Queen Margrethe's 75th Birthday Celebrations: April 2015


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The whole family, including the children and Bella with her flowers, are out to greet and thank the performers.
Now it's time for a bite at a standing buffet.

It was actually good show. Very varied and occasionally lovingly disrespectful. Certainly child or tween-friendly as well.
 
:previous: It's such a good way to do it. Isabella is after all only 7 years, Christian only 9 years and they naturally and confident walked and shook everyone hands - right after their parents.

Let continue the cute factor - F&M stroll around holding and cuddle each other hands on the way to "gå kur" :wub:

It's all very relaxed. A wonderful evening.

The children aren't along here at the "kur" though.

Not sure what other tiara it could be... Would love a close op photo.

A close up of the stunning necklace Mary wears tonight.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd...._=1440822053_dd74b791ff425464f3b1249fb049f173
 
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The DRF will split up during their walkabout.

Joachim and our Marie will deal with the guests on the first floor. The Regent Couple will presumably deal with the ground floor as the guests here were seated on the floor.
The guests on the first and second floor were seated on the balconies. So I guess M&F (and perhaps with children?) will handle second floor.

Anne Linnet, who sang the song where Mary was seen singing along, just told that Mary know that song, because she, Anne Linnet, sang that song at Mary's hen night.

Christian and Bella do take part in the "kur" (walkabout/mingling). A lady has just told how she met them and chatted a little with them.

http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/524/8/8524953-dronning-margrethe.jpg
A pic of the whole family enjoying the show.

BB tells us that at least two girls swooned when Nikolai and Felix arrived: http://www.billedbladet.dk/kongelig...ai-og-prins-felix-fik-de-unge-piger-til-hvine
 
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:previous: It's such a good way to do it. Isabella is after all only 7 years, Christian only 9 years and they naturally and confident walked and shook everyone hands - right after their parents.
And they look into the eyes of the person they are greeting :notworthy::notworthy::notworthy:
 
Many thanks for all the pictures, videos and links. What great coverage and everyone looks so happy, relaxed and enjoying themselves. I wish our British prime minister looked like the Danish one!
 
The fifers and drummers are playing the "tappenstreg", which is the infantry of the line and heavy infantry signal for lights out and time to hit the sack. (The equivalent of the bugler playing the evening reveille). It's a signal QMII uses at such official events and it's a very audible signal to her staff, family and indeed other present that the Majesty is leaving.

This is how it sounds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ritg-ASQyWI

In the old days. I.e. some 150-200 years ago the fifers and drummers marched through the garrison town and played the "tappenstreg" and that was a signal for the soldiers to leave the inns and return to the barracks.
It's derived from a Dutch word and it means putting a tap in the beer-barrel. I.e no more beers for the soldiers.

The tune is beat every night at the Royal Lifeguard barracks. Probably among the only places, or indeed the only place, in the world where this tune is still played every night. The Royal Lifeguard Regiment were by the early 1800's grenadiers. i.e. heavy infantry.

Here is a YouTube with Attraction Perfomances, they were really good! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJLmZd4Sygg

Another Daily Mail article: Crown Princess Mary steps out in stunning floor length gown with family for gala night celebration honouring Queen Margrethe II of Denmark | Daily Mail Online

The story behind the Anne Linnet song and why Mary sang along: http://www.bt.dk/royale/linnet-efter-tv2s-store-show-derfor-sang-mary-med-paa-mit-hit
 
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I thought it was a decent show. Nikolaj Lie Kaas was a wonderful host and I loved the shadow theatre, the bit about QMII answering the journalists' ridiculous questions as well as Jonathan Spang's piece. I still miss some of the refinement DR give their shows. TV2 adds a lot of unnecessary celebrity hullaballoo to theirs but, sure, this was definitely one of the better TV2 shows (hands down, I had feared the worst after Hamgate at her 70th birthday – that was downright distasteful :eek:).

I'll agree with Ulla Terkelsen, the funniest thing about this show is to see the reactions from the royals and the other guests. I loved when Christian cracked up over the Bridgegate jokes. I thought the moment after the QMII/Henrik montage where the camera panned to them was precious. And I loved seeing Mary sing along to Barndommens Gade. That is my own favourite Anne Linnet song and I loved hearing the reason behind her singing along as well.

QMII looked regal as ever. Her gown was amazing and her jewellery complemented it beautifully. Mary's too. IIRC the dress is a repeat onto which I've thrown love before :D It's just so lovely and subtle. And that necklace! It definitely looks like a tiara – I wonder if it is and, in that case, which one it is. Alexandra looked gorgeous. Absolutely spectacular. I really miss seeing her at these sort of events. The children were precious – the boys dapper and little Isabella so poised.

