Queen Margrethe of Denmark celebrated her 85th birthday Sunday. She marked the milestone in the company of family and friends at the picturesque Fredensborg Palace. The family reunion featured her eight grandchildren, as well as her two sisters, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece and Princess Benedikte. The ceremony was a momentous occasion for the servant leader, nicknamed ‘Daisy’ by her family and closest friends.
Queen Margrethe marked the jubilee with a gala concert. The Royal Life Guards Band, heraldic uniform and all, performed an impromptu concert in the Inner Palace especially for her. The event continued an endearing custom of the Danish royal family. It demonstrated the guards’ musical prowess and most importantly, it fortified the deep connection between the monarchy and the Danish people.
Queen Margrethe, who abdicated from her role as queen in January 2024, donned a striking high-neck purple dress adorned with her daisy diamond brooch and matching earrings. This charming brooch is meaningful because it was first owned by her mother, Ingrid of Sweden. In 2022, they presented her with the daisy diamond brooch set with matching earrings to mark her Golden Jubilee. This beautiful jewelry embodies her legacy as well as her family’s deep and vibrant line of history.
Though she faced serious back surgery in early 2023 Queen Margrethe seemed to be in good form, although she is now frequently seen in public with a walking cane. Tilia, her dearly loved historical dachshund, provided the unabashed joy that marked the day’s festivities. She then teasingly ran down the grand staircase of the palace, leaving King Frederik with no choice but to run after her. That poignant scene really captured the great love and affection shared including the Queen and her longtime companion.
Also in attendance were the Queen Margrethe’s grandchildren, including Crown Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. Their involvement in the celebrations served to highlight the growing focus on family that has now become a key theme of the royal agenda. King Frederik, Queen Mary and their kids came out of the palace and waved enthusiastically to the crowd. They just permeated an atmosphere of oneness and happiness. It was a unique day at the Capitol, mesmerizing nearly everyone there.
