HDMY Dannebrog (A540)

Her Danish Majesty's Yacht Dannebrog (A540) (KDM Dannebrog) was launched by Queen Alexandrine at Copenhagen in 1931, and commissioned on 26 May 1932. The yacht now serves as the official and private residence for Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, the Prince Consort, and members of the Royal Family when they are on official visits overseas and on summer cruises in Danish waters. When at sea, the Royal Yacht also participates in surveillance and sea-rescue services.

Features
The Dannebrog, named after the flag of Denmark, was built in 1931–1932 at the Naval Dockyard in Copenhagen. She replaced the previous royal vessel, an 1879 paddle steamer, also called Dannebrog. The yacht has dual functions: it is primarily the Royal Yacht during peacetime; it can become a hospital ship during emergency alerts or war.

The ship’s hull is a riveted steel construction on transverse frames. The ship has a clipper stem and an elliptic stern. Viewed from the side, the ship may be divided into two sections. In front of the funnel there is space for the crew, any cargo, and the engine. At the rear is the Royal Apartment. This could accommodate patients if ever the yacht were used as a hospital. During visits to Danish and foreign ports the covered quarterdeck is used for receptions.

The Royal accommodation comprises studies for the Queen and The Prince Consort, a dining salon, a lounge, the bedroom, etc. They have taken a personal interest in fitting out the vessel and the choice of furnishings. The Royal Apartment contains furniture and fittings from the previous 1879 Royal vessel.

The Royal Yacht Dannebrog is an independent command, administered by the Chief of the Queen’s Naval Household, who is a member of the Royal Household. The crew of the Dannebrog comprises 9 officers, 7 sergeants, 2 enlisted able-seamen and 34 conscripts. The officers are normally seconded for periods of two to four years, whereas the conscripts stay for just one summer.

History
Since it was commissioned in 1932, the yacht has travelled more than 300000 nmi and visited most of the ports of Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. The yacht has also visited European ports, especially in France and cruised the Mediterranean and the Caribbean Seas.

A major overhaul was carried out in 1980/81 to extend the life of the yacht beyond around the start of the 21st century. Having now passed that point, the 75-year-old yacht is still in excellent condition, with major improvements including replacement of the yacht's main engines.