Hubbry Logo
Margrethe IIMargrethe IIMain
Open search
Margrethe II
Community hub
Margrethe II
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Margrethe II
Margrethe II
Margrethe II
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
This article is about the queen regnant. For the World War II military operation, see Operation Margarethe II.

Key Information

Danish royal family
Royal Coat of Arms of Denmark

Queen Margrethe II

Extended royal family

Margrethe II (Danish: [mɑˈkʁeˀtə]; Margrethe Alexandrine Þórhildur Ingrid, born 16 April 1940) is a member of the Danish royal family who reigned as Queen of Denmark from 14 January 1972 until her abdication on 14 January 2024. Having reigned for exactly 52 years, she was the second-longest-reigning Danish monarch after Christian IV.

Margrethe was born into the House of Glücksburg, a cadet branch of the House of Oldenburg, during the reign of her paternal grandfather, King Christian X. She is the eldest child of King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid. She became heir presumptive to her father in 1953 when a constitutional amendment allowed women to inherit the throne. In 1967 she married Henri de Laborde de Monpezat, with whom she had two sons, Frederik and Joachim. Margrethe succeeded her father upon his death in January 1972.

Margrethe has worked as a scenographer, a costume designer, and an illustrator of works by J. R. R. Tolkien. Support for the monarchy in Denmark, alongside her personal popularity, gradually rose throughout the course of her reign, attaining around eighty per cent by the time of her abdication. She was succeeded by her elder son, Frederik X.

Early life and education

[edit]
Margrethe (left) with her parents and sisters, 1954

Margrethe was born on 16 April 1940 at 10:10 CET at Frederik VIII's Palace, in her parents' residence at Amalienborg, the principal residence of the Danish royal family in the district of Frederiksstaden in central Copenhagen.[2] She was the first child of Crown Prince Frederik (later King Frederik IX) and Crown Princess Ingrid (later Queen Ingrid). Her father was the elder son of the then-reigning King Christian X, while her mother was the only daughter of Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden (later King Gustaf VI Adolf). Her birth took place just one week after the beginning of Nazi Germany's occupation of Denmark following the war invasion.[3]

Margrethe was baptised on 14 May in the Holmen Church in Copenhagen.[4] Her godparents were her grandfathers, King Christian X of Denmark and Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden; her maternal great-grandfathers, King Gustaf V of Sweden and Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn; her uncles Prince Knud of Denmark and Prince Gustaf Adolf, Duke of Västerbotten; as well as her first cousin twice removed, Prince Axel of Denmark.[2] She was named Margrethe—the Danish variation of her late maternal grandmother Crown Princess Margareta of Sweden's name—Alexandrine after her paternal grandmother, Queen Alexandrine, and Ingrid after her mother. Since her paternal grandfather was also King of Iceland at the time of her birth, she was given the Icelandic name Þórhildur ("Thor's battle" or "Thor's strength").[5] Like her maternal grandmother, Margrethe is known affectionately as "Daisy" to her family and close friends.[6]

The birth of Margrethe's younger sisters Benedikte and Anne-Marie followed in 1944 and 1946, respectively. The princesses grew up in apartments at Frederik VIII's Palace at Amalienborg in Copenhagen and in Fredensborg Palace in North Zealand. Margrethe spent summer holidays with the royal family in her parents' summer residence at Gråsten Palace in Southern Jutland. On 20 April 1947, following the death of Christian X, Margrethe's father acceded to the throne as Frederik IX.[7]

Education

[edit]

Margrethe was educated at the private school N. Zahle's School in Copenhagen, from which she graduated in 1959. She spent a year at North Foreland Lodge, a boarding school for girls in Hampshire, England,[8] and later studied prehistoric archaeology at Girton College, Cambridge, during 1960–1961, and political science at Aarhus University between 1961 and 1962, attended the Sorbonne in 1963, and was at the London School of Economics in 1965.[citation needed] She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.[3]

Heir presumptive

[edit]
Margrethe received by Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser and First Lady Tahia Abdel Nasser at the Abdeen Palace, Cairo, in November 1962
Princess Margrethe in August 1966

At the time of her birth, only males could accede to the throne of Denmark, owing to the changes in succession laws enacted in the 1850s when the Glücksburg branch was chosen to succeed. As Margrethe had no brothers, it was assumed that her uncle Prince Knud would one day assume the throne.[9]

The process of changing the constitution started in 1947, not long after Margrethe's father acceded to the throne and it became clear that Queen Ingrid would have no more children. The popularity of Frederik and his daughters and the more prominent role of women in Danish life started the complicated process of altering the constitution. The law required that the proposal be passed by two successive Parliaments and then by a referendum, which occurred on 27 March 1953. The new Act of Succession permitted female succession to the throne of Denmark, according to male-preference cognatic primogeniture, where a female can accede to the throne only if she does not have a brother. Princess Margrethe therefore became heir presumptive.[3] In 2009, the law of succession was modified into absolute primogeniture.[10]

Margrethe attended the traditional New Year Courts for the first time in 1956.[2] On her eighteenth birthday, 16 April 1958, Margrethe was given a seat in the Council of State. She subsequently chaired the meetings of the Council in the absence of the King.[3] In 1960, with her first cousin, Princess Margaretha of Sweden, and Princess Astrid of Norway, she travelled to the United States, which included a visit to Los Angeles, and to the Paramount Studios, where they met several celebrities, including Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis and Elvis Presley.[11]

She paid her first visit to the Faroe Islands in 1959, alongside her parents and sisters, and to Greenland in 1960.[2]

Marriage and family

[edit]
See also: Wedding of Princess Margrethe and Henri de Laborde de Monpezat
Margrethe and Henri in 1966

While Margrethe studied in London, she met the French diplomat Henri de Laborde de Monpezat, who was legation secretary at the French Embassy in London. Their engagement was announced on 5 October 1966. They were married on 10 June 1967, at the Holmen Church in Copenhagen, and the wedding reception was held at Fredensborg Palace.[3] Laborde de Monpezat received the style and title of "His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark" because of his new position as the spouse of the heir presumptive to the Danish throne.[3] They were married for more than fifty years, until his death on 13 February 2018.[3]

Less than a year after the wedding, Margrethe gave birth to her first child, a son, on 26 May 1968. By tradition, Danish kings were alternately named either Frederik or Christian. She chose to maintain this by assuming the position of a Christian, and thus named her elder son Frederik. The following year, a second child, named Joachim, was born on 7 June 1969.[3]

In 1974, she and Henrik purchased Château de Cayx in the wine district of Cahors in Southern France.[2]

Margrethe announced in 2008 that her male-line descendants would bear the additional title of Count or Countess of Monpezat in recognition of her husband's ancestry.[12]

In 2022, the Queen announced that, from the start of 2023, the descendants of Prince Joachim will only be able to use their titles of Count and Countess of Monpezat, their previous titles of Prince and Princess of Denmark ceasing to exist. To allow the children, who were never expected to hold an official role within the royal family, to have normal lives, the Queen wanted "to create a framework for the four grandchildren, to a much greater degree, to be able to shape their own existence without being limited by the special considerations and obligations that a formal affiliation with the Royal House as an institution implies".[13] Her son, Joachim, daughter-in-law, Marie, former daughter-in-law, Alexandra, and eldest grandson, Nikolai, publicly expressed shock and confusion because of the decision,[14] after which Margrethe released a statement in which she said that it saddened her that she had upset Joachim's family.[15]

Along with her late husband, Margrethe has kept dachshunds since the 1970s.[2] She currently[when?] has one dog, the dachshund Tilia, who was Prince Henrik's dog until his death in 2018.

Reign

[edit]

Accession

[edit]
Margrethe (seated right) chairing a meeting of the Council of State on the day of her proclamation

On 3 January 1972, three days after King Frederik IX delivered his New Year's address, he suffered a heart attack and was admitted to the Copenhagen Municipal Hospital. Margrethe was then designated regent the following day. The King died on 14 January, and Margrethe acceded to the throne at the age of 31, becoming the first female Danish sovereign under the new Act of Succession. She was proclaimed Queen from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace the following day by Prime Minister Jens Otto Krag.[16]

Her regnal number was chosen in recognition of the 14th century Danish monarch, Margrethe.[2] Her motto was "God's help, the love of the people, Denmark's strength" (Danish: Guds hjælp, folkets kærlighed, Danmarks styrke). She relinquished all the monarch's former titles except the title to Denmark, hence her style "By the Grace of God, Queen of Denmark" (Danish: Margrethe den Anden, af Guds Nåde Danmarks Dronning).[citation needed]

Constitutional role

[edit]
Margrethe hosting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Denmark, April 2010

The Queen's main tasks were to represent the kingdom abroad and to be a unifying figure at home. She performed the latter by opening exhibitions, attending anniversaries and inaugurating bridges, among other things. She received foreign ambassadors and awards, honours and medals.

As a constitutional sovereign, Margrethe took no part in party politics and does not express any political opinions. Although she had the right to vote, she opted not to do so to avoid even the appearance of partisanship.[3]

The Queen held a meeting with the prime minister and the foreign affairs minister every Wednesday, unless either she or the prime minister was outside of the kingdom.

After an election where the incumbent prime minister does not have a majority behind him or her, the Queen held a "Dronningerunde" (Queen's meeting) in which she met the chairmen of each of the Danish political parties.[17]

Margrethe with Michelle Obama at the White House, June 2011

Each party has the choice of selecting a royal investigator to lead these negotiations or alternatively, give the incumbent prime minister the mandate to continue his or her government as is. In theory each party could choose its own leader as royal investigator, as the social liberal Det Radikale Venstre did in 2006, but often only one royal investigator is chosen plus the prime minister, before each election. The leader who, at that meeting, succeeds in securing a majority of the seats in the Folketing, is, by royal decree, charged with the task of forming a new government. (No party has held an absolute majority in the Folketing since 1903.)