Good grief! QMII and Frederik will be sitting right in front of C2PO! We'll have to look at her all evening... (We need a suicidal smiley).

Nice.
 
Mary's necklace is stunning! I can't wait for more information on it. Mary looked lovely and the pictures of the CP family were very nice.
 
I just love the fact that Pss Isabella is like any other girl at her age - she loves being dressed up and you can see that she thinks she´s pretty :wub::wub::wub:
It was the same at the christening of the twins and at PH´s 80th birthday :wub:
 
:previous: Yes, no one is in doubt that Isabella is a girl, despite the occasional window licking and jumping around...

From Royalista: Royalista | The go-to place for everything royal

Notice that the Regent Couple supported each other when going out on the balcony. PH in fact needing the support of an adjutant.
At Aarhus Town Hall, you step out and down onto the balcony.

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And now for something completely different but yet very relevant. When QMII was born on the 16th April 1940, she was immediately labelled "a light in the dark". The reason of course being the German invasion of Denmark today 9th April 1940.

The DRF quickly became a rallying point, not least Christian X who until then was more respected than loved, was literally venerated. But the then CP couple Frederik and Ingrid and not least their oldest daughter also became living symbols and they were often seen in the streets. With Crown Prince Frederik sometimes pushing the pram! Oh yes, he was a modern father!

But let's have a closer look at what actually happened in the early hours of 9th April 1940.
DK had signed a non-aggression pact with Germany and initially DK wasn't supposed to have been invaded. Then Jutland was to be occupied to secure the flank to Norway, because Norway was the main target. Both for the Allies in fact and Nazi Germany. (It's interesting to speculate what would have happened had the Allies landed in Norway prior to the Germans. With the Germans "coming to the rescue").
However, it was decided to occupy all of Denmark. The invasion of Denmark and Norway was called Operation Weserübung, with the Danish invasion being Weserübung Süd (south).
Prior to the invasion the Danish governments had cut military expenditure to the bone, knowing perfectly well they couldn't stand up to a German invasion for long anyway and foreign aide would not be possible. On top of that the economic crisis in the 30's meant military expenditure was unpopular.
But there were still signs that an invasion was imminent, but the forward commanders in Jutland were not told, rather they were put on high alert, meaning that the soldiers slept in their combat uniforms instead of being moved into prepared forward positions.

Then at dawn, 04.15, the Germans came.

http://a.bimg.dk/node-images/524/8/8524176-1.jpg Here is a map of the main events in Southern Jutland.

They crossed the border at the town of Padborg. Before that three custom officers were gunned down by special forces.
The alert sounded and the forward units rushed into position while the Germans crossed the border.
They were supposed to harass and delay the Germans for as long as possible until the main forces could take up position at the main defense line at Vejle Fjord further up in Jutland.
The first skirmish took place just north of Padborg.
http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/523/8/8523884-saxo-photo.jpeg
Here a German recce-vehicle was put out of action.

Further north at the town of Aabenraa, Danish machine cannon units (20 mm) had taken up position, often very exposed positions.
http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/523/8/8523889-saxo-photo.jpeg
They were surprisingly efficient. Some twelve armored vehicles and three light tanks were destroyed or damaged.

But the were overrun and the Germans drove through Aabenraa. As you can tell not all were displeased to see the invaders:
http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/523/8/8523890-saxo-photo.jpeg
There was and is a sizable German minority in Southern Jutland.
http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/523/8/8523883-saxo-photo.jpeg

The next line of defenders took up position in the garrison town of Haderslev. Again very exposed. And charmingly naive in our eyes today. civillians milled around the soldiers somewhat oblivious to the imminent danger.
http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/523/8/8523885-saxo-photo.jpeg

There were considerable fighting around the barracks. With civilians looking on in disbelief: http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/523/8/8523888-saxo-photo.jpeg

But the defenders were literally rolled over: http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/523/8/8523887-saxo-photo.jpeg - This is actually the cannon you saw above...

But Denmark (and Norway) also saw some of the very first military airborne operations.
http://b.bimg.dk/node-images/524/8/8524175-2.jpg
Paratroopers were dropped at two airfields around the city of Aalborg. Once secured transport planes were flown in with reinforcements. These airfields were the main targets in Denmark. Because they were vital for the German airbridge to Norway.

