Book Launch: Royal Descent (with Gavan Thomson)
March 27 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Free
Join us at Denmark House for an intimate launch of Royal Descent – a political thriller, love story and mystery with Denmark at its heart.
Denmark House is pleased to host the Melbourne launch of Royal Descent, the debut novel by Denmark House member Gavan Thomson.
A reluctant Danish Crown Prince arrives in Australia incognito for a gap year. He’s half Aussie, after all. In beautiful central Victoria, he encounters communal living, kangaroos, pagans, children, Aboriginal elders, and psycho drama. His life will never be the same again. Then he falls in love. As his year runs out, how can he possibly return to royal duties and the military? Fate intervenes tragically when a bushfire descends. Suddenly, impulsively, he sees a way out. Back in Denmark, his demise is a national tragedy and scandal. In mourning, the nation asks: “How could this have happened?” Detective Ebbe is sent to investigate but uncovers the shocking truth. The game is up, or is it? A political thriller, a love story, and a crime mystery, this novel, based on a real person, is sure to enthral you, whether you are a monarchist or a republican.
The evening will include an author talk and Q&A, followed by a book signing. Copies of the book will be available for purchase on the night.
Guests are welcome to stay on for dinner afterwards – Denmark House will open for normal dinner service from 6:00pm.
What to expect
A relaxed, seated book launch with:
- Author talk + Q&A
- Book signing
- Books for sale (card & cash accepted)
Bookings / RSVP
Bookings are free but essential (limited seating).
Key details
Date: Friday 27 March 2026
Time: 5:00–6:00pm
Location: Denmark House, Level 3, 428 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Cost: Free (registration required)
Seating: Limited (~30 seats)
About the author
Gavan Thomson was born in 1954 in Barham, NSW, and first lived in Copenhagen from 1978–1981, where he studied Danish and worked in Copenhagen before returning to Australia. He also works as a Danish–English translator and has a background across biological sciences, community health and counselling. After years of professional writing, Royal Descent is his first novel.