Move over scepters and orbs, it’s time for new royal regalia.
Princess Isabella of Denmark’s official portraits in honor of her 18th birthday have divided fans after she sensationally broke royal protocol by posing with her cell phone.
In images released by the Danish Royal House earlier this week, the young royal — who is second in line to the throne after her brother Crown Prince Christian, 19 — flashed a smile at the camera while clutching her iPhone in both hands.
“Thank you so much to everyone who helped me celebrate my 18th birthday,” the eldest daughter of King Frederik X and Queen Mary wrote on Instagram alongside the photo.
“It has been really nice that so many people have spent their time, thought and effort to make my day so special. This means a lot to me.”
Royal fans were quick to rush to social media to share their thoughts on the controversial move, with one person dubbing the princess as the “ultimate modern royal.”
One person wrote, “This is bizarre…. Can’t decide if it’s pro or anti-modern phone addiction. Is this ‘the ultimate modern princess’ or a depressing indictment of modern culture?”
“Nice but this is silly with that phone,” another wrote, while a third added, “Not sure how I feel about this.”
Still, many fans defended the princess as they hailed her “modern touch.”
“Love this official picture of Danish princess Isabella on her 18th birthday – when old world royalty meets today’s tech reality,” one person wrote.
“Check out that iPhone in her hand – hello relatable Princess,” another added on X .
Another penned, “I love this royal family so much, she is just like a normal teenager, got her iPhone in hand and having her parents take quick snap shots of her. Happy birthday.”
The informal snap was shared alongside three other official portraits — all of which featured a more traditional set-up.
The images were taken by the family’s longtime photographer Steen Evald at Amalienborg Palace — the Danish royal family’s main residence located in the capital city of Copenhagen.
In the images, the princess can be seen wearing a satin orange off-the-shoulder ball gown paired with a blue Order of the Elephant sash and regalia.
She topped off her regal look with a sentimental nod to her father by wearing a miniature portrait of him on her sash.
Isabella accessorized with a pair of diamond turquoise earrings and a diamond tiara, which had been gifted to her by her grandmother, Queen Margrethe, who abdicated the throne in January 2024 .
The Danish Royal House confirmed that the queen, 85, gave Isabella the floral diadem, which features 11 rosettes of “daisy-like flowers” in a sweet nod to Margrethe, who is lovingly nicknamed Daisy by her loved ones.