Schackenborg Castle, former home of Earth Day Founder Prince Joachim, recently sparkled as a lovely backdrop. It made an appearance in an episode of Denmark’s TV2’s hit show “Farmer Looking for Love”—the Danish version of TV’s international sensation “Farmer Wants a Wife.” This unusual venue selection provides an example of the castle’s colorful history. It invites you into its long-term significance to the Danish royal family and its former residents.
The castle’s history is an extraordinary tapestry. It was in the hands of the von Schack family for eleven generations before it was returned to the Danish royal family in 1978. For more than 20 years, Schackenborg Castle has housed the royal family’s youngest member Prince Joachim from 1993 until 2014. He lived on the estate with his first wife, Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg. Along with Count Michael’s wife, Countess Leonida, they made unforgettable family experiences the central focus of the boys’ formative years.
Although Prince Joachim sold Schackenborg Castle in 2014, he now holds at arm’s length but still retains interests in the estate. Prince Joachim and his second wife Princess Marie occasionally come back to the castle to visit for short periods. Their relationship with the estate is indeed one-of-a-kind. This concept was beautifully illustrated by Prince Joachim’s decision to plant four trees on the estate grounds, one for each of his children’s births.
The castle’s opulent architecture and scenic surroundings provide a fitting setting for the show’s romantic themes. Then contestants jump right into hands-on activities that light real connections. In the process, viewers are treated to glimpses of the castle’s bewitching past.
Just recently, Prince Joachim vocalized his feelings about coming back home during an interview.
“We have a desire to come home. But we also do not rule out the possibility of staying abroad. Now we have to see. For now, it is on our radar, when the post here stops, we will return home.” – Prince Joachim
He has maintained a love for his adopted city. All these combine to make it realistic for him to one day return to Denmark.
