Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has reigned for over 50 years, celebrating many events over her long reign. As the head of state of Denmark, Queen Margrethe II participates in various celebrations and commemorations throughout the year. From royal birthdays to state visits, the Queen’s events offer a glimpse into Danish culture and tradition. This article will explore how Queen Margrethe II celebrates different occasions and what these events reveal about her personal style and duties as Queen.
How Does Queen Margrethe II Celebrate Her Birthday?
Queen Margrethe II was born on April 16, 1940. Each year on her birthday, the Queen participates in various public events and celebrations.
Official Birthday Celebration
On her actual birthday, Queen Margrethe II appears on the balcony of Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen and is celebrated by thousands of well-wishers. Members of the Royal Guard march through the city streets, accompanied by a military band and honor guard. The Queen greets the crowds, accompanied by other members of the Danish Royal Family.
In the evening, royal events are held including a gala performance at the Royal Theater attended by government officials, members of parliament, and special invitees. There is a banquet held at Christiansborg Palace as well.
Public Celebrations
On Queen Margrethe II’s birthday, celebrations are also held around Denmark. These include:
- Memorial services in churches honoring the Queen.
- Local bands playing birthday music in town squares.
- Special cakes and treats are sold in bakeries.
- TV specials about the Queen’s life and reign.
- Parties at schools, clubs, and community centers.
The public joins in the birthday spirit, honoring the Queen’s dedication and service to Denmark.
Personal Celebrations
Queen Margrethe II also celebrates privately with family and close friends. This often includes:
- An intimate lunch or dinner at Amalienborg Palace.
- Phone calls and messages from family members like her sons Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim.
- Quality time spent with her grandchildren.
- Reflection on her life and reign over the past year.
Even on her birthday, Queen Margrethe II continues some of her regular duties such as signing documents and holding audiences. But she enjoys the day with typical birthday traditions.
| Type of Celebration | Description |
|---|---|
| Official Celebrations | Appearances on balcony, events at royal residences |
| Public Celebrations | Memorial services, concerts, parties |
| Personal Celebrations | Lunch/dinner with family, time with grandchildren |
Queen Margrethe II appreciates the birthday wishes from Danes and members of other royal families. These celebrations reflect her respected position in Denmark.
How Does the Queen Celebrate Royal Weddings?
Queen Margrethe II has helped celebrate the weddings of several family members during her reign. These royal weddings uphold tradition while showcasing her close-knit family.
Traditional Church Ceremonies
Most Danish royal weddings are held at churches of personal significance to the couple:
- Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary – Married at Copenhagen Cathedral in 2004.
- Prince Joachim and Princess Marie – Married at Møgeltønder Church in 2008.
- Princess Nathalie – Married at Århus Cathedral in 2010.
The Queen attends the ceremony, accompanied by her sons Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim. She also joins other European royals and dignitaries as a guest.
After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom appear on the church steps, accompanied by the Queen. They receive congratulations and flowers from well-wishers gathered outside.
Wedding Receptions and Balls
Following Danish royal weddings, there is an elegant wedding banquet and ball held at a royal palace in Copenhagen. Festivities have been held at:
- Amalienborg Palace – Site of the midnight supper following the 2017 wedding of Prince Christian.
- Fredensborg Palace – Hosted the wedding dinner and ball after the 2004 Crown Prince Frederik’s wedding.
As the hosts, Queen Margrethe II and her husband Prince Henrik preside over the receptions. The Queen gives a speech honouring the newly married couple and welcomes new members into the royal family.
The wedding celebrations allow her to visit with royal relatives from across Europe in an intimate setting.
Public Celebrations
Royal weddings are celebrated across Denmark with:
- Public viewings outdoors on giant screens.
- Parties at sports clubs, community centers, workplaces, etc.
- TV news coverage and specials about the royal couple.
- Decorating streets and houses with Danish flags.
Queen Margrethe II recognizes the excitement royal weddings generate across Denmark. She is proud to witness this national celebration and the happiness of newly married couples starting lives together.
How Does Queen Margrethe II Mark Jubilees?
Queen Margrethe II has celebrated several significant Jubilees during her long reign. These represent milestones in her life and monarchy.
