Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark is just days away from marking her Ruby Jubilee, or 40 years on the throne. Tuesday saw the beginning of Queen Margrethe II’s celebrations, with a visit to the Folketinget, or Parliament, and a press conference at Amalienborg Palace.
Click here to view photo gallery
The Queen arrived at Danish Parliament a bit after noon. She was with her husband, Prince Henrik, the Crown Princely couple, and Prince Joachim. Princess Marie did not attend today’s events due to her pregnancy.
Parliamentary Chairman, Mogens Lykketoft, gave a speech for the Queen:
“Her Majesty Queen Margrethe, has extorted the highest respect by all the successive governments and ministers who have served in the Privy Council. On behalf of democracy, I would like to thank you for the way you have managed your responsibility and the royal family as an institution. Parliament wishes your majesty a happy anniversary.”
Afterward, a reception was held at Christianborg Palace.
Not all members of the Folketinget are pleased with the celebrations surrounding Margrethe’s ruby jubilee. Some even boycotted Parliament’s honoring of her today. Zenia Stampe, of the far-left party, the Radicals, was one such politician.
“I do not love her, but I do not hate her, certainly not. She is a sweet and talented woman, but I think sometimes a good thing that can go a little North Korea in Denmark when we approach such some events,” she said on a Danish morning program.
One debater flinched at the comment and responded: “I will defend Her Majesty to the day she is not here anymore. I do not think we can do more than to love her for her abilities, her wit and the things she does for Denmark,” said Jim Heather Wild.
“I’m just a democratic citizen who is entitled to have an attitude,” Stampe replied.
Later in the day, Queen Margrethe met with various reporters for a press conference, something she gives during important events. Speaking in Danish, English, French and Swedish, she talked about her 40 year reign and the monarchy’s future.
Click here for recent pics of Queen Margrethe II
When asked about her son and heir, Crown Prince Frederik, she said she would give him this advice: “That you are totally committed. 24 hours. The year round. You should have the confidence that it is possible. You are not alone with the task.
He should have faith in himself being able to do it and that you get help and support from your country. From the Danes. From his family. He should do what feels most natural for him. However, I don’t have big problems imagining myself that Frederik will manage it alright”
The Queen reflected on her long reign this way: “I have tried to keep ears and eyes open and use intuition. My whole country has been a support for me through all the years. I have my husband by my side and my children, who have grown up and become good and sensible people, who are a good help. And then I had my mother.”
That mother was Queen Ingrid, a Swedish princess. In fact, she was Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf’s aunt, making Margrethe and the King first cousins.
Her Majesty also spoke about how pleased she was that the monarchy is more popular today – 78 percent – than when she inherited the throne in 1972. Back then, nearly a third wanted a republic.
“I’m very glad that people feel it as a natural part of our country that there are royals. That warms so tremendously and it stiffens (you) frightfully to know that you have the confidence from people,” she said.
The Queen also insisted she will remain one until the end of her days. “In my eyes it’s part of the very position you have, to inherit a monarchy. It’s a task you have taken over and you keep it as long as you live.”
As for Frederik and Mary, Margrethe did say as she ages, she will give more tasks to them.
Queen Margrethe II inherited the Danish monarchy January 14, 1972, following the death of her father King Frederik XI, who had reigned for only 25 years.
NOTE: CNN International will broadcast an interview of Her Majesty by Max Foster. It will air on Saturday 430pET and Sunday 530a/1130pET.
Sources: Billed Bladet, The Royal Forums, Monster & Critics
Recent Comments