Thousands of Danes turn out to mark Queen Margrethe’s birthday

Queen Margrethe made a triumphant birthday appearance on the balcony at Christian IX’s Palace at Amalienborg for her 83^rd birthday over the weekend.

Thousands of Danes cheered as their Queen—who’d been recovering from extensive back surgery since the end of February—returned to the limelight and officially ended the regency period that saw Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Benedikte share the monarch’s duties.

Queen Margrethe appeared a total of four times on the balcony, without the use of walking aids, and waved to the crowds gathered.

The Queen was surrounded by her family as well. Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent, Princess Josephine, Prince Joachim, Princess Marie, Count Nikolai, Count Felix, Count Henrik, and Countess Athena all stood on the other balconies at Christian IX’s Palace to celebrate their matriarch.

According to the Danish Royal Court, Royal Livgarde Musikkorps performed ‘Today is the Queen’s Birthday,’ a traditional song performed on Queen Margrethe’s birthday.

Queen Margrethe is expected to resume her duties following her birthday celebrations, but it will be a slow, total recovery for the 83-year-old.

In May, Count Henrik will be confirmed in Paris, but her attendance isn’t guaranteed. It’s thought Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary, and their children will attend. And the annual summer tour aboard the Dannebrog has already been pushed to the summer of 2024.

Queen Margrethe was last seen in public last week when she arrived at Fredensborg Palace, where she typically spends her springs and autumns. A torch train is typically held to welcome The Queen to Fredensborg, and many gathered outside the castle to catch sight of their monarch after a two-month absence.

The Danish Royal Court shared, “Since 1988 the city of Fredensborg has arranged a torch train in connection with the transfer of residence to the North Sjælland castle. At the evening’s event, Her Majesty thanked for the welcome and sang along with the audience on ‘It’s a Lovely Country.’”

Queen Margrethe is currently the world’s only queen regnant and Europe’s longest-reigning monarch.