25th Jubilee – Ruby Jubilee (1992)
In 1992, Denmark honoured Queen Margrethe II’s 25 years on the throne with her Ruby Jubilee. Celebrations included:
- Church services giving thanks for her service.
- Concert held on Christiansborg Palace riding ground.
- New official portrait painted by Bjørn Nørgaard.
- Officially opened the Storebælt bridge linking islands Zealand and Funen.
40th Jubilee – Sapphire Jubilee (2002)
The Queen’s Sapphire Jubilee recognizing 40 years brought celebrations such as:
- Service at Roskilde Cathedral attended by royal families of Sweden, Norway, Belgium and others.
- Gala performance at the Royal Theatre.
- New portrait of the Queen by Danish artist Niels Strøbek.
- Opened exhibit of previous Jubilee gifts at Amalienborg Museum.
50th Jubilee – Golden Jubilee (2012)
In 2012, Queen Margrethe II marked 50 years as Queen with her Golden Jubilee:
- Special church services and a ceremony at Parliament.
- Gala banquet at Christiansborg Palace for royal family members, government officials and dignitaries.
- Public procession through Copenhagen.
- New official portrait painted by Danish artist Thomas Kluge.
- Concerts held across Denmark in her honour.
Jubilees remind Denmark of the Queen’s decades of steady leadership and service. She appreciates the outpouring of recognition on these milestone occasions.
Future Jubilees
Upcoming Jubilee celebrations for Queen Margrethe II include:
- 60th Jubilee – Sapphire Jubilee in 2022
- 65th Jubilee – Blue Sapphire Jubilee in 2027
- 70th Jubilee – Platinum Jubilee in 2032
Danes look forward to marking these events with their beloved Queen Margrethe II.
How Does Queen Margrethe II Celebrate Christmas?
Christmas is a cherished family time for Queen Margrethe II. She upholds royal traditions while also celebrating in her own personal style.
Royal Family Christmas Traditions
There are certain traditions the Danish Royal Family carries out each Christmas:
- They gather at Marselisborg Palace in Aarhus, the Queen’s private residence.
- On Christmas Eve, Queen Margrethe II gives her annual Christmas speech broadcast on TV and radio. She reflects on the past year and shares an uplifting message.
- Following Danish tradition, they dance around the Christmas tree and exchange gifts on Christmas Eve.
- On Christmas Day, they attend the morning church service at Aarhus Cathedral. The Queen greets crowds of well-wishers outside.
- They enjoy a Christmas lunch together at Marselisborg Palace.
Spending time with family is the Queen’s main priority at Christmas.
Queen Margrethe II’s Christmas Style
Queen Margrethe II also celebrates Christmas in her own unique way:
- She oversees the palace decorations, opting for a traditional style with natural garlands and wreaths.
- She has designed various Christmas plates, stamps, and ornaments sold to benefit charity over the years.
- She includes whimsical touches like handmade elf figurines displayed at Marselisborg Palace.
- She sketches Christmas cards with her own artwork to send out.
The Queen’s creativity and flair add personal flair to the royal family’s Christmas.
Public Christmas Celebrations
Christmas in Denmark also brings:
- Light displays, concerts, and festive events across cities.
- Specific Christmas foods like rice pudding, goose, and sweets.
- Families following favorite traditions such as dancing around the tree, baking, etc.
Queen Margrethe II appreciates Denmark’s joyful Christmas spirit, while enjoying precious time with her own loved ones.
How Does Queen Margrethe II Mark Significant National Events?
As Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II recognizes significant national events and milestones. These celebrations bring her together with the Danish people and reinforce unity.
Wartime Commemorations
Queen Margrethe II attends public memorial services marking key dates:
- April 9 – Memorial marking Germany’s 1940 invasion and occupation of Denmark during WWII. The Queen lays a wreath and gives a speech remembering the sacrifices.
- May 4 – Remembrance marking the 1945 liberation of Denmark at the end of WWII. She attends memorial concerts and events on this date.
- May 5 – Anniversary honoring Denmark’s freedom fighters who lost their lives during WWII. The Queen places wreaths at memorials and attends somber ceremonies.
