The 2013 Danish Eurovision winner Emmelie De Forest took part at the opening ceremony of  The World Equestrian Festival- CHIO in Aachen, Germany. She got the chance to meet Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and Princess Benedikte of Denmark.

This year’s CHIO partner country Denmark transformed the Opening Ceremony in an impressive and royal festival – a feast for ears and eyes alike.  The highlight was Princess Royal Mary of Denmark’s visit, who drove into the Main Stadium together with Princess Benedikte of Denmark in the Landau Carriage of the Danish Royal Family.  They waved to the enthusiastic 38,000 spectators, while escorted by the Hussar Regiment and the Danish Royal Life Guards with their affiliated music corps.  Princess Benedikte, who officially opened the CHIO Aachen, was very impressed by the atmosphere in the Main Stadium: “My love for horses and my passion for the equestrian sport aroused my enthusiasm for the CHIO Aachen, the World Equestrian Festival.  This equestrian show stands for top sport and a fascinating ambience.”  This atmosphere was particularly noticeable during a temperamental sabre fight performed by the Hussar Regiments.  They gallopped over jumps in the Main Stadium at breakneck speed swinging their sabres.

Denmark will be hosting the 2013 European Equestrian Championships in August, hence it gained the status of partner in Aachen.

Emmelie de Forest, the winner of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest provided musical entertainment from Denmark.  She performed among others her winning song  Only Teardrops live in the Main Stadium.  Her performance was accompanied by Frederiksborgers, Knabstruppers, 120 bicycles and members of the Danish gymnastic Group, DGI.  A wonderful scene, that showcased Denmark in all its facets.  Anna Kasprzak, the new dressage shooting star from Denmark, played a special role during the Opening Ceremony:  She had the honour of carrying the Danish flag into the Main Stadium during the presentation of the participating nations.

You can watch the video of Emmeli’s performance and opening ceremony here

Emmelie De Forest represented Denmark at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, bringing back the Eurovision trophy back to Denmark for the 3rd time last May when she took Europe by storm with her song Only Teardrops.

Stay tuned to esctoday.com for the latest news and information on Denmark and the Eurovision Song Contest.