Queen Margrethe's 75th Birthday Celebrations: April 2015

[Muhler]

The extremely experienced foreign affairs correspondent, Ulla Terkelsen, who also comment on royal events, which she does with humor and a great knowledge, has spoken out.
And in her usual style she cuts right into the center of the issue: Ulla T. undrer sig over prinsen: Sært valg, Henrik | GO'
She is very pro monarchy, but also very level headed about it.

She says: "It started a lot of speculations that the Prince Consort didn't attend in Copenhagen and at Fredensborg in connection with the Queen's birthday. So when the Prince Consort then turns up in Venice right after it obviously restarts the speculations. The speculations that he wasn't ill but merely miffed.
I cannot and will not judge whether the Prince Consort had flu or not, while the Queen was celebrated in Copenhagen. But Venice is an unusual destination to go to recover after an illness - than for example a health resort in the mountains or by the sea. I have often been to Venice. But never without catching a cold.
Venice is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, not least for Danes. If the Prince Consort had wished to hide his weekend trip to avoid speculations about the seriousness of the flu, he wouldn't have gone to Venice. Every day stacks of Danish tourists arrive in Venice from the Lake Garda or directly to the city. All tourists photograph like mad with cameras or mobiles.
On top of that the Prince Consort sat at the Marcus Square, the most overcrowed touristdestintion in Venice. There is Biennale (big art show) in the city. So among the countless Danes who are in the city at present, it would be odd if not one of them had spotted and photographed the Prince Consort and resend the picture. So no one can accuse the Prince Consort for hiding anything. he has gone to Venice with an open brow".

Ulla Terkelsen do not believe this will harm the reputation of the DRF as it is now, but adds: "The interest for the DRF is only strengthened by speculations and scandals. If the royals become to boring, they also become boring to hear about. The BRF has often been hit by scandals. The worse scandals, the more publicity. - But being a spin doctor for the Prince Consort must be a tough job".

- Ulla Terkelsen has an intense knowledge about Italy and I will claim she has the best knowledge about the BRF among all Danish journalists. She manages to cover the various royals, especially the BRF with at the same time a loving, fair and no nonsense approach.

- She is BTW no doubt to comment on the upcoming Swedish wedding and we can expect fair but also right to core of the issue commenting from her. Swedes who can watch TV2 might wish to switch over from time to time that day.

But back to the issue: She does hit the nail, because the whole Danish tribe is quietly wondering what on earth that is all about! So far no big deal, but if PH had another fit all the popularity he has gained in recent years will be lost.
However, if he is more seriously ill or just having a depression, but is open about it, then he will be showered in sympathy.
However it admittedly does smell a little bit like the small boy saying several times: "I'm running away and then you'll be sorry!", while slowly packing his things and walking very slowly down the driveway, hoping mommy will come after him and comfort him.
If that should be the case, we may bury our toes in the floorboards but we can't complain about the entertainment value!

 

[JR76]

- She is BTW no doubt to comment on the upcoming Swedish wedding and we can expect fair but also right to core of the issue commenting from her. Swedes who can watch TV2 might wish to switch over from time to time that day.

This swede at least always turn to Ulla and TV2 when there's a royal event. She's an amazing reporter and what she doesn't know about European royalty isn't worth knowing.
With her coarse, staccato voice, that hair that never seems to go astray in the wind and her big scarves she's the epitomy of a Danish intellectual to me.


Sent from my iPhone using The Royals Community mobile app

 

[Muhler]

Some trivia based on countless articles in Billed Bladet #17, 2015.

Day one: Christiansborg.

The dress QMII wore to the official gala dinner, was by Birgitte Thaulow.
Mary wore a dress by Birgit Hallstein.
Marie a dress by Rikke Gudnitz, the Black Label collection. And she wore a Bottega Veneta clutch.
Countess Sussi, Count Ingolf's wife, wore a dress by Tanja Shakir.
The dress Benedikte wore was by Wichmann Couture.
The Icelandic First Lady wore a dress by Steinunn.
Queen Letizia a dress by Felipe Varela.
Queen Mathilde one from Armani.
Queen Maxima a dress by Valentino.