Additional paratroopers and marines were landed at other key points, harbors and bridges. And met with little if any opposition.
http://a.bimg.dk/node-images/524/8/8524174-3.jpg

But German soldiers were also landed on Zealand. http://b.bimg.dk/node-images/524/8/8524173-4.jpg
The cannons protecting the harbor in Copenhagen were trained on the German ships, but failed to fire. To this day no one really knows who sabotaged the guns.

http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/523/8/8523891-saxo-photo.jpeg Practically the whole of the Danish air force (army air corps to be correct) were stationed at Værløse airfield. (The planes were Dutch Fokkers). Only one plane managed to get airbone and it was immediately shot down with both airmen killed. The rest were destroyed on the ground.

While that happened, German bombers menacingly circled over Copenhagen. Dropping leaflets with the in DK infamous "oprop".
http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/523/8/8523899-saxo-photo.jpeg
http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/523/8/8523905-saxo-photo.jpeg
The translation was, to put it mildly, miserable! And it let to the first of countless "occupation-jokes".
In the meantime a German steamer docked in Copenhagen and unleashed German soldiers.
http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/523/8/8523896-saxo-photo.jpeg
In an age where there was no TV and no immediate news coverage, people went to the scenes were something happened to see for themselves. That also happened on the 9th April.

In the town of Helsingør, realising the situation was hopeless and believing Sweden had been invaded too, the local colonel, commandeered the local ferry to Sweden, took a company of solders to Sweden to continue fighting there. Upon arrival they were disarmed though.
http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/523/8/8523906-saxo-photo.jpeg

http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/523/8/8523903-saxo-photo.jpeg In Copenhagen the main target was Kastellet, the military HQ. Located a little kilometer north of Amalienborg, Mary is today sometimes seen jogging there.
Here flags were laid out to mark the site as secure for the German bombers.

A priority is to secure control with the main streets in Copenhagen and prevent civilians and what not... from infiltrating the German lines. http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/523/8/8523900-saxo-photo.jpeg
There was some fighting around Amalienborg.

http://www.bt.dk/sites/default/files-dk/node-images/523/8/8523904-saxo-photo.jpeg
The then PM, Thorvald Stauning, and Christian X decided at 06.00 to cease fire. It took however additional two hours before the order had reached the forward units.
The island of Bornholm was occupied the next day.

Altogether some sixteen Danish soldiers and three custom officials were killed that day and an unknown number of German soldiers.
Shamefully no soldiers have been awarded decorations for fighting against the Germans. Their sacrifice, because that's what it was, was swept under the carpet by the politicians. - Sacrifice because despite the hopelessness and futility of the military situation it was decided to "continue fighting for a couple of hours" in order to send a foreign political signal abroad that Denmark was being occupied "under protest"...
Only this year have there been a serious political will to decorate the (now few surviving) soldiers from 9th April.

Today is also a flagday. Dannebrog will fly from half mast until noon, when it must always be raised to the top. (Except for Good Friday and when a funeral is still in progress).
 
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It is so sweet in the video to see that Isabella just feels like a little princess! She seems so thrilled to have a lovely dress and to have her hair done!

Also quite funny how Joachim reaches for Marie's hand but she is busy fussing over Felix and doesn't seem to notice.
 
Muhler, thank you for the fascinating and very sad events on this important day in your history. The archival images are simply wonderful. As I was reading the account, I immediately felt for the valiant soldiers, who did not seem to have any kind of support. Then, to read they were not later decorated is more than shameful. I hope this will be rectified.
 
What a celebration - and everyone looks wonderful! Frederik and Joachim looked so happy and proud to be with their lovely families, as well they should. In another year, Nikolai will be as tall as his father. I see four future ''heartbreakers'' there. ;) The little girl who presented flowers to the Queen looked as though she was about to faint, she was so excited!

A question about the man who escorted the DRF, I assume it's the mayor? Could one of our Danish members tell us about the necklace/collar he is wearing? (I have noticed this on city officials in other countries) Is it only for the current mayor, is it passed on to the next one, or does he get to keep it? Is it presented by the Queen?

Muhler, I'll read your German history post later, it looks quite interesting.

All in all, I would say Aarhus outdid itself for this grand occasion. :flowers::flowers::flowers:
 
You are very welcome, Frelinghighness :)

And I hope the veterans will finally be recognized later this year, perhaps at the annual Flagday. That would be a nice touch. - Alas, I fear we must wait until after the next general election later this year, because the current government don't seem to be in a hurry to anything about it...

Anyway, unsurprisingly BB devotes a lot this weeks magazine issue to the celebrations of QMII. More on that in the next couple of days.

