It was supposed to be an idyllic summer holiday in Australia but last week Princess Mary and Prince Fredrik were left in a state of shock after their eldest son, Prince Christian, was caught in a dangerous rip while swimming on the Gold Coast.
The 10-year-old Prince was rescued by a local lifeguard at Mermaid Beach, where the family of six had been enjoying a fun day out.
Lifeguard Nick Malcolm has become an instant hero in both Australia and Denmark but the down-to-earth surfer insists he was just doing his job.
“I was making sure he was alright. I definitely am not a hero,” he explained.
Originally from New Zealand, bachelor Nick has been a lifeguard for six years and is adamant he had no idea who the Royal Family were.
Prince Frederik, pictured with Prince Christian in Australia this month, and Princess Mary got the fright of their lives when their oldest child had to be rescued from a rip.
Nick Malcom’s fast-thinking actions prevented the situation from escalating.
“There was only one other swimmer in the water apart from the family at the time the incident happened, so it wasn’t like we were keeping a specific eye on them, it’s just that there weren’t many people on the beach that day. I just thought they were members of the public,” he added.
Watch Nick’s full interview in the player above and to read more about his encounter with the Danish Royal Family, be sure to pick up the latest issue of Woman’s Day, on sale now!
