Queen Margrethe will pay a visit to Estonia in June, the Royal House announced, in conjunction with the 800th anniversary of the Danish Flag.
The Queen will visit Tallinn, the Estonian capital, on 15 June. The capital shares a mythical connection to Denmark and its flag, known as the Dannebrog.
On that date 800 years ago, according to the Royal House, “According to the legend, Dannebrog descended from Heaven and helped the Danish king Valdemar Sejr win the dominion of northern Estonia.” The Danish king gained dominion over the town of Lyndanisse – which is now known as Tallinn (Taani Linn is an Estonian phrase that means ‘the Danish city’).
Queen Margrethe’s visit will coordinate with this anniversary and will also include commemorations for Estonia’s independence, which was marked last year with a visit from Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary.
The Queen will arrive on the royal yacht Dannebrog. During her visit, Queen Margrethe and Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid will open an exhibit at the Kadriorg Castle Art Museum focusing on the Dannebrog.
‘Dannebrog: The Flag That Fell From the Sky’ will feature artwork by Christen Købke, CW Eckersberg and Nicolai Abildgaard that depict this event; and CA Lorentzen’s painting, ‘The Battle of Lyndanisse’, which will be exhibited for the first time outside of Denmark.
Queen Margrethe will also participate in the opening of The Danish Queen’s Garden, the opening of a historical exhibition, and will present research scholarships during her visit.
Further tying into the Dannebrog theme, Queen Margrethe will visit the Frihetspladsen to attend an event for the Danish and Estonian flags and which will feature Danish and Estonian performers.
The Queen and President Kaljulaid will attend a concert at the Estonia Concert Hall, as well as a gala dinner in the Queen’s honour.
Queen Margrethe’s visit will wrap up with a service at Tallinn Cathedral, which was founded in 1219 shortly after the Danish conquest.