Here is a summary of an article in Billed Bladet #15, 2015.
Written by Marianne Singer.

- Where members of the DRF have some nice things to say about QMII in particular but also about QMII as mother-in-law.
During M&F's recent trip to Japan, the BB reporter asked them about QMII and Mary replied: "We are tremendously looking forward to celebrating the Queen, my lovely svigermor = mother-in-law (*), along with whole of Denmark. We are looking forward, all six of us - the whole family to celebrate her.
She means so much to us, so we are looking forward to making her happy and see her happy. She deserves to be celebrated big time".

Frederik: "You have reached figures in your life where you celebrate every five years. It's smashing sort of acknowledging every five years from when you turn 70 and up. And that I certainly think she deserves and the biggest as well as the smallest in the family look forward to that".

But Frederik has also indirectly described how significant QMII is to her svigerdøtre = daughters-in-law. In his speech at QMII's 70th birthday he said: "Suddenly the word svigermor was heard in the corridors - it was a word I hadn't realized the pleasure of. My delight and happiness at my marriage to Mary started a new chapter in my life. Your interest for your daughter-in-law started from the first day you met. Since that day you have always been there for Mary - you must know that she appreciate tremendously the trust you show her and all that you have together.
And thank God for that, because who better to answer questions like how many hatpins are need for a broad-brimmed hat in order to prevent it from blowing off at an official event in country like Denmark where it is almost always windy - this example among many is not an inessential part of the interest you always show both your daughters-in-law".

In 2012, QMII was asked whether she thought her sons had married well: "I think so, very well with a couple of very sweet and good girls. My daughters-in-law are a good support for their husbands. They are really into their tasks and are both attentive wives (informal word) and very capable indeed in their roles out and about.
And then they really are a couple of super-moms, both of them.
They may also resemble each other physically when we first saw them. And you can describe them as being alike, because they are both slim, darkhaired and very pretty. But they are also completely different. While at the same time being tremendously sweet both of them. WE are very, very fond of Marie, as well as Mary. We see both of them fairly often, even though we are all pretty busy".

(*) DK-lesson:
Svigermor = Mother-in-law.
Svigermødre = Mothers-in-law.
Svigerfar = father-in-law.
Svigerfædre = fathers-in-law.
Svigerdatter = daughter-in-law.
Svigerdøtre = daughters-in-law.
Svigersøn = son-in-law.
Svigersønner = sons-in-law.
Svigerinde = sister-in-law.
Svigerinder = sisters-in-law.
Svoger = brother-in-law.
Svogere = brothers-in-law.
Svigerbørn = Children-in-law.
Svigerforældre = parents-in-law.
- Before you know it you can suddenly understand the gist of a Danish text without using Google translate. Eh, Polyesco & Gerry?
 
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:previous:

Many thanks for the translation, all very interesting.
 
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It's such a good way to do it. Isabella is after all only 7 years, Christian only 9 years and they naturally and confident walked and shook everyone hands - right after their parents.

Let continue the cute factor - F&M stroll around holding and cuddle each other hands on the way to "gå kur" :wub:

It's all very relaxed. A wonderful evening.

There are some lovely pictures of Frederik and Mary on newscom of them leaving arm and arm. its really sweet

also of Christian and Isabella shaking hands with the guests.
very cute

a lovely pic of Christian and Isabella at the table at the reception
Michael Jaap @michaeljaap Børnemenu? Gallam...Instagram photo | Websta (Webstagram)


what a happy Queen
http://kuvakauppa.lehtikuva.fi/edoris?tem=dorismark&doc_id=7aa7d12863244111ed93a612a5f1b798

In the video, I saw Isabella a little nervous, but she looks very confident with mom and dad around.
this looks reminds me so much of Frederik
http://us.hola.com/imagenes/realeza...os-concierto/0-315-578/mary-isabella-17-a.jpg
 
Yesterday was a very successful day in Aarhus and Margrethe looked so happy. As she also told in TV2's news she loves to be celebrated. Just as her father did :D

TV2 indeed did well! Much better than I had dared to hope for.

It was also a very lovely part in the show there were we saw clips of Henrik and Margrethe over the years.

Here is a summary of an article in Billed Bladet #15, 2015.
Written by Marianne Singer.

(...)

Thanks a lot Muhler. It's obvious to see they have a warm relationship. And as Frederik says, who can better advise Mary about her future role as Queen than Queen Margrethe herself?
Margrethe also gives a nice description of Mary in this week's BB. I'll try to see if I have time to post it...

