Queen Margrethe is STILL the most popular member of the Danish royal family as she turns 85 - despite stepping down a year ago
As Queen Margrethe II of Denmark celebrates her 85th birthday, there is much to reflect upon.
Just over a year ago, the monarch stunned the nation by announcing her decision to abdicate in favour of her eldest son, Prince Fredrik - an unprecedented move in modern Danish history.
In January 2024, Queen Margrethe formally signed the declaration that would mark the end of her 52-year reign.
Rising from her seat, she turned to Frederik and invited him to take her place, solemnly proclaiming 'God save the King,' before leaving the room.
Moments later, against the backdrop of Christiansborg Castle in Copenhagen, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen officially declared Frederik as Denmark's new monarch with the words, 'Long live his majesty, King Frederik the 10th'.
Throughout her reign, Margrethe remained a beloved figure both at home and abroad. A close friend and distant cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, she steered Denmark through decades of change while maintaining the respect and admiration of her people.
Even after stepping down, she continues to be the nation's favourite royal.
A recent opinion poll conducted by Danish broadcaster DR underscores her enduring popularity - while King Frederik and his wife Queen Mary each received an 85 per cent approval rating, Margrethe surpassed them with an approval score of 88 per cent.
Queen Margrethe II and her husband Prince Henrik arrive for the wedding of their son Prince Frederik with Mary Elizabeth Donaldson at Copenhagen Cathedral in May 2004
Just over a year ago, the monarch stunned the nation by announcing her decision to abdicate in favour of her eldest son, Fredrik - an unprecedented move in modern Danish history
It's a testament to the deep affection the Danish people still hold for their former queen, who, even in retirement, remains a towering figure in the country's history.
Celebrated for her hands-on approach, attending government meetings and writing her own speeches, Queen Margarethe is among the few sovereigns of her generation who hold multiple university diplomas.
After graduating, she challenged social norms by studying at five European universities between 1960 and 1965.
Considering disciplines to assist in her future role as head of state, Margrethe enrolled in a political science programme, which she carried out in three institutions: Aarhus University in Denmark, the Sorbonne University in Paris, and the London School of Economics.
It was at the latter that Margrethe met her husband, French diplomat Henri de Laborde de Monpezat.
She also studied philosophy at Copenhagen University and earned a diploma in prehistoric archaeology from Cambridge University.
Margrethe re-vitalised the monarchy - not least with a new era of fashion.
Thanks to her knack for colour and prints, she carries off eccentric looks both during official engagements and at leisure.
Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip wave from the balcony with Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik of Denmark in Copenhagen in 1979
On January 14, 2024, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen officially declared Frederik as Denmark's new monarch with the words, 'Long live his majesty, King Frederik the 10th'
Margrethe arrives for the presentation of Ebbe Munck's honorary award at an event at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen in November 2024
Margrethe makes a sartorial statement at the New Year's Gala at Amalienborg Palace in 2025
Arguably at the peak of her fashion portfolio, Margrethe designed this mac in 1995 (pictured at the Ringsted horse ceremony in 2017)
The royal's fascination with ornate clothing was ignited during her childhood as she observed her father, King Frederik IX, and his passion for the theatre.
At the age of eight, attending August Bournonville's ballet Napoli with her parents, she was entranced by the set and costumes.
Similar to her third cousin, Queen Elizabeth, Margrethe valued a vibrant colour palette and remained loyal to her nation's design talents.
She showcased sleek velvet dresses, silk taffeta gowns, luxurious brocades, patterns and an abundance of furs, embodying her authoritative and adventurous nature.
Margrethe shared a close relationship with Elizabeth - they are both great granddaughters of Queen Victoria.
The pair shared such a strong bond that they would begin all correspondence with 'Dear sister and cousin'.
In public, Elizabeth and Margrethe addressed each other as 'Your Majesty', but in private, the Danish Queen was affectionately known to her cousin as 'Daisy'.
This nickname originated from Margrethe being named after her British-born grandmother Princess Margaret 'Daisy' of Connaught.
Queen Margrethe and Queen Elizabeth II, who was her third cousin, shared a close relationship (pictured at The Natural History Museum in 2000)
(L-R) King Frederik, Queen Mary, Queen Margrethe and Prince Joachim attend the Danish Parliament's celebration of the succession of the throne at Danish Parliament in January 2024
Mary and Margrethe celebrate Frederick's birthday at Frederik VIII's Palace, Amalienborg, in Mary 2024
Frederik and his mother Margrethe attend a session of the Folketing, the Danish parliament, at the Folketingsalen at Christiansborg Palace in January 2024
Queen Margrethe is greeted by pupils with flags as she arrives together with the chairman of the board of Prins Henriks Skole's Property Fund, Anders Torboel, for the inauguration of the new Prins Henriks Skole in Frederiksberg in February 2024
Margrethe arrives as a celebratory service at Holmens Church in Copenhagen, as Denmark celebrates the 175th anniversary of the first Danish Constitution, in June 2024
Margrethe waves to well-wishers at Fredensborg Castle ahead of festivities of her 84th birthday in 2024
Meanwhile, Margrethe called Elizabeth 'Lilibet'. She once explained: 'That's the way we have known each other always. That is what we call each other when we see and speak to one another. We are definitely affectionate, but I don't want to splash it all over the place!'
Stepping away from the throne has given Queen Margrethe the freedom to devote more time to her passion for the arts.
Despite having no formal training in visual arts, she has created an impressive body of work across various mediums, including watercolour, oil chalk pastels and acrylic painting.
Ever the keen observer, Margrethe carries small sketchpads during her travels, capturing intriguing motifs and fresh ideas in the moment.
Her artistic talents continue to flourish, as seen in her recent design for a limited-edition anniversary mug for Royal Copenhagen, featuring two hand-painted fish to mark the brand's 250th anniversary.
In his first New Year's speech, Frederik reassured the Danish people that 'my mother enjoys her new life,' embracing her new-found independence while maintaining a connection to the royal family.
Though she retains the title of queen, Margrethe now ranks after King Frederik, Queen Mary, and their four children.
Her royal household has been reduced in scale, with fewer ladies-in-waiting and a smaller state-provided income. Despite these changes, Margrethe remains at Fredensborg Palace, where she has lived for years.
Frederik and Mary reside in the side wing of the palace, ensuring that while the monarchy has entered a new era, the former queen remains an integral part of its legacy.
