Summary of a very comprehensive press meeting with QMII at Cayx in Billed Bladet #34, 2018.
Written by Trine Larsen.
As you can expect, when QMII opens her mouth something meaningful come out! At this press meeting a lot of meaningful things came out!
First the scans:
Billed Bladet #34, 2018:
https://app.box.com/s/az2j6608orpltf93t6fbtpss0i9bq8vn
And last week, Billed Bladet #33, 2018:
https://app.box.com/s/ceq9xriibi6g1ac9gaea2ge48o5legat
QMII spoke first in excellent French to the French reporters there for the upcoming French state visit.
Then to the Danish reporters.
QMII starts out by saying she looks forward to the visit by the young French President about whom she has been reading up.
She also mentions that it is different being here at the chateau alone.
She explains that it is indeed tradition only to have one state visit to an individual country during a reign, albeit there are lesser official visits here and there as well. But she decided it has been such a long time ago, back in 1978, there was last a state visit from France that it was time to break with the tradition and have a second.
But what will she talk with President Macron about?
She won't have substantial talks as such. The political issues with be handled by the Danish PM, but she looks forward to learn how he is, being a somewhat untraditional politician compared to his predecessors.
QMII very elegantly dodged questions into what she would specifically discuss with President Macron during the visit. Oh, chit chat...
What does it mean to her that now, so shortly after the death of PH, that the first second state visit is from France?
It means that it is someone who understands her affiliation with France who is visiting, more so than someone from another country.
How is it being at the chateau alone?
Well, that's pretty obvious, isn't it? He isn't just coming through the door asking if they should do this or that. But you have to learn to live with it and she is hardly alone in that situation among her friends.
Is it sad coming here?
No, not really. It's after all a lovely place she and her husband created together and were very fond of and with more than 200 members of the Montpezat family around, many of whom live around here, she is hardly alone.
The first birthday, Christmas and so on can be hard. What times might be hard for her?
Not really, because she knew where it was going, but Frederik's birthday meant a lot to her - and that her husband wasn't around to see...
Is she reflecting on her future in the light of the death of her husband?
She takes the days in her stride.
But is that difficult? Now that everything is very different.
Yes, but in contrast to others of her age, QMII still has a job. And that has been a tremendous help. As long as there is something to do, you don't go down.
Being busy has very much helped her. So in the light of that she believe she's coping fine.
How did she experience the days from prior the death of PH and until today?
It was a strange experience because the public support was so very moving. It was a huge support that people spoke so well about PH and remembered him fondly. It was like riding a wave. It was very positive and something that delighted her a lot.
How has her day to day life changed after the death of PH?
Well, they don't do things together anymore.
They were not that much together for the past 1½ year, because he was ill, so it wasn't a sudden shock that he died.
How was the last time?
It was the way it was. But she is very pleased that the end was very dignified and beautiful. And the public support and rallying around the family was a great gift.
How about his decision about not being buried next to her?
He was a free man and she accepts his decision.
She is often reminded about PH when she is going places or as here in France attending a memorial concert, how is that?
Lovely. It's nice that he is remembered fondly and often with humor.
How about the future for Chateau Cayx?
She expect to continue coming her during the summers and perhaps at other times as well.
How about the wine-production?
She isn't without influence but the production has been out-sourced.
What is she doing on a typical holiday?
Getting up and having breakfast. Wandering a bit about the chateau and going to the local market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Will Frederik inherit Chateau Cayx as PH has talked about?
The family, and especially her two sons will work that out over time. For the time being she will not interfere in that discussion at all.
But does she wish for the chateau to remain in the family?
She hope and believe it will.
Has PH's ashes been scattered over the sea and buried at Fredensborg?
It will happen! But not everything is ready yet.
Will she abdicate? Reflecting on now being alone for the past six month?
No, not really. She likes to have something to do and expects to continue doing so.
Has she had visits from Denmark while down here?
Oh, yes, gesturing towards the Danish journalists.
By the family?
No, but Joachim and his family was down there before she arrived, and she has had visits from friends.
She looks really well, despite being alone. How does she cope? Where does she find the strength?
She does because she has a good day to day life to fall back on. And because many people are so very sweet. Both in asking how she is - and in leaving her alone. And that's the way she likes it.
She seems to have a very good support in her family?
Very much so.
Her sisters have been supportive. Will Benedikte have a greater role.
Not really. No more than she is already doing and she also has her own things, apart from coping well after becoming a widow herself.
Will she hand over more responsibility to the next generation?
There are a number of things that she ought to take care of, and that she intents to keep doing.
And it's fine that M&F are more busy.
How is it to seen the oldest grandchild being of age, graduating as high school student, start a military education - and walking the cat-walk?
That's very funny to see. And she is very pleased for him. Also that he got fine grades at the graduation. She is also pleased that he is taking a stint in the military. It's good for a young person to get that training. And it pleased his father so very much! - And also farmor (paternal grandmother) as well!
Him being a model, had she seen that coming?
No, you can't say that! But people do many things.
Nikolai has said that the family was involved in the decision of him joining the army. Was she also involved?
They didn't actually ask her but they were very well aware of her opinion, so that wasn't necessary.
But she is very pleased and sure it will be a good experience for him. It was for her two sons. And she looks forward to seeing him in uniform.
When will that happen?
She doesn't know but it will happen for sure. (New lieutenants go to an audience with the monarch.)
How important is it that M&F visit the Faeroe Islands?
It's an extremely important visit. She is pleased with maintaining the contact to the islands and she is sure they will have a great experience.
Will she go on such trips with the CP-family in the future?
She will certainly go to both Greenland and the Faeroe Islands. Whether she will bring along others from the family has not yet reached the planning stage.
But couldn't it be fun to experience such things with the grandchildren?
Sure, but one thing at a time.
--------
This interview really deserve a full translation, but I simply haven't got time.
