Princess Mary, Prince Frederik pull son out of elite school amid abuse scandal

The royal couple released a statement announcing that Prince Christian, 16, has been withdrawn from the Herlufsholm Boarding School, and that his sister Princess Isabella will no longer attend as planned as scandal engulfs the institution.

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A controversial documentary, titled Herlufsholms hemmeligheder (Herlufsholm’s Secrets), was released in May, airing allegations from students of sexual abuse, corporal punishment and an assault at a party at the school. It’s also been alleged that staff failed to act on the reports.

Four students were expelled last year after being accused of involvement and recording several incidents. The report has now also led to the dismissal of the school’s director and planned reforms.

Prince Christian is not linked to the allegations.

He began as a boarding student at the school last August and his sister, Princess Isabella, was due to start next term.

In their joint statement, released on Sunday, Princess Mary and Prince Frederik opened up about the “difficult process” that led to the decision to withdraw their children from the elite school.

“The question about our son Christian’s and our daughter Isabella’s choice of school has been very important for us, and the unfortunate matter has brought many and strong opinions into play in the public,” they said.

“That is completely understandable when it deals with the wellbeing of children and young people. At the same time, it has been important to stand by our basic idea that major decisions must be made on an informed basis. We now have that basis.

“It has been a difficult process for us as a family, but, based on the overall picture and our special position as Crown Prince Couple, we have chosen that Prince Christian will stop at Herlufsholm and that Princess Isabella will not start in ninth class at the school after the summer holiday.

“During the summer, we, together with our children, will make a decision about their future choice of schools.

“With thoughts about the many students who will continue at Herlufsholm, it is our hope that the school now gets more peace to ensure the necessary changes and succeeds in creating a culture in which all thrive and feel safe.”