Once the government had been formed, the Queen formally appointed it. Officially, it was the monarch who was the head of state, and she therefore presided over the Council of State (privy council), where the acts of legislation which have been passed by the parliament are signed into law. In practice, nearly all of the Queen's formal powers were exercised by the Cabinet of Denmark.

It was customary for Margrethe, as the Danish monarch, to host the annual New Year levées. Every year on 1 January, a banquet was held for the government, the Speaker of the Danish Parliament, representatives of official Denmark and the Royal Court at Christian VIII's Palace at Amalienborg. On day two, a levée was held at Christian VIII's Palace for the justices of Supreme Court of Denmark and the Officer Corps of the Royal Life Guards and the Guard Hussar Regiment, followed by a levée at Christiansborg Palace for the diplomatic corps. On day three, a levée was held for officers from the Ministry of Defence and the Danish Emergency Management Agency, the I., II. and III. ranking classes as well as invited representatives of major national organisations and the royal patronages.[18]

Official duties

[edit]
Margrethe surrounded by her family waving to crowds on her 70th birthday in April 2010

Up to the end of her reign, Margrethe held 72 Danish and eight foreign patronages as queen, including Aarhus Festuge, ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum, DaneAge Association, Danes Worldwide, the Danish Animal Welfare Society [da], the Danish Cancer Society [da], Den Gamle By, Det Classenske Fideicommis, the Danish Bible Society [da], Det Kongelige Vajsenhus, Diakonissestiftelsen, Foreningen Norden, Land of Legends (Sagnlandet Lejre), M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark, Moesgaard Museum, National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark, Nyborg Slot, Rebild National Park, the Royal Danish Academy of Music, Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters, Royal Danish Yacht Club, Rungstedlund Foundation [da], Sankt Lukas Stiftelsen, Vallø stift and Vemmetofte.[19]

A pillar of her reign was an intricate knowledge of and connection to all parts of the Danish Realm. In 2016, she contributed to a book about Denmark's history.[20]

Until her abdication, Margrethe served as colonel-in-chief of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, an infantry regiment of the British Army, following a tradition dating back to 1906 when Edward VII, married to Alexandra of Denmark, appointed his brother-in-law, Frederik VIII of Denmark, colonel-in-chief of the then Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment).[3][21][22]

As sovereign, Margrethe received 42 official state visits and she undertook 55 foreign state visits herself. She and the royal family have made several other foreign visits.[23][24]

Residences

[edit]

As queen, her official residences were Amalienborg (where she resides at Christian IX's Palace) in Copenhagen and Fredensborg Palace near Hillerød. Her summer residences were Marselisborg Palace[25] near Aarhus and Gråsten Palace[26] near Sønderborg, the former home of her mother, Queen Ingrid, who died in 2000.[27]

Immigration debate

[edit]

In her New Year's address at the end of 1984, the Queen addressed the xenophobia experienced by many immigrants in Denmark:

We have the peace, the free political life and social relations that make our country a sought-after haven for many. Refugees from very different backgrounds come here, sometimes injured in both mind and body. We welcome them and are probably also a little proud that they have chosen our little paradise, but when we see them fumbling with our way of life and our language, hospitality becomes difficult all too quickly, and disappointment sets in on both sides. There are also others who have felt that, namely the guest workers and their families (...) Then we come with our 'Danish humour' and little cocky remarks. Then we meet them with coolness, and then it is not far to harassment and rougher methods—we cannot allow that. If we want the new year to be better than the old, then here is a good place to start.

The term "cocky remarks" (dumsmarte bemærkninger, lit. 'dumb-slick remarks') has since become an integrated part of the Danish vocabulary.[28]

In an interview within the 2016 book De dybeste rødder (The Deepest Roots), according to historians at the Saxo Institute of the University of Copenhagen, Margrethe showed a change in attitude to immigration towards a more conservative stance. She stated that the Danish people should have more explicitly clarified the rules and values of Danish culture in order to be able to teach them to new arrivals. She further stated that the Danes in general have underestimated the difficulties involved in successful integration of immigrants, exemplified with the rules of a democracy not being clarified to Muslim immigrants and a lack of readiness to enforce those rules. This was received as a change in line with the attitude of the Danish people.[29][30]

Silver, Ruby and Golden Jubilees

[edit]
See also: Golden Jubilee of Margrethe II
Faroese stamps marking the Queen's silver jubilee in 1997 and her ruby jubilee in 2012

Margrethe marked her Silver Jubilee in 1997 with a religious service and a gala dinner attended by fellow Scandinavian royals.[citation needed] She celebrated her Ruby Jubilee, the 40th year on the throne, on 14 January 2012.[31] This was marked by a church service, concert, carriage procession, gala banquet at Christiansborg Palace and numerous TV interviews.[citation needed]

The Queen's Golden Jubilee was marked on 14 January 2022, with celebrations to take place later in the year. In September, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, it was announced by the Royal House that it was "Her Majesty The Queen's wish that a number of adjustments be made" to the upcoming celebrations.[32]

Between Elizabeth II's death and her abdication, Margrethe was Europe's longest-reigning monarch, the world's only queen regnant, and the longest-serving incumbent female head of state.[33]

Sitting reign record

[edit]

In July 2023, the Danish Royal House recognized Margrethe II as Denmark's longest-reigning sitting monarch.[34][35] Though Christian IV reigned for more than 59 years between 1588 and 1648, he was not officially installed until 1596, ruling with a "guardian government" up until then.[34]

Abdication

[edit]
Main article: Abdication of Margrethe II

In her annual live broadcast New Year's Eve address on 31 December 2023, Margrethe announced her abdication, which took place on 14 January 2024, the 52nd anniversary of her accession to the throne.[36] She said that time had taken its "toll", that her number of "ailments" had increased, and that she cannot undertake as many duties as in the past. She cited her extensive back surgery in February, and said that the operation made her reassess her position and consider "whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation".[37]

Margrethe's elder son, Frederik, assumed the throne as Frederik X.[38][39] Mirroring her first New Year Address in 1973, she said of the succession: "The support and assistance which I have received throughout the years, have been crucial to the success of my task. It is my hope that the new King and Queen will be met with the same trust and devotion which have fallen to my lot."[37]

Since her abdication, she has been referred to as "Her Majesty Queen Margrethe".[40][41] She is eligible to serve as regent in the event of the incapacity or absence of the King and Crown Prince Christian. As regent, Margrethe can perform the duties of the head of state on certain occasions, for example during Frederik and Christian's stays abroad.[42]

Health issues

[edit]
Henrik lighting a cigarette for Margrethe, 1966

Queen Margrethe II has had a number of health issues. Since the 1990s, she has undergone several operations on her right knee due to injuries and osteoarthritis. In 1994, she was treated for cervical cancer.[43] In 2003, she underwent a four-and-a-half-hour-long operation for spinal stenosis.[44]

On 9 February 2022, the Danish court disclosed in a press release that the Queen had contracted COVID-19.[45] On 13 February, the Queen was able to leave home isolation after having had a mild case of the virus.[46] On 21 September 2022, the Danish Royal House disclosed in a press release that Margrethe had tested positive for COVID-19 a second time after attending the state funeral of Elizabeth II, her third cousin, in London.[47][48] She left home isolation again on 26 September and resumed her official duties immediately, stating that she felt fine.[49]

On 22 February 2023, the Queen underwent "major back surgery" at Rigshospitalet due to continued back pain.[50] In a statement the following day, a representative for the Queen said that the surgery had gone well and that she had already been up for a walk.[44] She was discharged from the hospital on 2 March,[50][51] and returned from sick leave on her birthday on 16 April.

Margrethe has been a chain smoker and is well known for her tobacco habit.[52] On 23 November 2006, the Danish newspaper B.T. printed an announcement from the Royal Court that the Queen would henceforth smoke only in private.[53]

In September 2024, she was hospitalised after falling in Fredensborg Castle.[54]

Public image and style

[edit]
Margrethe wearing her famous yellow and floral raincoat, which was sewn out of a waxy outdoor tablecloth[55][56]

Margrethe wears designs by former Pierre Balmain designer Erik Mortensen, Jørgen Bender, and Birgitte Taulow.[57] In March 2013, The Guardian listed her as one of the fifty best-dressed over-50s.[58] In connection with her 80th birthday, British Vogue published an article calling her "An Unsung Style Heroine."[59]

A 2012 poll showed support for the monarchy in Denmark remained consistently high at around 82%, compared to less than half when she acceded to the throne in 1972.[60][61][35]

The Queen has been depicted on the annual christmas seal twice—as a child in 1942 and following her accession to the throne in 1972.[2]

Margrethe was included in Andy Warhol's portrait series in 1985 as one of four Reigning Queens, along with queens Ntfombi of Eswatini, Elizabeth II and Beatrix of the Netherlands.[62]

Personal interests

[edit]

Archaeology

[edit]

Margrethe is known for her strong archaeological passion and has participated in several excavations, including in Italy, Egypt, Denmark and South America.[63] She shared this interest with her grandfather, Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden, with whom she spent some time unearthing artefacts near Etruria in 1962.[60]

Church textiles

[edit]

Since the 1970s, Margrethe has designed and embroidered several vestments and church textiles for churches in Denmark, Greenland, Germany and England.[64] She has designed a chasuble for Fredensborg Palace Church which was since embroidered by her mother, Queen Ingrid, and appliquéd by her sister, Princess Benedikte. The textile was presented to the church on its 250th anniversary in 1976. In 1989, Margrethe designed the bishop's robe for the Diocese of Viborg. In 2017, she designed the antependium for the All Saints' Church, Wittenberg, Germany. In 2020, she designed the chasuble for the Danish Church of St Katharine in the London Borough of Camden.[65]

In addition to the church textiles, Margrethe has various other things, including an altarpiece for Skei Mountain Church in Norway, a Christmas spoon, the annual Danish Christmas seals in 1970, 2003 and 2015, and Greenland's Christmas seal in 1983.[66]

Découpage

[edit]

Since the mid-1970s, Margrethe has been using the découpage technique, which involves combining clippings from periodicals and books for new motifs. This technique is used in auction catalogues, home magazines, and furniture decorations. The découpage often references literary, mythological, or art-historical topics, and is often displayed in royal palaces, particularly Christian VII's Palace at Amalienborg. Sealed with a protective lacquer, the Queen's découpage works generally have references to literary, mythological or art-historical topics.[67]

Margrethe's découpage works have also been used in various books and films, including Prince Henrik's poetry collections Cantabile (2000) and Frihjul (2010).[67] Eighty-one découpages she designed were the basis for the sets of the 2023 film Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction.[68][69]

Embroidery

[edit]

As a child, Margrethe preferred drawing rather than needlework, but since 1960, numerous embroideries have been presented as gifts or used in the Queen's own rooms. The embroideries are made from patterns that Margrethe herself creates on graph paper, which includes twining shapes and the recipient's monogram. The Queen has designed several embroideries for the Danish Handcraft Guild, including patterns for calendars, cushion covers and dinner mats. Margrethe has also designed evening bags and spectacle cases for friends and family members, including Christmas calendars for all of the grandchildren, cushion covers and furniture covers for the palaces, and fireplace screens for Fredensborg Palace.[70]

The Queen's private embroideries were exhibited at Koldinghus Castle in 2021.[70]

Films

[edit]

The Queen has worked as a screenwriter alongside Per Brink Abrahamsen on the two Hans Christian Andersen adaptations The Snow Queen [da] from 2000 and The Wild Swans [da] from 2009. Additionally, she narrated the former and made an uncredited acting cameo as a "member of the mob" in the latter.

