Margrethe II facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Margrethe II
Portrait, 2012
Queen of Denmark
Reign	14 January 1972 – 14 January 2024
Predecessor	Frederik IX
Successor	Frederik X
Born	16 April 1940 Amalienborg, Copenhagen, Denmark
Spouse	Henri de Laborde de Monpezat (married 10 June 1967; died 13 February 2018)
Issue Detail	Frederik X Prince Joachim
Full name Margrethe Alexandrine Þórhildur Ingrid
House	Glücksburg
Father	Frederik IX
Mother	Ingrid of Sweden
Religion	Church of Denmark
Signature

Margrethe II (Margrethe Alexandrine Þórhildur Ingrid, born 16 April 1940) was the Queen of Denmark for 52 years. She reigned from 14 January 1972 until she stepped down on 14 January 2024. She was the second-longest reigning Danish monarch ever, after Christian IV. She was also the only queen in the world who was a reigning monarch at the time of her abdication.

Margrethe was born into the House of Glücksburg, which is part of the House of Oldenburg. Her grandfather, King Christian X, was king when she was born. She is the oldest child of King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid. In 1953, a new law allowed women to inherit the throne, making her the next in line.

In 1967, she married Henri de Laborde de Monpezat. They had two sons, Frederik and Joachim. Margrethe became Queen when her father died in January 1972.

Margrethe is also known for her artistic talents. She has worked as a scenographer (designing stage sets), a costume designer, and an illustrator for books, including some by J. R. R. Tolkien. People in Denmark supported the monarchy in Denmark and liked her very much. This support grew throughout her reign, reaching about 80% by the time she abdicated. Her oldest son, Frederik, became the new King.

Early Life and Education: Growing Up Royal

Margrethe (left) with her parents and sisters, 1954

Margrethe was born a Princess of Denmark on 16 April 1940. She was born at Frederik VIII's Palace in Copenhagen. This palace is the main home of the Danish royal family. She was the first child of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, who later became King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid.

Her birth happened just one week after Nazi Germany invaded Denmark in 1940. Margrethe was baptised on 14 May in the Holmen Church in Copenhagen. She was named Margrethe after her grandmother, Alexandrine after her other grandmother, and Ingrid after her mother. She was also given the Icelandic name Þórhildur because her grandfather was also King of Iceland. Her family and friends affectionately call her "Daisy."

Her younger sisters, Benedikte and Anne-Marie, were born in 1944 and 1946. Margrethe and her sisters grew up in palaces in Copenhagen and Fredensborg Palace in North Zealand. They spent summer holidays at Gråsten Palace. In 1947, her father became King Frederik IX after King Christian X died.

Education: A Princess's Studies

Margrethe went to a private school in Copenhagen and finished in 1959. She then spent a year at a girls' boarding school in England. She studied prehistoric archaeology at Girton College, Cambridge, from 1960 to 1961. She also studied political science at Aarhus University and attended the Sorbonne and the London School of Economics. She is a member of the Society of Antiquaries of London.

Margrethe speaks several languages fluently, including Danish, French, English, Swedish, and German. She also knows some Faroese.

Heir to the Throne: A Change in Law

Princess Margrethe in August 1966

When Margrethe was born, only males could become king in Denmark. This was due to laws from the 1850s. Since Margrethe had no brothers, it was thought that her uncle, Prince Knud, would become king.

However, things began to change in 1947. It became clear that Queen Ingrid would not have more children. The Danish people liked King Frederik and his daughters. Women were also playing a bigger role in Danish life. This led to a complex process to change the constitution. The new law, passed in 1953, allowed women to inherit the throne. This meant a female could become queen if she had no brothers. So, Princess Margrethe became the next in line to the throne. In 2009, the law was changed again, so the oldest child, regardless of gender, inherits the throne.

Margrethe started attending official New Year events in 1956. On her 18th birthday in 1958, she was given a seat in the Danish Council of State. She could lead meetings when the King was away. In 1960, she visited the United States with her cousins. They even met celebrities like Dean Martin and Elvis Presley. She also visited the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

Marriage and Family: A Royal Love Story

Margrethe and Henri in 1966

While studying in London, Margrethe met Henri de Laborde de Monpezat, a French diplomat. Their engagement was announced in October 1966. They married on 10 June 1967, at the Holmen Church in Copenhagen. The wedding party was held at Fredensborg Palace. Henri became "His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark." They were married for over 50 years until he passed away in 2018.

