Queen Margrethe delivered her annual New Year’s Eve speech at the close of her Golden Jubilee year, reminding listeners: “All over the world, people’s lives are connected for better and for worse. It has rarely been more clear than at this time.”
The Danish Queen, who marked her 50th year on the throne in 2022, used her speech to thank people around the world for their congratulations.
“It fills me with great gratitude that over the course of the year, so many have wanted to celebrate the jubilee of my reign and have joined in on the events that have unfolded. Thank you for the many greetings I have received, thank you for the happy smiles I have met everywhere. Thank you for the support around our country and for the love that surrounds me and my family. It is something that strengthens us all, both on a daily basis and when problems arise.”
Her family also became a topic of discussion with the fractured relationship with Prince Joachim, Princess Marie, Countess Alexandra and her grandchildren, who are set to lose their prince/princess titles on 1 January. Speaking of this, Queen Margrethe said: “I embrace my entire family with great love at all times. Difficulties and disagreements can arise in any family, including mine. The whole country has witnessed this.”
She added about her relationship with her youngest son: “We have now had a time of more peace and reflection, and I am sure that the family can enter the new year together with confidence, understanding and new courage.”
Of her grandchildren: “All my eight grandchildren are my great joy. How big they have become, how time flies! In October, Prince Christian turns 18, it will be an anniversary that we are all looking forward to.”
About Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, Queen Margrethe said they were looking forward to resuming a full programme of engagements in 2023, saying that they have “thrown themselves into it with great commitment.”
She dedicated the first section of her speech to the Ukrainian people, saying: “May this terrible war come to an end and may your proud and beautiful country flourish again.
“The war casts long shadows. When both energy prices, food prices and rents rise, how are you supposed to make your daily life work together? We all have to think about how we want to approach the problems. For some, it is probably a matter of finding the thick sweater, but for many, it causes serious problems with finances.”
About Denmark’s willingness to support Ukraine and its people, she said: “When we help each other, we light a light in the dark. It’s the least we can do.”
About the ongoing energy crisis and inflation worries, Queen Margrethe recalled past crises and said, “People coped with the hardships, and society moved on. We do that this time too; however, we must arm ourselves with patience and assist each other.”
Touching upon the role Denmark can play on the global stage, and in light of the Crown Prince Couple’s trip to New York City to advocate for a place on the United Nations Security Council in September, Queen Margrethe said: “In turbulent times, a small country like Denmark can play a clearer role than one would think. Small countries are less influenced by special interests and can therefore better argue for what we find right and important.”
Queen Margrethe also spoke of the younger generations and how their urgency surrounding climate change and other areas led them to question the ways of older generations.
She spoke of how the generation gap can be branched by a bridge, saying: “The difference between young and old does not have to be a generation gap. It can be a bridge to new knowledge. And remember that you can walk across the bridge in both directions.”
Queen Margrethe ended her speech with a wish for 2023: “It is my wish and hope for the new year that people can once again live in peace and tolerability and that the joy of life will once again take over. We must all contribute to that.
“God preserve Denmark.”