Using decoupage as her primary craft, she has also been a set designer for:

For her work on Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction, Margrethe won the Robert Award for Best Costume Design at the 41st Robert Awards on 3 February 2024. She was also nominated in the category Best Production Design.[71]

Monograms

[edit]
Margrethe's royal monogram (left) and her personal monogram (right)

In 2004, Margrethe designed the official monogram of her second cousin twice removed, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway.[72] She has also designed her own personal monogram; the personal monograms of her son Frederik X, daughter-in-law Mary and grandson Christian; as well as the joint monograms of the Danish Crown Prince couple as well as the Norwegian Crown Prince couple, her godson Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, and his wife Mette-Marit.

Scenography and costume design

[edit]

Over the years, Margrethe has become involved in ballet as a scenographer and costume designer.[73] She designed the costumes for the Royal Danish Ballet's production of A Folk Tale and for the 2009 Peter Flinth film, De vilde svaner (The Wild Swans).[3][74] She also designs her own clothes and is known for her colourful and sometimes eccentric clothing choices. The Queen designed 51 costumes for the 2023 film Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction as well as 81 découpages that were the basis for the sets.[68][69]

Margrethe has designed sets and costumes for numerous ballets. Since 2001, she has worked with the Tivoli Ballet Theatre:[75]

Visual art

[edit]

Further information: Illustrating Tolkien § Margrethe II of Denmark

Margrethe is an accomplished painter and has exhibited many of her works over the years.[77] In 2000, she illustrated Prince Henrik's poetry collection Cantabile. Under the title From mountains to coast, she and her close friend, Queen Sonja of Norway, exhibited selected works inspired by nature at the Barony Rosendal in 2015.

Under the pseudonym Ingahild Grathmer (the latter being an anagram for Margrethe and the former made up of her secondary names Ingrid, Alexandrine and Þórhildur), her illustrations were used for Danish editions of The Lord of the Rings, which she was encouraged to illustrate in the early 1970s.[78] She sent them to J. R. R. Tolkien, who was struck by the similarity of her drawings to his own style.[79]

Honours

[edit]
See also: List of honours of the Danish royal family by country

National

[edit]

Foreign

[edit]

Awards

[edit]

Honorific eponyms

[edit]

Awards

[edit]

Geographic locations

[edit]

Objects

[edit]

Structures

[edit]

Honorary military appointments

[edit]

Ancestry

[edit]
See also: Descendants of Christian IX of Denmark

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Margrethe II

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Margrethe II (Margrethe Alexandrine Þorhildur ; born 16 April 1940) was Queen of from 14 January 1972 until her abdication on 14 January 2024.
The eldest daughter of King Frederik IX and Queen , she ascended the throne upon her father's death, marking the first female succession in Denmark since the enactment of the 1953 allowing for her benefit.
Her 52-year reign, the longest of any in Danish history and the second-longest overall after King Christian IV's 60 years, emphasized constitutional duties alongside personal pursuits in , , and .
Margrethe married French Henri de Laborde de Monpezat (Prince Henrik) in 1967, with whom she had two sons, Frederik (later King Frederik X) and ; the couple's marriage faced strains, notably over Henrik's unfulfilled desire for equal consort status.
Renowned for her artistic endeavors, she engaged in , , for ballets, and illustrations for J.R.R. Tolkien's works, while also translating Danish editions of .
A notable controversy arose in when she revoked the princely titles and HRH styles of four grandchildren—Prince 's children—to streamline the and reduce official obligations, prompting family discord and public debate despite her subsequent apology for the emotional impact.
Citing health issues following back surgery, Margrethe announced her abdication in late 2023—the first voluntary one by a Danish monarch in nearly 900 years—ensuring a smooth transition to Frederik X while retaining her title as Queen.

Early life

Birth and family background

Margrethe Alexandrine Þórhildur was born on 16 1940 at Frederik VIII's Palace in , , as the first child of Frederik (later Frederik IX, 1899–1972) and (1905–2000, born ). Her birth occurred during the early stages of the German occupation of , which began on 9 1940. On her father's side, Margrethe descended from the , with paternal grandparents King Christian X of Denmark (1870–1947) and Duchess (1879–1952). Her mother, , was the daughter of (1882–1973) and Princess (1882–1920), linking the to British royalty through Margaret's father, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, a son of . Margrethe has two younger sisters: Princess Benedikte (born 29 April 1944) and (born 30 August 1946, later Queen of Greece).

Education

Margrethe received her early education at Zahles Skole in , initially as a private pupil at Palace from 1946 to 1949 before attending classes in person from 1949 to 1955. She spent the 1955–1956 school year as a boarder at North Foreland Lodge, a boarding school in , , to further her language studies in English. Returning to Zahles Skole, she completed her upper in the languages branch, passing the studentereksamen (university entrance examination) in 1959; her curriculum emphasized Danish, English, French, German, and Swedish. In higher education, Margrethe passed her philosophy examination at the in 1960. She then studied prehistoric archaeology at Girton College, , from 1960 to 1961, earning a in the subject and participating in related excavations in and abroad. Shifting focus to , she attended from 1961 to 1962, followed by studies at the Sorbonne in in 1963 and at the London School of Economics in 1965. These pursuits reflected her preparation for constitutional duties, combining analytical, historical, and governance-oriented disciplines without pursuing a formal degree.

Pre-accession years

Role as heir presumptive

Princess Margrethe became to the Danish throne following the enactment of the Act of Succession on 27 March 1953, which amended the to allow female succession among the descendants of King Frederik IX in the absence of male heirs. The amendment, driven by public support for maintaining the direct line amid Frederik IX's three daughters and no sons, was approved via on 28 May 1953 with 85% voter approval, displacing her uncle, Prince Knud, from immediate succession. Under the male-preference retained in the act, Margrethe held presumptive status, displaceable by a hypothetical younger brother, though none materialized. Upon attaining majority on 16 April 1958, at age 18, Margrethe formally assumed the role of , gaining a seat in the (Statsråd), where she participated in consultations between the sovereign and the government on key matters. In this capacity, she increasingly represented in official capacities, including state visits and ceremonial events, preparing for potential accession while supporting her father's reign. Throughout the , as , Margrethe undertook diplomatic engagements abroad and domestic roles, embodying continuity in the constitutional monarchy's ceremonial functions without executive power. Her visibility helped sustain public approval for the monarchy, with her poised demeanor aligning with Denmark's post-war emphasis on stable institutions. This period solidified her as the designated successor until Frederik IX's death on 14 January 1972.

Marriage and immediate family

On 10 June 1967, Crown Princess Margrethe married , a French , at Holmens Church in . Upon marriage, he received the title and served as consort during her reign. Born on 11 June 1934 in , , , Henrik was the son of Count André de Laborde de Monpezat and Countess Renée Yvonne Doursenot de Monpezat; he had worked in the French foreign service, including postings in , prior to the marriage. He died on 13 February 2018 at following complications from and a . The couple had two sons: Frederik André Henrik Christian, born on 26 May 1968 at in , who succeeded Margrethe as King Frederik X upon her ; and Joachim Holger Christian, born on 7 June 1969. Frederik married Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, an Australian, on 14 May 2004, while has had multiple marriages, including to Alexandra Christina Manley from 1995 to 2005 and later to Marie Agathe Odile Cavallier since 2008. The family resided primarily at Amalienborg Palace in and during summers.

Reign (1972–2024)

Accession and early challenges

King Frederik IX died on January 14, 1972, at the age of 72 from complications following a heart attack, marking the end of his 25-year reign. His eldest daughter, Crown Princess Margrethe, aged 31, acceded to the throne immediately upon his death, becoming Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, as well as of Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The succession proceeded smoothly under the 1953 Act of Succession, which had designated her as heir presumptive due to the absence of male heirs. The following day, January 15, 1972, Queen Margrethe II was formally proclaimed from the balcony of in , attended by thousands of citizens amid national mourning. She became Denmark's first reigning queen in over 560 years, since Margrethe I in the early , under the constitutional framework allowing absolute for her line. Her first official act was presiding over the , signaling continuity in governance. One immediate challenge was the monarchy's public support, which stood at only 42 percent in , reflecting skepticism toward the institution amid social changes and the novelty of female rule. Additionally, her husband, Prince Henrik, assumed the role of without the title of king, a traditional Danish practice that soon sparked personal and public tensions over his perceived secondary status, contributing to ongoing strains in the royal household. These issues coincided with Denmark's broader economic pressures from the , though the queen's ceremonial role limited direct involvement, focusing instead on stabilizing monarchical symbolism through approachable public engagements.