The table ware used that evening and at the private party the next day is the Saxon Flower set. The dessert plates are from the 1880's.

All the guests got a commemorative coin as a present.

The official party ended at 23.30. (With additional 45 minutes drive to Fredensborg).

Day two: Fredenborg, Amalienborg, Town Hall, Fredensborg.

The day started windy and chilly, when the guests gathered to wake up QMII with song. (She had in fact got up an hour before).
The children were visibly freezing. Queen Silvia was charmed by Athena who is only a month older than Estelle, while Queen Mathilde seems to have fallen for Vincent. Queen Maxima had a chat with Christian.

The balcony scene at Amalienborg took place at noon as always. At the neighboring mansion, King Konstantin and Queen Anne-Marie, as well as King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon with his Mette-Marit. Not to mention Victoria and her Daniel and Queen Silvia and King Carl Gustav. When they were spotted by the crowd they all got a cheer as well.
As you know the twins were all over the place. Vincent worrying farmor Margrethe, so Nikolai and Felix had to rein him in. And Mor Mary had to intervene with Josephine who had also climbed a little too high for comfort.
At one point Felix and Nikolai pulled out their mobiles and started filming, until QMII told them to put the phones away. When it was time to go inside, bette Henrik was so busy waving to the crowd that he need a tap on the shoulder.

Escorted by the Guards Hussars it was the first time M&F rode with QMII in the same carriage and that was popular with the crowd! People had showed up in force to see the procession - with the municipal horse-dropping-sweeper forming the rear-guard.
Once arrived at the Town Hall, Frederik told the riders who rode the carriage to move a bit forward because the crowd at square couldn't see the DRF.

While Mary and QMII seemed to have secured their hats with superglue it was quite another thing with the other guests as they arrived at Copenhagen Town Hall. The air was thick with flying hats, some even repeating the feat several times. - They do like to amuse people, them royals!
Tanja Doky lost her hat. - That was saved by a police officers foot!
Followed by Queen Anne-Marie, who did an encore.
By the time our Marie arrived people had started to bet whether her hat would fly off as well. - It did... PET caught it though.
While waiting for QMII to return from the balcony, M&F joined the other guests. King Konstantin's legs are not what they used to be, so Frederik organized a chair for him, so that he at least could sit down.
QMII is very much into rythmic dance (or whatever it's called in English) so the entertainment was very much appreciated.

At 17.00 Haakon and Daniel were seen running out of Fredensborg followed by a bodyguard. Half an hour later they returned after a five kilometer run along the nearby lake. (Hmm, guess that could be misinterpreted...).

At the private party in the evening it was again Frederik who gave the initial speech and while there are no details about the speeches, it is stated in BB that the speech he gave at this occasion was even more heartily and warm than the one he gave the day before.
The next to give a speech was the very good friend of the Regent Couple, Keld Hillingsø and what he had to say was mingled with lots of jokes.
But the speech that really blew people's feet away, according to BB, was by Joachim and that was the prelude for the dancing to start.
The party lasted until 03.00, but at 02.00 QMII retired.

The dress Victoria wore at the party was by Elie Saab and it's the same dress Madeleine wore prior to her wedding.
Mary wore a dress by Temperley, with shoes from Gianvito Rossi and earrings from Marianne Dulong. No further details about the brooch. (Even though it has been suggested it is a remake of several other Dulong pieces).
Susie of Rosenborg again wore a dress by Tania Shakir.
Benedikte wore a dress made by a German tailor from material purchased in Hong Kong.
QMII again wearing a dress by Birgitte Thaulow.

Queen Silvia was seated next to Countess Kirsten Moltke, who is apparently a friend of her.
John Donaldson was seated next to Gitte Wedell-Wedellsborg.

The fireworks was delayed half an hour and then it was time for dancing, accompanied by former Master of Ceremonies Christian Eugen Olsen jazz band.

Day Three: Fredensborg and additional.

The two dressed in red who opened the door as the guests arrived in the Hall of Drabants at Christiansborg, were from the royal stables and was wondered what they were chatting about. From being exclusively male the royal stables are experiencing an influx of women these years. Apart from riding shotgun on carriages or the horses, they also assist at major functions like this.

