The Queen of Denmark has led commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of her country. Margrethe II was clearly moved as she laid a wreath and bowed her head to remember all those who lost their lives during World War Two.
The Danish Monarch placed a garland of laurel wreaths, draped in red and white ribbons for her country’s flag, at the Memorial at Mindelunden. She was joined by Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, for a short service held in almost total isolation owing to the restrictions currently in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Margrethe struggled to hold back tears as she stood among the graves at Mindelunden, the site of execution for many Danish resistance fighters caught by the occupying Nazi forces during World War Two. The smoke from candles placed among the tombs swirled around the Queen of Denmark as a lone bugler played before she gave a low curtsey as a tribute to those who lost their lives.
Later, she joined her family and millions of Danes in placing lit candles in their windows on the evening of Liberation Day to remember the many sacrifices made for freedom during World War Two. Crown Princess Mary helped capture the moment at Fredensborg Castle where she and her husband, Crown Prince Frederik, recently moved with their four children. Queen Margrethe was already staying at the property. Photos were added to the official Instagram.
Prince Joachim shared images of the candles at Schackenborg Castle where he is now living with his wife, Princess Marie, and their two children, Prince Henrik and Princess Athena. Like all Danes, the Royal Family lit their candles at 8pm, the exact time that the German surrender came into force.
Denmark was liberated from the Nazis on May 4th 1945.