Constitutional duties and official responsibilities

As in Denmark's , Queen Margrethe II held formal executive authority vested in the sovereign by the Constitutional Act of 5 June 1849, but exercised it solely through responsible ministers without independent political influence. Her duties encompassed ceremonial and representational roles, including signing all acts of the into law upon countersignature by a cabinet minister, a process formalized during sessions of the over which she presided. She convened the first such council on 15 January 1972, shortly after her accession. Margrethe II formally appointed and governments following parliamentary elections, typically designating the leader of the largest party or as recommended by political consultations, though she held no discretion to override parliamentary majorities. She also dismissed ministers and civil servants on ministerial advice and received regular briefings from the and foreign minister on national and international affairs. As supreme commander of the Danish armed forces, her role remained symbolic, with operational command delegated to military chiefs. In foreign relations, the queen represented through state visits, hosting incoming dignitaries at , and accepting credentials from ambassadors, fostering diplomatic ties without policy input. Domestically, she performed ceremonial functions such as opening parliamentary sessions, attending national anniversaries, and bestowing honors, including knighthoods and medals during audiences. These responsibilities underscored her position as a unifying , embodying continuity amid Denmark's parliamentary .

Domestic policies and cultural stances

Queen Margrethe II, while bound by constitutional constraints limiting her to ceremonial roles, expressed views on domestic social cohesion through public interviews and speeches, emphasizing the preservation of Danish over . In a 2016 interview with , she stated, "I would not say we are a ," acknowledging increased diversity but highlighting integration failures, noting that residence alone does not confer Danishness. She elaborated that successful adaptation requires immigrants to respect core Danish values, such as freedom of expression and secular norms, rather than expecting society to accommodate parallel cultures. This stance aligned with broader Danish debates on assimilation, where she urged Muslim immigrants specifically to adopt Western principles to foster unity. Her comments, delivered amid rising concerns post-2015 , underscored a causal view that cultural congruence, not mere coexistence, underpins social stability, countering narratives of effortless prevalent in some European discourse. On broader societal matters, Margrethe II modernized the 's domestic image by permitting her sons to marry commoners, diverging from traditional royal to reflect egalitarian shifts in Danish while maintaining institutional relevance. Her New Year's addresses often reinforced national resilience and communal bonds, drawing on her —"God's help, the people's love, Denmark's strength"—to promote unity amid challenges and demographic changes. She positioned the as a stabilizing constant, avoiding partisan endorsement but implicitly supporting Denmark's high-trust, homogeneous social model that empirical data links to effective and low rates. In cultural realms, Margrethe II contributed directly as an artist and archaeologist, bypassing formal training to produce illustrations for J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy under the pseudonym Ingahild Grathmer in the 1970s, later exhibited publicly. She designed costumes and sets for the Royal Danish Ballet, including productions of and A Folk Tale, and created liturgical vestments for Danish bishops, blending royal patronage with personal creativity to elevate national arts. Her archaeological pursuits included hands-on excavations in and abroad, such as at the prehistoric site of Åsum in 1962, reflecting a commitment to empirical exploration of national heritage; a 2010 National Museum exhibition marked her 70th birthday by showcasing artifacts from her digs. These endeavors positioned her as a cultural steward, fostering public appreciation for 's historical continuity amid modern pressures.

Immigration and integration debates

Queen Margrethe II occasionally commented on Denmark's and integration challenges, diverging from the typical political neutrality expected of the . In an April interview, she urged immigrants to respect Denmark's core values, stating that while they need not enjoy Danish customs like the , adherence to fundamental societal norms was essential for coexistence. She expressed particular concern over rising threats and against Denmark's Jewish community, linking it to broader integration failures amid increased . By October 2016, in a book-length interview published as De uundgåelige frihed, Margrethe II articulated a firmer stance, asserting that is not a multicultural society despite the presence of over 30 religions and diverse backgrounds among residents. She emphasized that mere residence does not confer Danish identity, declaring, "It's not a of nature that one becomes Danish by living in . It doesn't necessarily happen," and stressed the need for active learning of , customs, and behaviors. The queen advocated for Danes to proactively teach immigrants proper conduct, including respect for democratic rules, while critiquing insufficient enforcement of these standards, particularly toward Muslim newcomers who may underestimate Islam's challenges in a secular context. Her remarks fueled public discourse, aligning with Denmark's empirical integration struggles—such as persistent parallel societies and welfare dependencies among non-Western immigrants—but drew for a head of state's perceived overreach into . Margrethe II maintained that immigrants should retain their roots without demanding societal concessions, positioning integration as a reciprocal obligation rather than passive . These views reflected a realist assessment of causal factors in failed assimilation, prioritizing cultural cohesion over unchecked diversity.

Foreign relations and international engagements

As Denmark's , Margrethe II played a ceremonial yet symbolically significant role in foreign relations, hosting incoming state visits and conducting outgoing ones to strengthen bilateral ties in trade, culture, security, and diplomacy. These engagements aligned with Denmark's foreign policy foundations, including membership since 1949, EU participation since 1973 with opt-outs on key areas like the and , and close Nordic cooperation. She hosted 20 incoming state visits from leaders of countries including in 2023, in 2018, and in 2012—the first by a Chinese head of state to —and undertook 22 outgoing state visits to nations such as in 2021, in 2017, and in 2014. These visits typically featured formal ceremonies, business delegations, and cultural exchanges to promote mutual interests. In security matters, Margrethe II visited Thule Air Base in on October 31, 2021, where she interacted with U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic personnel, underscoring Denmark's strategic Arctic contributions to amid growing geopolitical tensions. Her meetings with world leaders included a 2011 reception of Russian Prime Minister (later president) and a 2014 encounter with him as president, after which she remarked on his "cold eyes," indicating unease with his character based on personal observation. Following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, she received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska for an audience on August 20, 2023, in Copenhagen—interrupting her summer residence—to affirm Denmark's humanitarian aid and royal support for Ukraine's defense efforts, amid Denmark's provision of F-16 jets and other military assistance. In Asia-focused diplomacy, she hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 4, 2022, discussing advancements in the Denmark-India Green Strategic Partnership on renewable energy and climate cooperation. A notable diplomatic episode occurred in 2019 when Margrethe II invited U.S. President for a visit, which he canceled after Danish officials rejected his public suggestion to purchase , prompting his characterization of as "nasty" on ; this followed an earlier instance in the 1980s when, as a private businessman, Trump sought but did not receive a meeting with her. Such interactions highlighted the monarchy's adherence to protocol while navigating international frictions.

Jubilees, reign records, and national milestones

Margrethe II's reign, spanning from 15 January 1972 to 14 January 2024, lasted exactly 52 years, making her the second-longest-reigning monarch in Danish history after Christian IV, who ruled for nearly 60 years from 1588 to 1648. She also held the distinction of being Denmark's longest-reigning queen, surpassing predecessors like Margrethe I in the 14th–15th centuries, and at the time of her , the longest-serving living monarch in . The marking 25 years of her reign was observed on 14 January 1997 with a religious service at Chapel followed by a gala dinner attended by family and dignitaries. Commemorative issues, including a 200-krone featuring her portrait, were minted to honor the occasion. Her 40th jubilee in 2012 featured an official program from 13 to 15 January, including public events and ceremonies centered on her role as . The in 2022 commemorated 50 years since her accession, initially marked on 14 January with a meeting, service, and balcony appearance at Amalienborg Palace alongside Frederik and Mary. Larger public celebrations, originally planned for spring but postponed due to restrictions, occurred on 10–11 September after further delay out of respect for Queen Elizabeth II's death; these included a gala performance at the Royal Danish Theatre, a church service, and a family procession through . The events underscored her embodiment of Danish continuity, with widespread national participation despite scaled-back formats. Among national milestones, Margrethe II's accession represented a constitutional breakthrough as the first under the 1953 Act of Succession, which enabled female for her generation, symbolizing Denmark's evolution toward gender-neutral royal inheritance. During her tenure, the monarchy marked the 150th anniversary of the dynasty's ascent in 2013, with her presiding over related observances that highlighted the stability of Denmark's 1,000-year-old institution amid modern republican debates. Her reign coincided with Denmark's integration into the in 1973, where she hosted accession ceremonies, reinforcing the kingdom's post-war international alignment.

Decision to abdicate

On 31 December 2023, Queen Margrethe II announced her intention to abdicate in her annual televised address to the nation, stating that the decision crystallized after a period of reflection prompted by major back she underwent on 22 February 2023. The 83-year-old explicitly linked the operation's aftermath to broader considerations of her capacity to continue, noting that "the naturally gave rise to thinking about the future – whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation." Margrethe emphasized the physical and temporal demands of her 52-year reign, observing that "time takes its toll" and that, on 14 January 2024—the exact anniversary of her accession following King Frederik IX's death—she would step down, paving the way for her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, to ascend as King Frederik X. This marked Denmark's first voluntary monarchical abdication since that of Christopher of Bavaria in 1448, diverging from the tradition of reigning for life that had prevailed among Danish sovereigns for over five centuries. The announcement, delivered without prior consultation with the Danish government or public, caught observers off-guard, as Margrethe had previously affirmed her commitment to lifelong service in response to her husband Prince Henrik's 2017 frustrations over title parity. While some media speculated on underlying factors such as dynamics or public pressures unrelated to health, the queen's public rationale centered solely on personal and generational transition, with no evidence of external coercion in official records. The Danish Royal House confirmed the abdication's procedural validity under the constitutional requirement for parliamentary notification, executed via a formal declaration before the on the designated date.