Less than a year after their wedding, Margrethe had her first son, Frederik, in May 1968. Danish kings traditionally alternated between the names Frederik and Christian. Margrethe chose to continue this tradition by naming her son Frederik. Their second son, Joachim, was born in June 1969.

In 1974, Margrethe and Henrik bought a castle, Château de Cayx, in France. In 2008, Margrethe announced that her sons' children would also be called Count or Countess of Monpezat.

In 2022, the Queen decided that Prince Joachim's children would no longer use their Prince and Princess titles from 2023. They would only use their Count and Countess titles. She wanted them to have more normal lives without the strict duties of being part of the Royal House. This decision caused some sadness and confusion for Joachim's family. Margrethe later said she was sorry to have upset them.

Margrethe and her late husband loved dachshunds. She still has one dachshund named Tilia, who was Prince Henrik's dog.

Reign: Becoming Queen of Denmark

Accession: A New Queen for Denmark

Margrethe (centre-right) seated with her cousin, Swedish then-crown prince Carl Gustaf, and Finnish president Urho Kekkonen at the 90th birthday celebration of King Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden, November 1972

On 3 January 1972, King Frederik IX had a heart attack. Margrethe became acting regent the next day. The King died on 14 January. Margrethe became Queen at age 31, the first female Danish ruler under the new law. The next day, Prime Minister Jens Otto Krag announced her as Queen from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace.

She chose her royal name, Margrethe II, to honor the 14th-century Danish regent, Margaret I of Denmark. Her motto was "God's help, the love of the people, Denmark's strength." She kept only the title "Queen of Denmark."

Constitutional Role: The Queen's Duties

Margrethe hosting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Denmark, April 2010

The Queen's main jobs were to represent Denmark abroad and to unite the country at home. She did this by opening events, attending anniversaries, and opening new bridges. She also welcomed foreign ambassadors and gave out awards.

As a constitutional monarch, Margrethe did not get involved in politics. She did not express political opinions. Even though she could vote, she chose not to, to show she was neutral.

The Queen met with the prime minister and the foreign affairs minister every Wednesday.

After an election, if the prime minister did not have enough support, the Queen held a "Queen's meeting." She met with the leaders of all the Danish political parties.

Margrethe with Michelle Obama at the White House, June 2011

Each party could suggest someone to lead talks to form a new government. The leader who could get the support of most members of the Folketing (Danish Parliament) was asked by the Queen to form a new government. Once a government was formed, the Queen officially appointed it. She was the head of state and signed new laws. But in reality, the government made most decisions.

It was a tradition for Margrethe to host New Year's receptions. These included banquets and meetings with government officials, judges, and military officers.

Official Duties: Representing Denmark

Margrethe surrounded by her family waving to crowds on her 70th birthday in April 2010

During her reign, Margrethe supported many Danish and foreign organizations. She was a patron of 72 Danish and 8 foreign groups, including museums, welfare societies, and sports organizations.

She knew a lot about all parts of Denmark. In 2016, she helped write a book about Denmark's history.

Until she abdicated, Margrethe was the colonel-in-chief of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, a British Army regiment. This tradition started in 1906.

As Queen, Margrethe welcomed 42 foreign leaders on state visits to Denmark. She also made 55 state visits to other countries. She and the royal family made many other foreign visits too.

Residences: Where the Queen Lived

Her official homes were Amalienborg in Copenhagen and Fredensborg Palace near Hillerød. Her summer homes were Marselisborg Palace near Aarhus and Gråsten Palace near Sønderborg. Gråsten Palace was her mother's former home.

Immigration Discussion: A Queen's Thoughts

In a 2016 book, Margrethe shared her thoughts on immigration. She said that Danes should have been clearer about Danish culture and values. This would help new arrivals learn them. She also felt that Danes had underestimated how hard it was to help immigrants fit in. For example, she said the rules of democracy were not always clear to Muslim immigrants. This view was seen as similar to what many Danish people thought.

