Margrethe II of Denmark (b. 1940)

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Biography

Margrethe II 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 is the second-longest-reigning Danish monarch after Christian IV.

Timeline

The story of Margrethe II of Denmark, told in moments.

1940 Birth

Born at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen. One week after Germany invaded Denmark. Her father, Crown Prince Frederik, had no sons. The Danish constitution was changed in 1953 specifically to allow her to inherit the throne.

Was being born during the German invasion an omen? Did the constitution being changed for you feel like destiny? What did Amalienborg Palace give a future queen?

1972 Event

Becomes Queen of Denmark at 31 after her father's death. She's the first female Danish monarch since the 14th century. She addresses the nation on live television. The Danes take to her immediately.

Was becoming the first female Danish monarch since the 14th century daunting? Did addressing the nation on live television come naturally? Why did the Danes take to you so immediately?

1990 Life

Publishes her Danish translation of The Lord of the Rings, illustrated with her own artwork. She'd translated it pseudonymously. She also paints, does embroidery, and designs stage sets for the Royal Danish Theatre. The queen has hobbies.

Was translating Tolkien pseudonymously a queen's secret hobby? Do painting, embroidery, and stage design keep you grounded? Is having hobbies as a monarch revolutionary?

2024 Event

Abdicates the throne on the 52nd anniversary of her accession. The first Danish monarch to voluntarily abdicate. She'd announced it on New Year's Eve. Her son becomes Frederik X. She keeps painting.

Was abdicating on the anniversary of your accession symbolic? Did announcing it on New Year's Eve feel like a gift to Denmark? Is keeping painting the best part of abdication?

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