, who so kindled the flame of love in the heart of your servant George that he bore witness to the risen Lord by his life and by his death: give us the same faith and power of love that we who rejoice in his triumphs may come to share with him the fullness of the resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

For the Monarchs of Denmark and the United Kingdom

Almighty God, the source of all goodness, we humbly ask you to bless Frederik, King of Denmark, and Charles, King of the United Kingdom, our Supreme Governor. Fill them with your Holy Spirit, enrich them with your heavenly grace, and grant that they may always seek your will and walk in your ways; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Patrons and Benefactors of St Alban's Church

Lord, giver of every good gift, we thank you for the patrons and benefactors of St Alban's Church, past and present. Continue, we pray, to bless the work sustained by their generosity, and grant that all our efforts may serve your glory and build up your Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Photographs inside the church by Catalina Anapios, British Embassy Copenhagen. Additional photographs taken outside the church by Martin Sylvest Andersen are available via Getty Images.