The first big gesture of 2026 from the Danish royal family is proving more and more relevant every moment. As Donald Trump keeps Greenland in the headlines, and in his foreign policy plans, a ground breaking Queen of Denmark made a very telling choice for her New Year debut.
Queen Margrethe attended the traditional New Year gala at the royal palace in Copenhagen wearing a tiara that said everything. For as well as being very golden and hard to miss, it was also a gift from the people of Denmark to the woman who ruled them for over half a century and her decision provoked plenty of comment.
Margrethe wore the Naasut Tiara (Naasut is the Greenlandic word for ‘flowers’) which was given to her in 2012 by the people of Greenland to mark the 40th anniversary of her reign. It’s proved to be a popular pick for the queen in the past – Margrethe is known for her artistic flair and creativity and this unusual taira ticks all those boxes.
However, she has also regularly worn it as a shown of affection and support for Greenland. The country is autonomous but part of the realm of the Kingdom of Denmark.
(You Tube still/ fair use)
This royal gem is a real celebration of Greenland and is made up of yellow gold representations of 17 flowers that are found in the country. It’s studded with small diamonds to add extra royal sparkle.
It’s also got sustainability credentials. The tiara was created from old coins and it’s more than just a tiara. It cane be taken apart into different sections which can also be used as a brooch.
Queen Margrethe loved the piece so much that she told Greenlanders on its presentation that ”Greenland and Greenland’s people always have a special place here with us.”
This was the second New Year levee that Margrethe has attended since abdicating – she stepped aside on the 52nd anniversary of her reign on January 14 2024. The ”crown jewels” are now usually worn by her daughter in law, Queen Mary, which means that Margrethe can turn just as easily to her personal collection.
There’s little doubt that this striking gold tiara was chosen to make a point.
The tiara’s latest appearance came as Donald Trump renewed his calls for the US to control Greenland. He said he was ”serious” about annexation and added ”we need Greenland for national security and that includes Europe”. The remarks followed an operation in which US forces captured Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro, with President Trump saying that America would help run the country. It’s led to increased concern over Greenland from Denmark’s leaders with the nation’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, saying that any plan by the US to take over Greenland would threaten the meaning of NATO.
During his first term in office, Donald Trump ended up skipping a planned visit to Denmark with the cancellation coming after remarks about buying Greenland. Even before being sworn in for his second term, in January 2025, he had referenced his ambitions towards the country, stating that he wanted it to become part of the US. He offered, again, to buy it but also suggested he might use military or economic sanctions to get it after saying it was vital for global security that it came under US control.
Greenland’s Prime Minister has made it clear that the priority for the country is to become totally independent from any other nation.
Denmark’s royals have always shown a deep fondness for Greenland. King Frederik and Queen Mary gave their younger son and daughter Greenlandic middle names.
There was another nod to Greenland at the gala event where Margrethe wore the tiara, with Greenland snow crab served as a starter. Margrethe’s son and successor, King Frederik X, also mentioned Greenland and the resilience of its people in his New Year’s speech which is broadcast live across Denmark on December 31st.
