Queen Margrethe II of Denmark: A Talented Artist and Respected Monarch with a Fascinating Family History

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Johannes Jansson/norden.org, CC BY 2.5 DK https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/dk/deed.en, via Wikimedia Commons

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark is the current reigning monarch of Denmark, having ascended to the throne in 1972. Born on April 16, 1940, in Copenhagen, Denmark, she is the eldest daughter of King Frederick IX and Queen Ingrid. She grew up in the royal palace of Amalienborg, where she was educated privately and later attended Zahle’s School and graduated from the University of Copenhagen.

Queen Margrethe II’s wealth is estimated to be around $40 million, which comes from various sources. She receives an annual salary of approximately $16 million from the Danish government as her official income, which covers her expenses for the upkeep of the royal household, staff, and travel. Additionally, she owns several properties, including the Fredensborg Palace and Marselisborg Palace, which are used for official state events and private functions.

Aside from her wealth, Queen Margrethe II is also known for her artistic talents. She has a passion for painting, and her works have been exhibited in several galleries and museums around the world. She has also illustrated several books, including the Danish edition of The Lord of the Rings. In 2016, she celebrated her 75th birthday with a new set of stamps that featured her own illustrations.

Throughout her reign, Queen Margrethe II has been a popular and respected figure in Denmark and abroad. She has been involved in various charitable causes, including environmental conservation and support for the arts. She has also been a strong advocate for Danish culture and traditions, and has worked to promote the country’s heritage and history.

In 2020, Queen Margrethe II celebrated her 80th birthday, which was marked by various events and celebrations in Denmark and around the world. Despite her age, she remains an active and engaged monarch, continuing to carry out her duties with grace and dedication. Her reign has been a remarkable one, and she is widely admired for her intelligence, creativity, and commitment to her country and people.

Holger Motzkau 2010, Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons (cc-by-sa-3.0), CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Timeline

1940: Queen Margrethe II is born on April 16 in Copenhagen, Denmark, as the eldest daughter of King Frederick IX and Queen Ingrid.

1958-1960: She studies at Girton College, Cambridge, and the Sorbonne in Paris.

1967: Queen Margrethe II marries Prince Henrik of Denmark, a French diplomat.

1972: King Frederick IX dies, and Queen Margrethe II ascends to the throne as the first female monarch of Denmark in over 500 years.

1973: She gives birth to her first child, Crown Prince Frederik.

1974: Queen Margrethe II designs the new Danish royal standard, which features the Danish coat of arms.

1975: She gives birth to her second child, Prince Joachim.

1984: Queen Margrethe II is involved in a serious car accident, but she recovers and returns to her duties after several weeks.

1992: Denmark votes in favor of the Maastricht Treaty, which establishes the European Union, during Queen Margrethe II’s reign.

2000: Prince Henrik is diagnosed with dementia, and the Queen reduces her official duties to care for him.

2003: She celebrates her Ruby Jubilee, marking 40 years on the throne.

2016: Queen Margrethe II celebrates her 76th birthday with a new set of stamps featuring her own illustrations.

2018: Prince Henrik dies at the age of 83, and Queen Margrethe II leads the mourning and funeral ceremonies.

2020: The Queen celebrates her 80th birthday, which is marked by various events and celebrations in Denmark and around the world.

Throughout her reign, Queen Margrethe II has been a popular and respected figure in Denmark and abroad. She has been involved in various charitable causes, including environmental conservation and support for the arts. She has also been a strong advocate for Danish culture and traditions, and has worked to promote the country’s heritage and history. Despite her age and the challenges she has faced, she remains an active and engaged monarch, continuing to carry out her duties with grace and dedication.

Eric Draper, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

5 interesting Facts about

  1. Artistic talents: Queen Margrethe II is not only a monarch but also a talented artist. She has illustrated several books, including the Danish edition of The Lord of the Rings, and her own artwork has been exhibited in various galleries and museums.
  2. Multiple languages: The Queen is fluent in Danish, French, English, Swedish, and German, which has enabled her to communicate effectively with people from all over the world.
  3. Family history: Queen Margrethe II is the first female monarch of Denmark since Queen Margrethe I, who ruled in the 14th century. She is also a direct descendant of many of Europe’s royal families, including the British, Greek, and Swedish royal families.
  4. Political involvement: Despite her role as a constitutional monarch, Queen Margrethe II has occasionally been involved in Danish politics. She has expressed her opinions on various issues, such as immigration, climate change, and the European Union.
  5. Military ties: The Queen is the Colonel-in-Chief of several Danish military regiments and has a strong connection to the Danish armed forces. She is also a member of the Danish Council of State and is consulted on matters of national importance.

5 Quotes from her

  1. “There is no point in trying to take the easy way out. We must strive to do what is right, not what is easy.”
  2. “We must always remember that history is not just a story of the past, but a guide for the future.”
  3. “My father always said that the most important thing for a monarch is to be a symbol of the nation and the people, and to represent them with dignity and respect.”
  4. “I believe in the power of art to bring people together and inspire them to create a better world.”
  5. “As a monarch, I have a responsibility to serve my country and my people, and to do my best to make a positive difference in the world.”

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