These dates recognize Denmark’s deep wounds from WWII and Queen Margrethe II shares in commemorating this difficult history.
Royal Anniversaries
The Queen joins events marking milestone royal anniversaries:
- June 7 – Commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the accession of King Frederik IV held in 1996.
- January 1, 2022 – Celebration of the 50th anniversary of Queen Margrethe II acceding to the throne in 1972.
These celebrations connect today’s Denmark to its centuries of royal history.
National Festivals
Queen Margrethe II is a visible part of major national festivals like:
- Constitution Day – The June 5 event marks the anniversary of the 1849 democratic constitution.
- Valborg’s Eve – April 30 festival welcoming spring with bonfires and singing.
The Queen’s presence underlines these occasions’ significance.
By participating in these events, Queen Margrethe II represents Denmark’s resilience, freedom, and cultural pride.
What Are Some Highlights of Queen Margrethe II’s Reign?
In her 50+ years as Queen, Margrethe II has celebrated and presided over many historic occasions:
Constitutional Referendum of 1953
- In 1953, Margrethe became Heiress Presumptive to the throne after a constitutional referendum allowed female succession. This paved the way for her to become Queen.
Marriage to Prince Henrik in 1967
- Marrying Prince Henrik brought great personal happiness. Their marriage lasted 50 years until his death in 2018.
Accession to the Throne in 1972
- At age 31, Margrethe became Queen of Denmark on January 14, 1972 upon the death of her father King Frederick IX.
Silver Jubilee Celebrations in 1997
- Festivities honoring 25 years as Queen brought public displays of support and affection.
Royal Weddings of Her Sons
- In 1995 Crown Prince Frederik married Australian Mary Donaldson. In 2008 Prince Joachim married French-born Marie Cavallier.
50th Jubilee Celebrations in 2022
- Her Golden Jubilee in 2022 marked 50 years as Queen with nationwide tributes and events.
Queen Margrethe II has shared both public and private celebrations that shape her reign and relationship to Denmark.
Conclusion
Queen Margrethe II’s long reign has been defined by grand celebrations of royal events, national commemorations, and her own personal milestones. Whether appearing on the palace balcony on her birthday or releasing a public Christmas message, these occasions offer insights into Queen Margrethe II as a monarch and individual.
She upholds royal tradition while also displaying her own quiet creativity and flair. National events allow her to connect with the Danish people through shared history and values. Most of all, Margrethe II embraces celebrations as opportunities to honor service, freedom, resilience, and traditions she holds dear in Denmark.
After 50+ years as Queen, she continues to represent stability and vision on both festive and somber occasions. Queen Margrethe II’s thoughtful presence will likely grace Danish celebrations for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Queen Margrethe II Celebrates Events
How does Queen Margrethe II’s birthday get celebrated?
Queen Margrethe II’s April 16th birthday is celebrated with both public and private events. These include appearances on the balcony in Copenhagen, a gala performance, church services in her honor, and more. She also celebrates privately with family.
What happens when there is a Danish royal wedding?
Royal weddings like those of Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim are marked with elaborate church ceremonies, receptions at palaces in Copenhagen, and public celebrations across the country. Queen Margrethe II attends the ceremonies and hosts the receptions.
How did Denmark celebrate Queen Margrethe II’s Golden Jubilee?
The Queen’s 50th Jubilee in 2012 included church services, a gala banquet, public procession through Copenhagen, new portrait paintings, and concerts held nationwide in her honor. Jubilees mark her decades of service.
What are some Danish Christmas traditions Queen Margrethe II upholds?
Danish Christmas traditions the Queen follows include gathering at Marselisborg Palace, dancing around the tree, attending Christmas service, and delivering an annual televised Christmas speech. She also adds her own creative touches.
What national events and commemorations does Queen Margrethe II participate in?
The Queen attends memorial services marking WWII history and other milestone royal anniversaries. She is present at Constitution Day, Valborg’s Eve, and other cultural events that represent Danish unity and pride.
What are some highlights of Queen Margrethe II’s 50+ year reign?
Highlights include the constitutional referendum making her heir, her marriage to Prince Henrik, ascending the throne in 1972, Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1997, presiding over family weddings, and her Golden Jubilee in 2022.