The various guests left during the afternoon.
King Carl-Gustav and Queen Silvia as well as Haakon and Mette-Marit left early, at 08.30.
King Haakon left at 10.15.
Victoria and Daniel left at 11.30. But before then Estelle was seen running out into the inner courtyard at Fredensborg, followed by a Swedish adjutant. And with Victoria and QMII looking from the window, she ran around and danced a bit, charming the sentry nearby. And when it was time to get inside Estelle waved to the guardsman who waved back.
She also waved to the honor guard who stood at the entrance presenting arms with fifes and drums sounding, when she and her parents passed in their car. - Of course the DRF dachshunds got a pad as well.
While har parent had been on the job at Copenhagen Town Hall, Estelle and her nanny had passed time in Copenhagen.

And here you can see for yourselves: https://app.box.com/s/16i3pl9qertha2tvqnasuoxbclbis2z4

 

[Roskilde]

Margrethe was today set out on the main staircase at Fredensborg where she watched the changing of the guard. EB has made a story because... Henrik of cause wasn't to see anywhere - it was his dachshunds instead.

Tilbage på Fredensborg: Margrethe vinker alene igen – Ekstra Bladet

Two newspapers asks their readers (about 40,000 have answered) and they aren't to Henrik's benefit:

Do you think Henrik played sick to avoid attend Margrethe's birthday?

YES: 84%
NO: 16%

Should Prince Henrik had stayed at home instead of traveling to Venice?

YES: 91%
NO: 9%

 

[Valberg R]

Thank you muhler for the trivia, but I think Billedbladet needs to do a bit more research because the last time I checked, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson the president of Iceland has not become a dress maker, well I hope not

Me thinks Henriks popularity has taken a big hit after this

 

[Muhler]

Thank you muhler for the trivia, but I think Billedbladet needs to do a bit more research because the last time I checked, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson the president of Iceland has not become a dress maker, well I hope not

Me thinks Henriks popularity has taken a big hit after this

You are of course right. I misread the caption.
The designer is Steinunn. I will correct the mistake.

 

[Muhler]

Ekstra Bladet reports today that PH went to Rigshospitalet for an examination.

- That can mean anything. From something serious to a trivial routine thing.

 

[Frelinghighness]

Thank you for the account of the dinners, especially the private one. Was there no dancing at the first dinner?
Also, how is it know that ph went to the hospital? Is he always watched?

 

[maria-olivia]

Perhaps he will find something for not attending the Royal Cruise ?

 

[Archduchess Zelia]

I think that comment is a bit harsh. We don't know the extend of his illness – perhaps it was a hefty cold, perhaps he truly did have influenza, perhaps it's something else. Regardless, illness at any rate at the age of 80 should not be taken on lightly – however dubious his recreational trip to Venice might be. And I, for one, don't for a minute believe that he voluntarily would have missed out on the birthday celebrations.

Also, how is it know that ph went to the hospital? Is he always watched?

The Danish equivalent to the Daily Fail, Ekstra Bladet, has gone on a bullying crusade of Henrik and is basically following his every move at this point. When I read today's article, all I could think was: boy, do they have some explaining to do if he turns out to be very ill

 

[camelot23ca]

I think that comment is a bit harsh. We don't know the extend of his illness – perhaps it was a hefty cold, perhaps he truly did have influenza, perhaps it's something else. Regardless, illness at any rate at the age of 80 should not be taken on lightly – however dubious his recreational trip to Venice might be. And I, for one, don't for a minute believe that he voluntarily would have missed out on the birthday celebrations.



The Danish equivalent to the Daily Fail, Ekstra Bladet, has gone on a bullying crusade of Henrik and is basically following his every move at this point. When I read today's article, all I could think was: boy, do they have some explaining to do if he turns out to be very ill

I don't think Henrik would have deliberately missed the birthday celebrations,either, and think the speculation and criticisms directed towards him are unfair, (although he has made himself an easy target with some of his past actions).
IMO the simplest explanation is that Henrik got sick just before all the fuss started, was recovering during the several day period of the celebration itself and then felt well enough to go to Venice as planned. It might have looked better for him to skip the Venice trip but, honestly, he's eighty years old. Who knows how much time he has left to be able to enjoy things like this?