Jubilees: Celebrating Her Reign

Faroese stamps marking the Queen's silver jubilee in 1997 and her ruby jubilee in 2012

Margrethe celebrated her Silver Jubilee (25 years on the throne) in 1997. This included a church service and a fancy dinner with other Scandinavian royals. She celebrated her Ruby Jubilee (40 years) on 14 January 2012. This was marked with a church service, concert, carriage ride, and a big dinner.

Her Golden Jubilee (50 years) was on 14 January 2022. The celebrations were planned for later that year. However, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Margrethe asked for some changes to the celebrations.

Between Elizabeth II's death and her own abdication, Margrethe was Europe's longest-reigning monarch. She was also the world's only reigning queen and the longest-serving female head of state.

Longest Reign: A Historical Milestone

In July 2023, the Danish Royal House announced that Margrethe II was Denmark's longest-reigning monarch who was actually ruling. While Christian IV reigned longer, he was not officially crowned until later in his reign.

Abdication: Passing the Crown

On 31 December 2023, Margrethe announced in her New Year's Eve speech that she would step down. Her abdication happened on 14 January 2024, exactly 52 years after she became Queen. She explained that time had taken its "toll" and her "ailments" had increased. She said she could not do as many duties as before. She mentioned her back surgery in February 2023, which made her think about passing on the responsibility.

Margrethe's older son, Frederik, became Frederik X. She expressed hope that the new King and Queen would receive the same trust and support she had.

Since her abdication, she is called "Her Majesty Queen Margrethe." She can still act as regent if the King or Crown Prince Christian are unable to perform their duties or are away.

Health: The Queen's Well-being

Henrik lighting a cigarette for Margrethe, 1966

Queen Margrethe II has had some health issues. Since the 1990s, she had several operations on her right knee. In 1994, she was treated for cervical cancer. In 2003, she had a long operation for back problems.

In February 2022, the Queen got COVID-19. She had a mild case and recovered quickly. In September 2022, she tested positive for COVID-19 a second time after attending Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. She recovered again and resumed her duties.

On 22 February 2023, the Queen had "major back surgery" due to ongoing back pain. The surgery went well, and she was discharged from the hospital in March. She returned to her official duties on her birthday in April.

Margrethe was known for being a chain smoker. In 2006, the Royal Court announced that she would only smoke in private.

In September 2024, she was hospitalized after a fall at Fredensborg Castle.

Personal Interests: A Creative Royal

Archaeology: Digging into the Past

Margrethe loves archaeological work. She has taken part in several excavations in places like Italy, Egypt, Denmark, and South America. She shared this interest with her grandfather, Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden. They even dug for artefacts together in Italy in 1962.

Church Textiles: Royal Designs

Since the 1970s, Margrethe has designed and embroidered many church clothes and textiles. These are used in churches in Denmark, Greenland, Germany, and England. She designed a chasuble (a type of vestment) for Fredensborg Palace Church. Her mother embroidered it, and her sister added appliqués. She also designed a bishop's robe for the Diocese of Viborg and an altarpiece for a church in Norway.

Découpage: Art from Clippings

Since the mid-1970s, Margrethe has used a technique called découpage. This involves cutting out pictures from magazines and books and combining them to create new designs. She uses this for auction catalogs, home magazines, and furniture. Her découpage often shows themes from literature, myths, or art history. These works are often displayed in royal palaces.

Margrethe's découpage works have also been used in books and films, including her husband Prince Henrik's poetry collections.

Embroidery: Needlework Creations

As a child, Margrethe preferred drawing over needlework. But since 1960, she has created many embroideries as gifts or for her own rooms. She designs the patterns herself, often with twisting shapes and the person's initials. She has designed embroideries for the Danish Handcraft Guild. She has also made evening bags, spectacle cases for friends and family, and Christmas calendars for her grandchildren.

The Queen's private embroideries were shown at Koldinghus Castle in 2021.

Films: A Royal Screenwriter

The Queen has worked as a screenwriter for two films based on Hans Christian Andersen's stories. These were The Snow Queen (2000) and The Wild Swans (2009). She also narrated The Snow Queen and had a small, uncredited role in The Wild Swans.