Post-abdication period

Transition and ongoing public role

Following her abdication on 14 January 2024, during a meeting at , Margrethe II immediately transferred the throne to her son, who acceded as King Frederik X, with proclaiming the succession from the palace balcony to a gathered crowd. The transition maintained constitutional continuity, as Denmark's monarchy operates under parliamentary democracy with no or elaborate required beyond the . Margrethe retained her royal residences, including her primary apartment at Palace in , and access to other palaces such as Fredensborg Castle. Post-abdication, Margrethe holds the title Hendes Majestæt Dronning Margrethe (Her Majesty Queen Margrethe), without the in everyday use, though formally styled as Queen Margrethe II of ; she is no longer the but remains a senior member of the royal family with her own court household. Under the Danish Constitution, she can be appointed rigsforstander () to perform duties in the temporary absence of both the king and . Her official responsibilities ended with the , but she continues selective public engagements focused on cultural, educational, and ceremonial events, often alongside the new royal couple. Early post-abdication appearances included attending a church service at on 21 January 2024, the inauguration of Prins Henriks Skole in on 7 February 2024, and a gala dinner hosted by King Frederik X and Queen Mary in March 2024. In April 2024, she presented the Queen Margrethe II's Science Prize in and attended the Holmenkollen FIS Nordic in with Norwegian royals. She also received the for Best Costume Design in February 2024 for her work on ballet costumes, reflecting her ongoing involvement in artistic projects, such as designing for ' 150th anniversary. Into 2025, Margrethe marked the first anniversary of her on 14 by wearing a from that day's events, signaling continuity in personal symbolism. However, on 8 May 2025, she was hospitalized briefly for a cold, leading to the cancellation of planned engagements, before resuming limited activities, including receiving visitors at by 22 May 2025. These instances underscore a reduced but persistent public presence, emphasizing non-political over formal duties.

Recent activities and travels

Following her on 14 January 2024, Queen Margrethe retained her title and undertook a reduced number of public engagements, focusing more on personal pursuits amid scaled-back official duties. In July 2025, she participated in the annual royal event at , her family's summer residence, appearing alongside her sister, Princess Benedikte. On 15 September 2025, Margrethe joined Queen Mary for a visit to GeoCenter , a geological site on the island of , in one of her first joint outings with the new since the throne's succession. She also contributed creatively to the by designing a new throne for her son, King Frederik X, which was presented in September 2025. Health issues briefly interrupted her schedule in May 2025, when she canceled an engagement and was admitted to the hospital as a precaution for a cold, before being discharged on 10 May; she reappeared publicly on 22 May to receive an award. Her travels post-abdication have remained primarily domestic, centered on Denmark's royal residences and sites, with one international trip: an official visit to , , on 24–25 October 2025, including stops at the Museum and Augustus Mausoleum.

Health history

Major health events during

In 1994, Margrethe II received successful treatment for , detected at an early stage with a high . On December 26, 2001, she fell at Marselisborg Castle, resulting in two broken ribs; she recovered sufficiently to resume official duties shortly thereafter. In 2003, she underwent a four-hour at Aarhus University Hospital to address , a condition causing narrowing of the ; she was discharged after one week and returned to her schedule. A operation followed in September 2006, after which she rested briefly while her husband, Prince Henrik, assumed some ceremonial roles. The following year, in February 2007, Margrethe II had a one-hour right at Hospital, entering rehabilitation afterward to restore mobility. She tested positive for twice during the pandemic, in February and September 2022, experiencing mild symptoms and isolating before full recovery in both instances. Her most extensive procedure came on February 22, 2023, when she underwent major back surgery at in for recurring ; discharged on March 2 after initial recovery, the operation involved significant rehabilitation and prompted later reflections on her capacity to continue reigning. Throughout her reign, Margrethe II maintained a long-term habit spanning 66 years, which she ceased in 2023 amid accumulating concerns.

Post-abdication health updates

Following her on January 14, 2024, Margrethe II was hospitalized on September 19, 2024, after sustaining a fall at her residence in Fredensborg Castle. She was admitted to in for observation, with palace statements indicating no serious injuries and her subsequent discharge to continue recovery at the palace. Queen Mary reported that Margrethe remained in good spirits post-incident. On May 8, 2025, at age 85, she was readmitted to the hospital after contracting a cold, prompting the cancellation of scheduled public engagements for the week. The admission served as a precautionary measure for monitoring, and she was discharged on May 10, 2025. Margrethe appeared publicly for the first time following the May hospitalization on May 22, 2025, attending an event to accept an award. She has persisted in using a walking cane for mobility support, linked to ongoing effects from major performed in 2023.

Public perception

Image, style, and popularity

Queen Margrethe II cultivated a distinctive public image characterized by artistic eccentricity and bold personal expression, often blending traditional royal grandeur with modern, playful elements in her attire. Her fashion choices featured vibrant colors, bold prints, and unconventional accessories, such as self-designed floral raincoats and opalescent jewel-toned ensembles that deviated from conventional royal restraint. This style reflected her background as a self-taught artist, emphasizing individuality over uniformity, with outfits like extravagant ballgowns paired with opera gloves for state events and casual, sailboat-inspired frocks for informal appearances. Her approachable demeanor, marked by a relaxed smile and unescorted public outings, contributed to perceptions of her as down-to-earth yet authoritative, fostering a "queen of hearts" persona tied to her creative pursuits. This image persisted post-abdication, with her maintaining visibility through artistic endeavors and family engagements, reinforcing her role as a cultural . Margrethe enjoyed consistently high public approval in Denmark, serving as a unifying presence during her 52-year reign and beyond. Support for the monarchy under her stewardship reached 76.7% in 2018 polls, reflecting broad endorsement of her modernizing approach. Even after abdicating on January 14, 2024, she remained the most favored royal family member in a 2025 survey, outranking King Frederik X and Queen Mary, with her popularity attributed to perceived intelligence, generosity, and cultural contributions. Despite occasional controversies, such as the 2022 decision to strip princely titles from four grandchildren—which drew familial criticism—her overall favorability endured, underscoring resilience in public esteem.

Achievements and criticisms

Margrethe II's reign, spanning from January 15, 1972, to January 14, 2024, marked her as Denmark's longest-serving , surpassing King Christian IV's 59-year record on July 16, 2023, after 51 years on the throne. She was the first female since Margrethe I in the , ascending under a amended in to allow female succession. Her efforts to modernize the emphasized accessibility and relevance, fostering public engagement through jubilees like the 2012 celebrating 40 years of rule, which reinforced national unity amid economic and social shifts. These initiatives sustained high approval ratings for the institution, averaging 76-80 percent support for the throughout her tenure, with her personal popularity reaching 88 percent in a 2025 poll. Internationally, she strengthened Denmark's diplomatic profile through state visits and cultural exchanges, navigating challenges like integrations and global crises while maintaining constitutional neutrality. Her announcement on December 31, 2023, following back surgery, was framed as ensuring continuity, though it deviated from Nordic tradition of lifelong rule. Criticisms centered on family decisions, notably her September 29, 2022, order stripping prince and princess titles from her four youngest grandchildren—children of Prince Joachim—to streamline the monarchy and reduce official duties, which ignited a public rift with Joachim and prompted her October 2022 apology for underestimating the personal toll. Tensions with her husband, Prince Henrik, persisted from the 1990s; he publicly rejected his "prince consort" title, demanding "king," boycotted events like their 2005 ruby jubilee, and requested separate burial from her, citing marginalization, which she later described as providing "invaluable criticism" amid their disagreements. Her September 2016 Der Spiegel interview remark that "I would not say we are a " but rather one with increasing diverse residents requiring drew backlash from pro-multicultural outlets for downplaying impacts, though it aligned with Denmark's empirical policies of strict assimilation, low rates (around 10 percent foreign-born integrated fully), and rejection of parallel societies—contrasting with higher-diversity nations facing integration failures. Left-leaning media amplified this as insensitive, yet polls showed sustained public support for her candid realism on homogeneity as a Danish strength.

Creative and intellectual pursuits

Archaeological work

Margrethe II developed an interest in during her teenage years, participating in excavations in and joining her grandfather, King Frederik IX, on digs in toward the end of the . She pursued formal studies in the field, attending Girton College at the for and later enrolling in and courses at from 1961 to 1962, during which she took part in additional excavations both domestically and internationally. Her hands-on involvement extended to sites abroad, including the 2017 opening of excavations at the ancient in , where she engaged with Danish and Italian archaeologists on the project's focus on Roman . Post-abdication, she continued site visits, such as in August 2024 to the excavation at Hedegård in Central , where she examined findings with the archaeological team, and to a Viking-era burial site near affiliated with , potentially linked to early Danish royalty. In October 2025, she participated in Rome-based programs emphasizing , , and architecture, meeting experts and viewing ancient artifacts. To support the discipline, Margrethe II established Dronning Margrethe II's Arkæologiske Fond, which funds Danish archaeological research and public outreach where public resources fall short. She also instituted the Dronning Margrethe II's Rejselegat at , providing travel grants to students in and —fields she studied there—to facilitate international fieldwork. Her contributions were highlighted in the 2011 National Museum of Denmark exhibition "Queen Margrethe II and ," featuring personal photographs, films from her early digs, and artifacts from her excavations.

Textile arts and embroidery

Queen Margrethe II initiated her embroidery practice in 1960 at Graasten Palace, drawing inspiration from her mother, Queen , and producing initial pieces without formal patterns, such as an evening bag for Queen , a spectacle case for Princess Benedikte, and a chair cover for Amalienborg Palace. Over time, she refined her approach by drafting patterns on , often incorporating the recipient's intertwined with flowing organic forms, while selecting colors and motifs to align with the intended user or environment. Her embroideries encompass personal items and gifts, including cushion covers, furniture upholstery for royal residences such as the palaces, Royal Yacht Dannebrog, and Trend hunting lodge, spectacle cases, evening bags, Christmas calendars for her grandchildren, and a 3.5-meter Christmas tablecloth for Marselisborg Palace. She has also contributed designs to the Danish Handcraft Guild, producing patterns for calendars, cushion covers, and dinner mats. In the realm of ecclesiastical textile arts, Queen Margrethe has designed—and in some instances personally embroidered—vestments and paraments since the mid-1970s for churches across , , , and , employing durable materials like damask-woven silks, , and repurposed fabrics from royal wardrobes. Key commissions include chasubles for Frederiksborg Palace Church (green in the 1970s; white and violet in 1976, collaborated with Queen Ingrid and Princess Benedikte), complete sets of chasubles and antependiums for (1987–1988, incorporating silks from diplomatic travels and an evening gown), an and chasuble for Graasten Palace Church (2018–2020, featuring personal heraldic symbols), and a red chasuble with a colorful cross motif evoking the Danish for St. Katharine's Church in (2020). Motifs frequently reference narratives, Danish hymns, or site-specific elements, with collaborations involving family members and groups like Selskabet for Kirkelig Kunst to ensure liturgical suitability and longevity. Her embroidery oeuvre gained public visibility through exhibitions, including church textiles displayed at in Reykjavik in 1998 and a comprehensive show of her patterns and finished works at Koldinghus Castle in 2021. Recent endeavors include the design and of chairs unveiled on September 26, 2025, for King Frederik X and Queen Mary at , as well as attendance at the August 17, 2025, inauguration of a new she designed.