Let continue the cute factor - F&M stroll around holding and cuddle each other hands on the way to "gå kur" It's all very relaxed. A wonderful evening.

There are some lovely pictures of Frederik and Mary on newscom of them leaving arm and arm. its really sweet

Here you go:

https://billedeupload.dk/images/0jd3g.jpg
https://billedeupload.dk/images/7T4iy.jpg

F&M simply couldn't keep their hands and fingers from each other yesterday :blush: It's a joy to see when people are so fond of each other.

As much as I first thought that all this celebration of a 75th birthday was a bit much, I can now see the very fine idea to also let Aarhus (Jutland) celebrate their Queen in the streets.

Now there's a little week off before it all starts again. Both the 15th and 16th April will be broadcasted live on DR1 and TV2. Which means that people abroad might also have a chance to watch it.
 
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GALLERY: Comedian made Queen Margrethe laugh at gala | Royalista

A very nice gallery from Royalista.

A question about the man who escorted the DRF, I assume it's the mayor? Could one of our Danish members tell us about the necklace/collar he is wearing? (I have noticed this on city officials in other countries) Is it only for the current mayor, is it passed on to the next one, or does he get to keep it? Is it presented by the Queen?

Yes, that was the mayor, Bundsgaard. And he is indeed wearing the "borgmesterkæde = mayor-chain". It belongs to the municipality and goes with the office, not the person.

It looks elaborate and it happens that such a chain is stolen by thieves who think it's valuable, but actually the chains are only made of brass and virtually worthless.
The chain is not presented by QMII, that is not necessary. The mayor has the right to wear the chain at official events the second he/she takes office. And at a visit by the Queen the chain is a must.
 
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As much as I first thought that all this celebration of a 75th birthday was a bit much, I can now see the very fine idea to also let Aarhus (Jutland) celebrate their Queen in the streets.

Now there's a little week off before it all starts again. Both the 15th and 16th April will be broadcasted live on DR1 and TV2. Which means that people abroad might also have a chance to watch it.

I like that these events are taking place. It's always good to see the royals party. The British royal family don't usually do stuff like this, but there are plans being drawn up for The Queen's 90th Birthday.
 
An amazing looking necklace for Crown Princess Mary. I hope to see it as tiara soon. I've always liked her dress, and it still looks great. Isabella looked very cute. :flowers:
 
I actually think that these sort of events are a large part of why the monarchy is so popular here. It gives the average Dane an opportunity to celebrate the royals – not to mention the fact that we love seeing them in action, you know, with jewellery, nice gowns and uniforms, so these birthdays and jubilees are golden and they bring us together.
 
I actually think that these sort of events are a large part of why the monarchy is so popular here. It gives the average Dane an opportunity to celebrate the royals – not to mention the fact that we love seeing them in action, you know, with jewellery, nice gowns and uniforms, so these birthdays and jubilees are golden and they bring us together.

I agree, it's always good to have the public see and participate in events like this with the royals.
 
As a little parenthesis to the events on 9th April 1940:

In 1939 the director of the Danish National Bank became increasingly concerned about the Danish gold reserves. A concern based on what happened to the Austrian and Chezch gold reserves after the Germans went in.
In April 1939 and in the deepest secrecy and in the dead of night the majority of the Danish gold reserves were quietly shipped to Sweden and Norway. No one was to know! Not the Danes, that would cause a financial panic. And certainly not the Germans, that would result in a "don't you trust us?" from the German Foreign Ministry...

Then Poland was invaded, and shortly after Finland.
The concern spread to the Norwegian and Swedish national banks as well. And with very good reason! It wasn't only the Germans who wanted to invade Norway. The Allies planned to land at Narvik in Northern Norway and march on to the mines at Kiruna in Northern Sweden and then continue towards Finland to help them against the Soviet Union.

In Stockholm they had a major headache. Not only were they concerned for their own gold reserves, they had also received eighteen tonnes of gold from Finland and half the Danish gold reserves!
In Denmark the decision was made very late in 1939, that despite the cost and the risk of being sunk by u-boats or seized by surface raiders, we'll ship the reserves to USA. They made it!
And one day in 1941, the director of the Danish National Bank got a visit from a German official who would like to know about the Danish gold reserves... - Well, we ain't got em. It's all in USA. No particular reason, we just felt like it and many explanations...

The Norwegian gold reserves, 49 tonnes, were send up through Norway in April 1940 with the Germans in hot pursuit! And just in time they were shipped off to Britain, so they were saved as well.

I know, I know, this doesn't directly involve the DRF, but I couldn't resist this dramatic but secretive little story.
 
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