Security breach exposes plans of queen’s palace

Architectural drawings and photographs freely available online

More than 100 engineering and architectural plans of the queen’s residence, the Christian IX Palace at Amalienborg, and confidential photographs taken inside the building have been freely available on the internet, Ekstra Bladet reports.

Breach of confidentiality
The newspaper has been running a campaign over the summer scrutinising IT security in Denmark and discovered that a subcontractor of the government agency for palaces, Styrelsen for Slotte og Kulturejendomme, had put the documents on a server without password protection, which is in breach of its duty of confidentiality.

The plans and photographs give detailed information about the electricity and security camera systems in the building, as well as showing rooms to which the public don’t have access.

According to Stiig Wæver, a former employee of the security service PET, the information could be dangerous in the wrong hands.

“It’s very problematic when information about a place like Amalienborg isn’t properly secured,” he said.

“For Mr and Mrs Denmark the drawings might not mean much, but they can  pose a potential risk if they come into the hands of someone with malicious intent and the necessary expertise, because they can expose soft spots in security.”

Neither the Royal House nor PET have chosen to comment on the case to Ekstra Bladet.




  • Everything you need to know about Greenland’s upcoming elections 

    Everything you need to know about Greenland’s upcoming elections 

    During an unprecedented time in the global spotlight, Greenland will hold a general election focusing on the struggle for independence, its economy, and its international relations.

  • Danish NGOs on thin ice: The Greenland dispute’s hidden risks for aid

    Danish NGOs on thin ice: The Greenland dispute’s hidden risks for aid

    Danish humanitarian and development organizations rely significantly on funding from institutional donors. Among these, USAID and other U.S.-based donors, contribute a substantial portion of funding to Danish NGOs operating internationally.

  • Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair has increased its cuts from the Billund-Aalborg route to encompass its entire operation to and from Billund Airport. The airline’s scarce communication is leaving both the airport and passengers scrambling for answers.

  • What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    As tradition has it, many Danes take a week off for Vinterferie next week. Or the week after. It’s a bit confusing, especially since Christmas and New Year’s Holiday are not far away. What’s going on?

  • The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    Denmark offers free public education, but private schools and universities for non-EU students require tuition. Language is a barrier, with international schools available for children and limited English-taught university programs. In 2024, Denmark expanded university seats for internationals and introduced an HF-international program in Aarhus.

  • Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF-international program in August, offering young adult internationals an alternative to IB programs with a focus on career-oriented education and Danish language learning. Unlike IB, it reduces academic pressure while providing access to vocational schools and professional bachelor’s degrees