Visual arts and design

Queen Margrethe II has pursued throughout her life, beginning with childhood drawings influenced by her grandmother Margareta and Prince Eugen of , including colored fish panels created for Frederik VIII's Palace. She employs techniques such as watercolors, which she began using in the mid-1970s, oil pastels, and acrylic paints, the latter for over 30 years, producing works in both naturalistic and abstract styles often organized into thematic series. Her inspirations draw from nature, travels to regions like and , palace interiors, archaeological findings, literature, and imaginative elements. A pivotal early public contribution came in 1970 when she designed Denmark's annual Christmas seal, marking the initial widespread recognition of her artistic talents. In the 1970s, under the pseudonym Ingahild Grathmer—a partial anagram of her name—she created decoupage illustrations for J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, submitting sketches that impressed the author before his death; these were published by Gyldendal in 1977 and reissued in 2001. She also produced watercolor illustrations of the story for her sons' bedtime readings during this period. Subsequent book illustrations include Historien om Regnar Lodbrog (1979), Snedronningen (2000), and De Vilde Svaner (2009), frequently employing decoupage techniques to evoke fairy-tale motifs. Notable series encompass Landskaber til tabte sagn (Landscapes for Lost Legends), blending landscape elements with mythical narratives. Her extend to design applications, such as graphic elements for seals and illustrations that integrate into printed media. Over 50 exhibitions of her , drawings, and works have occurred since the mid-1980s, held in venues across —like Kunstmuseet Køge Skitsesamling (1988), Amalienborgmuseet (2000), and ARKEN (2012)—as well as internationally in , the , , and . These displays highlight her versatility, from surreal to acrylic canvases, with pieces occasionally entering auctions, such as a painting sold in 2024.

Film, scenography, and other media

Queen Margrethe II contributed to scenography and costume design starting in the 1970s, initially through amateur theater in Næstved that led to professional work with Danmarks Radio's TV theater. From the mid-1980s onward, she collaborated extensively with the Royal Danish Ballet and Royal Danish Theatre, creating sets and costumes for approximately 30 years across multiple productions, including fairy tale ballets like The Nutcracker. Her designs emphasized colorful, detailed aesthetics, earning professional acknowledgment for their intricacy. In recognition of these efforts, she became an honorary member of the Association of Danish Scenographers. In film, Queen Margrethe II served as production designer and costume creator for the 2023 Netflix adaptation Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction, directed by Bille August and based on Karen Blixen's novel. She produced 51 original costumes and 81 découpages—collages serving as the foundation for the film's sets—working unpaid in collaboration with production company JJ Film, which had previously engaged her for shorter films. Her contributions shaped the film's fantasy-drama visual style, drawing on her artistic background. For this work, she received the 2024 Robert Award for Costume Designer of the Year from the Danish Film Academy. Beyond and , Queen Margrethe II extended her scenographic designs to other media, including a peacock carpet for ' open-air Theater in 2024 and sets and costumes for a marking the venue's 150th . These projects highlight her ongoing professional engagement in Danish post-abdication.

Writing and public discourse

Margrethe II collaborated with her husband, Prince Henrik, to translate Simone de Beauvoir's novel Tous les hommes sont mortels (All Men Are Mortal) into Danish under the pseudonym H.M. Vejerbjerg, with the translation published in 1983. This work reflected her interest in French literature, drawing on Henrik's native fluency and her own studies in Paris. She also contributed illustrations and assisted in translations for Danish editions of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy under the pseudonym Ingahild Grathmer, beginning in the 1960s while she was crown princess; her artwork featured on covers and internal pages, enhancing the volumes' aesthetic appeal. In public discourse, Margrethe II delivered annual New Year's addresses from 1972 to 2023, broadcast live from royal residences such as Christian IX's Palace at , reaching audiences of up to two million . These speeches typically emphasized national unity, resilience amid challenges like economic shifts or global events, and personal reflections on duty, concluding with the traditional phrase " save ." Her style was noted for its directness and modernity compared to other European monarchs, often incorporating relatable anecdotes while avoiding overt political commentary. Several addresses garnered attention for addressing social issues candidly. In her 1984 speech, she critiqued Danish complacency toward refugees and immigrants, stating that citizens ought to feel shame for insufficient hospitality amid global hardships, linking post-World War II prosperity to a diminished sense of empathy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she delivered a rare extraordinary address on March 17, 2020—the first outside New Year's Eve—urging adherence to precautions and expressing solidarity with affected families, which reinforced public compliance efforts. Her final New Year's speech on December 31, 2023, announced her abdication effective January 14, 2024, after 52 years on the throne, citing reflections on her health and the monarchy's future. Compilations of her interviews and statements, spanning from onward, have been published in volumes capturing her views on , , and Danish , often highlighting her pragmatic approach to amid modernization. In , she received the Danish Bookcrafting Association Prize for lifetime contributions to and , acknowledging her translational and illustrative works.

Honours and legacy

National recognitions

Margrethe II received the Robert Award for Best Costume Design on 3 February 2024 from the Danish Film Academy, recognizing her work on the Netflix adaptation Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction by Karen Blixen. This national film honor, equivalent to Denmark's Oscars, highlighted her scenographic contributions outside royal duties. On 22 May 2025, she was presented with the Danish Bible Society's 2025 award by Dansk Bibelselskab, acknowledging her patronage of cultural and scriptural preservation efforts. Her 50th anniversary of accession in 2022 prompted nationwide observances, including ecclesiastical services, balcony appearances at Palace, and public festivities across , affirming broad institutional and popular endorsement of her reign. These events underscored her role as the first female sovereign under the 1953 Act of Succession, a constitutional milestone enabling female .

Foreign honours

Queen Margrethe II received numerous foreign honours from sovereign states, typically the highest classes of their chivalric orders, as reciprocal diplomatic gestures between and allied nations. These awards, often conferred during s or anniversaries, underscore her role in fostering as 's . Notable examples include membership in Sweden's Royal Order of the Seraphim, worn publicly during bilateral engagements such as the 1975 Swedish to . In , she held the Grand Cross of the , evidenced by her wearing its sash and breast star during the 1973 Danish to . From the , she was invested as Stranger Lady Companion of the —the realm's preeminent order—on 16 May 1979 by Queen Elizabeth II, recognizing shared monarchical ties. admitted her as a Lady of the in 1985, one of Europe's most exclusive dynastic orders.
CountryHonourYear
Royal (Member)Pre-1975
(Grand Cross)Pre-1973
(Stranger Lady Companion)1979
(Lady)1985

Military appointments and eponyms

As , Margrethe II held the position of supreme commander of the Danish Armed Forces from her accession on 14 January 1972 until her on 14 January 2024, a role enshrined in the Danish constitution whereby the sovereign exercises ultimate authority over military matters through the Minister of Defence. In this capacity, she was appointed to the highest honorary ranks across the services: general in the Royal Danish Army and the Royal Danish Air Force, and admiral in the Royal Danish Navy, reflecting the traditional elevation of the reigning sovereign to these positions upon assuming the . Internationally, Margrethe II received several honorary military appointments, most notably in the . Upon her accession, she was named Allied Colonel-in-Chief of The , an infantry unit of the , a role she held from 1972 to 1992. Following regimental amalgamations, this evolved into her appointment as sole of The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment from 1997 until 2024, during which she participated in ceremonial events such as presenting colours to battalions. These affiliations underscored longstanding Anglo-Danish military ties, with Margrethe II attending reviews and inspections as part of her duties. Among military eponyms associated with Margrethe II, the "Prinsesse Margrethes Honnørmarch" (Princess Margrethe's Honour March), composed during her time as heir presumptive, was redesignated as the official march of the Danish queen upon her 1972 accession and retained throughout her reign for royal guards' ceremonies. This instrumental piece, performed by units such as the Royal Life Guards, symbolized her personal connection to Denmark's military traditions. No major units, vessels, or awards were directly named in her honor during her lifetime, though she approved numerous heraldic elements for Danish forces.

Enduring impact on Danish monarchy

Margrethe II's 52-year from January 14, 1972, to January 14, 2024, reinforced the Danish 's in a secular, egalitarian by emphasizing ceremonial duties over political power, achieving approval ratings as high as 76.7% in amid broader European republican sentiments. Her approachable style, including public engagement in arts and everyday activities, transformed public perception from rigid tradition to a relatable , sustaining monarchical support where similar institutions elsewhere faced decline. A pivotal modernization came through her 2022 decision to revoke princely titles from four of her grandchildren—Prince Nikolai, Prince Felix, Prince Henrik, and Princess Athena—to streamline the royal household and reduce taxpayer burdens, signaling a shift toward a slimmer, more efficient institution akin to contemporary European models. This move, while sparking family tensions with Prince Joachim, aligned the monarchy with Denmark's progressive values, prioritizing fiscal restraint and merit-based roles over hereditary privileges. Her voluntary , the first by a Danish monarch in nearly 900 years since King III Lam in 1146, established a for elective over lifelong tenure, potentially easing transitions and preserving vigor in future reigns amid aging populations and health concerns. This action, announced on December 31, 2023, following back surgery, reflected pragmatic adaptation to modern expectations of work-life balance, influencing Nordic peers and underscoring the monarchy's flexibility without eroding its symbolic continuity. Culturally, Margrethe II elevated the throne's prestige through patronage of and , integrating intellectual pursuits into royal identity and fostering national pride, which indirectly bolstered institutional resilience by associating with Denmark's creative heritage rather than outdated pomp. Her era thus ensured the House of Glücksburg's endurance as a unifying, apolitical fixture, with successor Frederik X inheriting a stabilized framework responsive to democratic norms.