Monograms: Personal Symbols

Margrethe's royal monogram (left) and her personal monogram (right)

In 2004, Margrethe designed the official monogram for her cousin, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway. She has also designed her own personal monogram. She designed monograms for her son Frederik, daughter-in-law Mary, and grandson Christian. She also designed joint monograms for the Danish and Norwegian Crown Prince couples.

Scenography and Costume Design: Bringing Stories to Life

Over the years, Margrethe has designed stage sets and costumes for ballets. She designed costumes for the Royal Danish Ballet's A Folk Tale and for the 2009 film The Wild Swans. She also designs her own clothes and is known for her colorful and unique style.

Since 2001, she has worked with the Tivoli Ballet Theatre, designing sets and costumes for many ballets, including:

• 1991: A Folk Tale
• 2005 & 2011: Thumbelina
• 2007, 2013 & 2018: The Tinderbox
• 2009: The Swineherd
• 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 & 2022: The Nutcracker
• 2013: The Steadfast Tin Soldier
• 2016: Cinderella
• 2019, 2021 & 2023: The Snow Queen

Visual Art: Painting and Illustration

Margrethe is a talented painter and has shown her artwork in many exhibitions. In 2000, she illustrated her husband Prince Henrik's poetry collection Cantabile. In 2015, she and her friend, Queen Sonja of Norway, showed their nature-inspired works in an exhibition called From mountains to coast.

Using the pen name Ingahild Grathmer, her illustrations were used for Danish versions of The Lord of the Rings. She sent her drawings to J. R. R. Tolkien, the author, who was impressed by how similar they were to his own style. Her drawings were later redrawn by British artist Eric Fraser for the English edition of The Lord of the Rings, first published in 1977.

Honours and Awards: Recognitions for a Queen

National Honours: Danish Recognitions

•  Denmark:
  • Knight of the Order of the Elephant (since 1947)
    • Sovereign of the Order of the Elephant (1972–2024)
  • Grand Commander of the Order of the Dannebrog (since 1972)
    • Sovereign of the Order of the Dannebrog (1972–2024)
  • Decoration of the Cross of Honour of the Dannebrog
  • Homeguard Medal of Merit
  • 25 years of Homeguard Service Medal
  • Medal of Honour of the League of Civil Defence
  • Medal of Honour of the Reserve Officers League
  • 100th Anniversary Medal of the Birth of King Christian X
  • 50th Anniversary Medal of the arrival of Queen Ingrid to Denmark
  • 100th Anniversary Medal of the Birth of King Frederik IX
  • Queen Ingrid Commemorative Medal
•  Greenland:
  • Nersornaat Medal for Meritorious Service, 1st Class

Foreign Honours: International Recognitions

Awards: Special Recognitions

• 2004: The Hans Christian Andersen Award Committee's Honorary Award
• 2022: Foreningen Norden's Nordic Language Prize
• 2024: Robert Award for Best Costume Design at the 41st Robert Awards
• 2024: Association for Book Crafts' [da] Honorary Award

Honorary Names: Places and Objects Named After Her

Awards

•  Denmark: Queen Margrethe II's Science Award [da] (since 2015)

Geographic Locations

•  Denmark: The Queen's Boulevard [da] (since 1979)
•  Greenland: Queen Margrethe II Land in Northeast Greenland was named after her on her 50th birthday in 1990.

Objects

•  Denmark: The Margrethe Bowl [da] was designed by her uncle, Sigvard Bernadotte, in 1947.

Structures

•  Denmark: Margrethe's Church [da] in Valby (built in 1968).

Honorary Military Appointments: Royal Military Roles

• 1972–1992: Colonel-in-Chief of the Queen's Regiment
• 1992–1997: Allied Colonel-in-Chief (with Diana, Princess of Wales) of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
• 1997–2024: Colonel-in-Chief of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment

See also

In Spanish: Margarita II de Dinamarca para niños

• Descendants of Christian IX of Denmark – Lists other European royals related to Margrethe II
• List of monarchs who abdicated
• Monarchy of Denmark
• Queen Margrethe's and Prince Henrik's Foundation