SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

Denmark

Margrethe II: Queen of Denmark for 50 years

Only to be used in conjunction with Jubilee stories

Margrethe II has now ruled Denmark for 50 years.

The Danish Monarch marks her Golden Jubilee today, January 14th 2022.

Her reign, only the second time a woman has ruled Denmark, has been popular and successful and marked by modernisation of the monarchy. Her Majesty takes as her motto ”God’s help, the love of The People, Denmark’s strength.”

Margrethe Alexandrine Þórhildur Ingrid was born on April 16th 1940, the first child of the then Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark, Frederik and Ingrid. She had no rights to the throne which, at the time, could only be inherited by men. However, following her father’s accession as King Frederik IX, a new Act of Succession changed that and Margrethe became heir to the throne. She succeeded her father on his death on January 14th 1972.

On her accession, Margrethe told the people of Denmark ”The task that my father had carried for nearly 25 years is now resting on my shoulders. I pray to God to give me help and strength to carry the heavy heritage.”

For much of her reign, Margrethe was supported by her husband and consort, Henrik, who she had married in 1967. The couple had two sons and their elder child, Frederik, today marks 50 years as Crown Prince of Denmark. Henrik died in 2018.

Margrethe II’s Jubilee day will be marked quietly, owing to the ongoing pandemic but celebrations are planned for later in 2022.

Margrethe II, Queen of Denmark for 50 years.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.