Ancestry

Margrethe II was born on 16 April 1940 as the eldest child and daughter of Frederik of Denmark (later King Frederik IX, reigned 1947–1972) and Ingrid (born Princess Ingrid Victoria Sofia Louise Margareta of , 1910–2000). Her paternal grandparents were King Christian X of Denmark (reigned 1912–1947) and Queen (born Duchess Alexandrine of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, 1879–1952). Christian X's line descends from the , a of the that ascended the Danish throne in 1863 with Christian IX. Her maternal grandparents were King Gustaf VI Adolf of (reigned 1950–1973) and his first wife, Queen Margaret (born , 1882–1920). Margaret was the daughter of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn (1850–1942), third son of Queen Victoria of the , thus linking Margrethe II to the through British royal descent.
RelationPaternal LineMaternal Line
ParentsFrederik IX (1899–1972) (1910–2000)
GrandparentsChristian X (1870–1947)
(1879–1952)		 (1882–1973)
Margaret of Connaught (1882–1920)
Great-grandparentsFrederik VIII (1843–1912)
(1851–1926)		 (1858–1950)
(1862–1930)
This table outlines her immediate ancestry, reflecting the interconnected European royal houses of the 19th and 20th centuries.

References

  1. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-queen-margrethe/
  2. https://denmark.dk/people-and-culture/monarchy
  3. https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-67853397
  4. https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/04/europe/denmark-queen-apologizes-grandchildren-intl-scli
  5. https://apnews.com/article/denmark-queen-margrethe-abdication-what-to-know-389235c59f6fa081bf14c42db1ce5eee
  6. https://www.dw.com/en/denmarks-queen-margrethe-ii-announces-surprise-abdication/a-67864817
  7. https://australien.um.dk/en/news/hm-queen-margrethe-ii-abdicating
  8. https://www.kb.dk/en/inspiration/hm-queen-margrethe-ii-52-years-throne
  9. https://royalcentral.co.uk/features/educating-a-queen-margrethes-studies-170864/
  10. https://www.girton.cam.ac.uk/people/hm-queen-margrethe-ii-denmark
  11. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/succession-of-the-throne
  12. https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2022/01/on-this-day-the-danish-queen-margarethe-ii-50-years-as-head-of-state/
  13. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-07/queen-margrethe-ii-denmarks-longest-reigning-monarch/103282260
  14. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/wedding-of-queen-margrethe-ii-of-denmark-and-henri-de-laborde-de-monpezat/
  15. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/prince-henrik/
  16. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/prince-henrik-husband-of-danish-monarch-dies-at-age-83
  17. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43054758
  18. https://tyrkiet.um.dk/en/about-denmark/the-royal-family/hm-queen-margrethe-ll
  19. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/current-monarchies/danish-royals/danish-royal-family/
  20. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/january-14-1972-accession-of-queen-margrethe-ii-of-denmark/
  21. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12962035/Like-mother-like-son-Queen-Margrethe-II-commenced-reign-exactly-52-years-ago-today-passed-crown-son-King-Frederik-X.html
  22. https://polen.um.dk/nyheder/the-50th-anniversary-of-hm-queen-margrethe-iis-accession-to-the-throne
  23. https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/08/prince-henrik-will-not-be-buried-with-queen-of-denmark
  24. https://www.dw.com/en/queen-margrethe-of-denmark-over-50-years-on-the-throne/g-60380438
  25. https://hrlibrary.umn.edu/research/denmark-constitution.html
  26. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-monarchy-in-denmark/the-monarchy-today/
  27. https://www.thedanishparliament.dk/democracy/the-government
  28. https://planetrulers.com/denmark-queen/
  29. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-monarchy-in-denmark/state-visits/
  30. https://www.thelocal.dk/20161024/queen-margrethe-living-in-denmark-doesnt-make-you-danish
  31. https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/725158/Migrant-crisis-Queen-Margarethe-II-Denmark-Muslim-refugees-integrate-European-values
  32. https://www.thelocal.dk/20161004/queen-margrethe-denmark-not-a-multicultural-country
  33. https://m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/queen-of-hearts-arts-how-denmarks-queen-margrethe-ii-dragged-royalty-to-modernity-in-her-52-yr-reign/articleshow/106436741.cms
  34. https://museehenrimartin.fr/sites/default/files/dossier-de-presse/2022-09/dp_anglais.pdf
  35. https://www.investigate-europe.eu/posts/the-kings-speech-and-the-queens-echo
  36. https://theculturetrip.com/europe/denmark/articles/denmarks-queen-margrethe-illustrated-the-lord-of-the-rings
  37. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/royal-creation-of-art-and_b_1513656
  38. https://regularroyalqueens.wordpress.com/2023/04/16/bones-clothes-and-hobbits-the-many-careers-of-queen-margrethe-ii/
  39. https://www.dw.com/en/worlds-coolest-queen-margrethe-of-denmark/a-18384661
  40. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2015/04/13/denmarks-queen-urges-immigrants-to-adapt/
  41. https://www.thelocal.dk/20150412/queen-margrethe-wades-in-to-immigration-debate
  42. https://www.thetimes.com/world/article/danes-must-teach-refugees-to-behave-better-says-queen-kffl39pn0
  43. https://www.meforum.org/islamist-watch/denmark-queen-living-here-doesnt-make-you-danish
  44. https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/denmark/11671.htm
  45. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2023/countries/denmark/
  46. http://gertsroyals.blogspot.com/2024/02/queen-margrethe-ii-of-denmark-lists-of.html
  47. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/hm-the-queen-to-make-state-visit-to-ghana
  48. https://www.bundespraesident.de/SharedDocs/Berichte/EN/Frank-Walter-Steinmeier/2021/211110-11-State-Visit-Denmark.html
  49. https://www.safia.hq.af.mil/IA-News/Article/2832625/her-majesty-the-queen-of-denmark-margrethe-ii-visits-thule/
  50. https://www.thelocal.dk/20230217/i-haver-never-seen-such-cold-eyes-denmarks-queen-remembers-meeting-putin
  51. https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/prezident-i-persha-ledi-ukrayini-zustrilisya-z-korolevoyu-da-85021
  52. https://news.yahoo.com/zelensky-thanks-denmark-over-f-142335395.html
  53. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-meets-queen-of-denmark-margrethe-ii-at-her-palace/articleshow/91298995.cms
  54. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-49423968
  55. https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/denmark/the-story-of-the-time-queen-margrethe-refused-to-meet-donald-trump-129295/
  56. https://www.lucy.cam.ac.uk/fellows/her-majesty-queen-margrethe-ii-denmark
  57. https://people.com/queen-margrethe-makes-history-longest-reigning-monarch-denmark-7562644
  58. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-67853397
  59. https://royalwatcherblog.com/2021/01/14/queen-margrethe-silver-jubilee/
  60. https://en.numista.com/40910
  61. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/menu/news/hm-the-queens-40th-jubilee-as-reign
  62. https://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2022/01/queen-margrethe-ii-of-denmark-celebrates-her-golden-jubilee.html
  63. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/11/margrethe-ii-denmark-jubilee-europe-only-reigning-queen
  64. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/celebrations-in-the-jubilee-year
  65. https://www.wonderfulcopenhagen.com/wonderful-copenhagen/international-press/golden-jubilee-queen-denmark
  66. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-monarchy-in-denmark/history/
  67. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67854395
  68. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/denmarks-queen-margrethe-ii-abdicate-jan-14-2024-royal-palace-2023-12-31/
  69. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/31/queen-margrethe-ii-of-denmark-announces-surprise-abdication-live-on-tv
  70. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/31/denmarks-queen-margrethe-ii-to-abdicate-after-52-years-on-the-throne
  71. https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/31/europe/queen-margrethe-denmark-abdication-intl
  72. https://somanythoughts.substack.com/p/why-the-queen-of-denmark-is-abdicating
  73. https://www.npr.org/2024/01/14/1224668405/denmark-to-proclaim-a-new-king-as-queen-margrethe-signs-historic-abdication
  74. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/programme-for-the-succession-of-the-throne
  75. https://www.apnews.com/article/denmark-queen-king-margrethe-frederik-abdication-22d9356ab4bad4b058b2305fa8730a27
  76. https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/517551/queen-margrethe-life-since-abdication/
  77. https://www.hola.com/us/royals/20240104354365/queen-margrethe-denmark-title-following-abdication/
  78. https://www.kongehuset.dk/den-kongelige-familie/hm-dronning-margrethe/
  79. https://avisendanmark.dk/kultur/efter-abdikation-her-er-dronning-margrethes-fremtid
  80. https://www.tatler.com/article/queen-margrethe-rewear-abdication-anniversary
  81. https://people.com/queen-margrethe-denmark-hospitalized-cancels-royal-outing-11731184
  82. https://people.com/queen-margrethe-denmark-seen-first-time-since-hospitalization-11739907
  83. https://underholdning.tv2.dk/royale/2025-04-09-slut-med-pligter-nu-er-dronningens-liv-forandret
  84. https://www.tatler.com/article/a-sisterly-engagement-queen-margrethe-and-princess-benedikte-stand-side-by-side-for-an-event-at-their-holiday-home
  85. https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/queen-mary-joins-queen-margrethe-ii-denmark-rare-joint-engagement-at-mons-klint/eeac6807-76ab-4eaa-ad6b-2cbb28558583
  86. https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/denmarks-queen-margrethe-ii-abdicated-the-throne-then-made-her-son-a-new-one
  87. https://people.com/queen-margrethe-denmark-discharged-hospital-cold-11732900
