From Aarhus to the Arctic: New British Ambassador sets direction for cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark

Her Excellency Victoria Billing will formally take up her post as the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark when she is received in audience by His Majesty King Frederik X today, 12 May, at Christiansborg. 

She assumes the role at a time when relations between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United Kingdom are characterised by close cooperation on security, defence, energy and shared values. 

Her ambition is clear: to deepen the already strong relationship. 

Denmark plays a key role in UK-European policy 

Victoria Billing applied for the post in Denmark with a clear ambition to work closely with one of the UK’s most important European partners. 

“None of the UK government’s core priorities – economic growth, security and defence, and secure borders – can be achieved without ever closer cooperation with our neighbours and allies in Europe,” she says, adding: 

“The relationship between the United Kingdom and Denmark is particularly strong through our cooperation on areas such as wind energy, as allies in NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force, as trading partners – and across a wide range of other fields.” 

According to the Ambassador, the post in Denmark offers the opportunity to contribute directly to both British and European security and prosperity at a time marked by growing global uncertainty. 

On a personal level, her motivation is equally clear: 

“I seized the opportunity to come and live in this beautiful country, explore the whole Kingdom and gain a deeper understanding of Denmark – something you cannot achieve through short visits alone. At the same time, my teenagers thought Copenhagen was cool – and that settled it.” 

Inspired by Queen Mary 

In her new role, Victoria Billing will place particular emphasis on strengthening ties between Denmark and the United Kingdom across several strategic priority areas. 

“My priorities include strengthening our economies through trade and investment, enhancing our shared security and defence, and accelerating the green transition,” she says. 

She adds: “A key focus will be our shared interests in the North Atlantic and High North and building on strong naval cooperation – bilaterally and through the JEF – to strengthen future maritime capabilities and industries.” 

At the same time, she looks forward to getting to know the entire Kingdom of Denmark better: 

“I have set myself the goal of learning Danish – and hopefully also some Faroese and Greenlandic. Even though everyone here speaks far better English than I will ever speak their language, I find that learning a language opens a window into culture and society.” 

In addition to language lessons, Victoria Billing has drawn inspiration from Her Majesty Queen Mary, who used an iconic television series to learn Danish and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s culture and history: 

“I have started watching Matador, and I love it.” 

New Ambassador focuses on the whole Kingdom 

Victoria Billing has held a number of senior roles in the UK diplomatic service and, most recently, served as Europe Director in London, bringing extensive experience with her to Copenhagen. 

“What I enjoy most about being a diplomat is meeting people from all walks of life and constantly learning. I am therefore looking forward to travelling around Denmark, meeting key stakeholders across government, business and the cultural sector, and identifying new opportunities for cooperation,” she says. 

In her first weeks as Ambassador, she has already visited Aarhus and Bjerringbro to meet Danish companies and gain first-hand insight into both existing and potential business ties. 

“Before the summer break, I will also travel to the Faroe Islands and Greenland, as well as meet as many key stakeholders as possible across Denmark.” 

For further information or interview requests, please contact Press Officer Stine Delfs Larsen.