As the decade draws to a close, minds turn to reflection. It’s been a packed ten years for Europe’s ruling houses but while a handful have been marked by abdications, others have seen commemorations for major milestones. One of the first big jubilees of the 2010s saw Denmark mark forty years of the rule of Queen Margrethe. Here Royal Central looks back at the celebrations for Denmark’s Ruby Queen.
Embed from Getty ImagesMargrethe became Denmark’s first queen regnant in centuries on January 14th 1972. She succeeded to the throne on the death of her beloved father, King Frederik IX, and the first event of her Ruby Jubilee was a quiet, family visit to his grave where she laid flowers in his memory. Exactly four decades on, she led her family in reflection before celebrations began with a reception at Copenhagen City Hall where Margrethe and her consort, Prince Henrik, appeared on the balcony to acknowledge the huge crowds that had turned out for the event.
Embed from Getty ImagesRoyalty from around Europe had arrived in Copenhagen for the celebrations and they all joined the Danish Royal Family at a glittering gala on the night of January 14th 2012 for Margrethe’s jubilee. As she marked her 40 years on the throne, the Danish Queen gave an interview in which she spoke of her admiration for Elizabeth II and paid tribute to her fellow citizens.
Embed from Getty ImagesCelebrations continued the following day when the Danish Queen was joined by her family and royal guests for a balcony appearance at the Amalienborg Palace.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik took centre stage, their children and grandchildren took part in the celebrations from another balcony.
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter a jubilee lunch, all the royal guests headed to Christiansborg Palace Chapel for a service of thanksgiving to mark Margrethe’s 40 years as Queen of Denmark.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe culmination of the celebrations came on the evening of January 15th 2012 when Queen Margrethe hosted a Jubilee Gala Banquet.
Embed from Getty ImagesFor this tiara event, Crown Princess Mary wore many of the rubies that had once belonged to Margrethe’s late mother, Queen Ingrid.
Embed from Getty ImagesRoyal guests heard Denmark’s Queen pay tribute to her husband. She told Prince Henrik that ”you have stood by me…and been of encouragement and inspiration”. Henrik also made a speech in which he said he was ”the first man in the kingdom” to admire Margrethe and addressed her as ”dear queen, dear wife, dear Daisy”.
Embed from Getty ImagesMargrethe’s jubilee proved a huge success, boosting her already considerable popularity. She will mark 50 years as Queen of Denmark in 2022.