  88. https://www.kongehuset.dk/menu/kalender
  89. https://www.kongehuset.dk/monarkiet-i-danmark/stats-og-officielle-besog
  90. https://www.thelist.com/1494741/queen-margrethe-ii-of-denmark-health-issues-explained/
  91. https://monarchies.fandom.com/wiki/Margrethe_II%2C_Queen_of_Denmark
  92. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/denmarks-queen-margrethe-tests-positive-covid-19-2022-02-09/
  93. https://apnews.com/article/denmark-queen-margrethe-surgery-7aa7f5d8f5946660c8cf7b3fc59afb9a
  94. https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-health/ap-danish-queen-to-undergo-major-back-surgery/
  95. https://www.newsweek.com/denmark-queen-hospital-after-fall-1956280
  96. https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/queen-mary-gives-update-on-queen-margrethe-ii-after-fall-at-fredensborg-palace/9a91f235-bfa1-44d4-937a-a3b92af85958
  97. https://www.newidea.com.au/royals/queen-margrethe-hospitalised/
  98. https://www.thelocal.dk/20250510/denmarks-queen-margrethe-leaves-hospital
  99. https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/831127/queen-mary-pictured-queen-margrethe-health-update/
  100. https://www.voguescandinavia.com/articles/a-look-back-at-queen-margrethe-of-denmarks-eccentric-royal-style
  101. https://www.tatler.com/article/how-queen-margrethe-refashioned-the-danish-monarchy-regal-style-modernity-gretest-looks
  102. https://www.vogue.com/article/queen-margrethe-denmark-abdication-style
  103. https://www.businessinsider.com/queen-margrethe-denmark-best-looks-during-reign-2024-1
  104. https://www.hellomagazine.com/hfm/fashion-trends/510539/queen-margrethe-royal-fashion-icon/
  105. https://www.thelocal.dk/20240101/denmarks-margrethe-ii-queen-of-hearts-and-the-arts
  106. https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2022/11/the-ashtray-queen-denmarks-queen-margrethe-ii-does-it-her-way
  107. https://cphpost.dk/2024-08-21/art-culture/culture/why-the-danish-royals-are-so-popular-among-danes/
  108. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/royals/article-14530335/queen-margrethe-popular-danish-royal-family.html
  109. https://jang.com.pk/en/36344-queen-margrethe-outshines-king-frederik-queen-mary-in-major-poll-news
  110. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/07/danish-royals-in-crisis-as-grandchildren-stripped-of-titles-queen-margrethe
  111. https://www.newmyroyals.com/2023/07/queen-margrethe-ii-became-longest.html
  112. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Margrethe-II
  113. https://kidskonnect.com/social-studies/margrethe-ii-of-denmark/
  114. https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/denmark/the-sun-sets-on-the-reign-of-queen-margrethe-ii-of-denmark-196593/
  115. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67944716
  116. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/05/world/europe/denmark-queen-royal-titles-apology.html
  117. https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/510961/the-controversial-life-of-queen-margrethes-husband-prince-henrik/
  118. https://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/queen-margrethe-of-denmark-we-are-constants-in-the-world-a-1114542.html
  119. https://artdaily.cc/news/41686/Exhibition--Queen-Margrethe-II-of-Denmark-and-Archaeology--at-National-Museum-in-Denmark
  120. https://international.au.dk/about/alumni/the-danish-royal-house-and-aarhus-university-education-and-engagement
  121. https://kvindebiografiskleksikon.lex.dk/Margrethe_2.
  122. https://dg.dk/en/dnrf-head-of-center-rubina-raja-presents-prestigious-excavation-project-in-rome-to-her-majesty-queen-margrethe/
  123. https://www.newmyroyals.com/2024/08/queen-margrethe-visits-excavation-site.html
  124. https://www.geo.tv/latest/621100-queen-of-denmark-visits-vikings-graveyard
  125. https://www.facebook.com/royalworldnews/posts/her-majesty-queen-margrethe-of-denmark-takes-two-day-working-visit-to-rome-italy/1407556201375315/
  126. https://www.facebook.com/detdanskekongehus/posts/i-rom-er-historien-til-stede-overalt-og-i-dag-deltog-hendes-majest%25C3%25A6t-dronning-ma/1404008001097073/
  127. https://www.kongehuset.dk/om-kongehuset/fonde-og-legater/dronning-margrethe-ii-s-arkaeologiske-fond/
  128. https://www.au.dk/forskning/priserogbevillinger/dronning-margrethe-iis-rejselegat
  129. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-queen-margrethe/hm-queen-margrethe-s-artistic-work/embroideries/
  130. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-queen-margrethe/hm-queen-margrethe-s-artistic-work/church-textiles/
  131. https://www.meridian.org/wildswans/aboutartist.html
  132. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-queen-margrethe/hm-queen-margrethe-s-artistic-work/
  133. https://www.facebook.com/royalworldnews/posts/her-majesty-queen-margrethe-unveiled-new-chairs-with-her-own-embroidery-for-thei/1380991374031798/
  134. https://www.newmyroyals.com/2025/08/queen-margrethe-attends-inauguration-of.html
  135. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-queen-margrethe/hm-queen-margrethe-s-artistic-work/visual-art/
  136. https://nmwa.org/blog/nmwa-exhibitions/one-queen-to-rule-them-all-margrethe-ii-of-denmark/
  137. https://observer.com/2024/02/artwork-denmarks-queen-margrethe-ii-auction/
  138. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-queen-margrethe/hm-queen-margrethe-s-artistic-work/scenography-and-costume-design/
  139. https://pointemagazine.com/denmarks-queen-is-also-a-ballet-costume-and-set-designer/
  140. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gWFkjg2eYs
  141. https://press-international.sfstudios.se/post/queen-margrethe-ii-wins-robert-award-for-her-work-in-ehrengard-t
  142. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/aug/31/queen-of-denmark-margrethe-ii-set-designer-netflix-ehrengard-karen-blixen
  143. https://variety.com/2024/film/global/ehrengard-art-of-seduction-bille-august-queen-of-denmark-margrethe-ii-netflix-1235872047/
  144. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/10/style/ehrengard-queen-margrethe-netflix.html
  145. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a44839999/queen-margrethe-ehrengard-costumes-netflix/
  146. https://www.tatler.com/article/fit-for-a-queen-the-new-netflix-fantasy-drama-with-costume-designed-by-queen-margrethe-ii-of-denmark
  147. https://www.thelocal.dk/20240204/queen-margrethe-wins-denmarks-best-costume-oscar
  148. https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/queen-margrethe-wins-danish-film-academy-award-for-her-work-on-netflix-romantic-comedy-ehrengard-the-art-of-seduction/news-story/abc1ce68f2f2de44b0b52768d83d0b83
  149. https://www.facebook.com/groups/WonderfulCopenhagen/posts/3654296118118863/
  150. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Danish-Queen-Margrethe-II-to-Design-Sets-Costumes-for-Tivoli-Gardens-150th-Anniversary-20240313
  151. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-13043683/Onto-pastures-new-Queen-Margrethe-Denmark-abdicated-month-wins-award-set-costume-design-Netflix-film.html
  152. https://english.elpais.com/culture/2024-01-20/the-danish-queen-who-translated-simone-de-beauvoir.html
  153. https://www.digitaljournal.com/life/denmarks-margrethe-ii-queen-of-hearts-and-the-arts/article
  154. https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Margrethe_II_of_Denmark
  155. https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3192758/meet-queen-margrethe-denmark-only-female-monarch-after
  156. https://www.kb.dk/en/inspiration/god-save-denmark-history-new-years-speeches
  157. https://cphpost.dk/2023-01-03/sponsored/a-look-back-at-the-odds-of-queen-margrethe-iis-speeches-over-the-years/
  158. https://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/liv-og-sjael/her-majesty-queen-margrethe-duty-another-side-thank-you-0
  159. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a31737205/queen-margrethe-denmark-coronavirus-address/
  160. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/read-hm-the-queens-new-year-address-2023
  161. http://trondni.blogspot.com/2012/11/new-books-wit-and-wisdom-of-margrethe-ii.html
  162. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgKQGZRfbKQ
  163. https://www.voguescandinavia.com/articles/queen-margrethe-the-costume-designer-of-the-year-in-denmark
  164. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ9VWd_MAOw/
  165. https://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2022/09/queen-margrethes-golden-jubilee-jewels-at-the-cathedral-and-the-royal-yacht.html
  166. https://royalwatcherblog.com/2025/04/10/swedish-state-visit-to-denmark-1975/
  167. https://regalevents913271078.wordpress.com/blog-2/norway/olav-v/1973-danish-state-visit-to-norway/
  168. https://princesadeasturias.tumblr.com/post/170310198581/the-ladies-of-the-order-of-the-golden-fleece
  169. https://www.geni.com/people/Margrethe-II-Queen-of-Denmark/6000000018714406121
  170. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/hm-the-king-appointed-as-admiral-and-general
  171. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/connection-with-the-princess-of-wales-royal-regiment
  172. https://pwrrqueensmuseum.co.uk/our-colonel-in-chief/
  173. https://www.kongehuset.dk/slotte-og-kongeskibet/vagtskifte/de-kongelige-marcher/
  174. http://www.hubert-herald.nl/DenmarkAF.htm
  175. https://www.diy.org/article/margrethe_ii_of_denmark
  176. https://thedanishdream.com/culture/people/margrethe-ii-who-transformed-denmarks-monarchy/
  177. https://theconversation.com/queen-margrethe-ii-is-the-first-danish-monarch-to-abdicate-in-900-years-but-it-is-just-a-sign-of-the-times-220663
  178. https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-monarchy-in-denmark/the-royal-lineage/
  179. https://royalcentral.co.uk/features/granny-knows-best-the-grandparents-of-margrethe-ii-148217/
  180. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/ancestors-of-queen-margrethe-ii-of-denmark/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
Contribute something
User Avatar
No comments yet.