 

[Anne2]

Prince Henrik's actions under scrutiny - The Local

The article mentions two recent events, connected or not : the absence at the festivities and putting an end to his activities in his wine business. That is indeed a lot.
I am aware that we are fully in the area of spéculations, but I think this man is trying to say that he wants to retire, as other do!
Of course he has no power, but what about his influence in their hosehold? I think he wants to be heard!!

 

[Cris M]

Like always, the level of unfairness towards the Prince Consort amazes me.

Someone summed up the situation really well, on the comment section of The Local:

So the tabloid press expects an 80 year old to continue running a company from a distance while dealing with official duties in Denmark? As for the trip to Venice, it sounds like he'd rather not be subjected to the Danish health care system any more than other foreigners who travel for decent health care.

 

[MARG]

If PH is unwell I would not be surprised if he insists on not revealing the details. He comes from a generation that values their personal privacy while we live in a reality world where an awful lot of information is more than many of us ever wanted to know.

If he is, it is creating a PR minefield, but whatever the cause, both his wife and children seem prepared to play the game and carry on regardless. I think after decades of being in the spotlight he may feel the need for personal space.

Who can blame him? He is just like Prince Philip and we only know about his health because he was admitted to hospital. Prince Henrik can preserve is dignity until he can't, in his own inimitable way, full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes.

 

[LadyFinn]

One more gallery
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark celebrates her 75th birthday - Images _ Ricardo Ramirez Photography

 

[Muhler]

Thanks, Lady Finn, for your tireless work.

The saga about PH's flu continues!

Roskilde found a poll in BT, but she's busy so I'll take it.

Danskerne dumper prins Henrik: 'Han havde ikke influenza' - Danmark | www.bt.dk
A Gallup survey has shown that the Danes don't buy PH's flu.

The exact questions are not specified, but here is the result of the survey:
1.290 took part.
15 % do believe had had a flu.
58 % believe he humiliated QMII by not taking part in the festivities.
About a quarter do not agree this could be interpreted as a humiliation.

 

[MARG]

It's sad really, if Prince Henrik's absence didn't put a damper on the festivities for Queen Margrethe, the continuing negative speculation must have rubbed what little amount of gold left right off the gingerbread.

 

[GracieGiraffe]

I have to agree - these festivities, possibly the last milestone birthday of her life, will forever be coupled with Henrik's "in-flew-enza".

 

[Schatten]

I have to agree - these festivities, possibly the last milestone birthday of her life, will forever be coupled with Henrik's "in-flew-enza".

That's who he is! It looks as if he wants to harm his family.

He is not the first Prince Consort of history

 

[Anne2]

If PH is unwell I would not be surprised if he insists on not revealing the details. He comes from a generation that values their personal privacy while we live in a reality world where an awful lot of information is more than many of us ever wanted to know.
...
Who can blame him? He is just like Prince Philip and we only know about his health because he was admitted to hospital. Prince Henrik can preserve is dignity until he can't, in his own inimitable way, full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes.

The problem is NOT about details about his health!! but about waiting just 2 or 3 extra days before appearing abroad, ie just making his story more credible.!!

 

[maria-olivia]

I agree 100 % with you Anne2, that is the point !

 

[Archduchess Zelia]

The problem is NOT about details about his health!! but about waiting just 2 or 3 extra days before appearing abroad, ie just making his story more credible.!!

Royals have taken recreational vacations since forever. That he goes so soon after the festivities can seem dubious, sure, but it doesn't mean that he wasn't ill – it means that the DRF's PR department has failed in avoiding this hullabaloo.

 

[tommy100]

I don't think you can blame it on the PR department, they can only try and make the best out of the situation and clearly Henrik wasn't bothered about keeping the hullabaloo to a minimum.

 

[Grandma828]

A lot of people call 3 day virus the flu, when it isn't influenza. Just a thought.

 

[amaryllus]

He has to live with his wife and family and if their was any funny buisness they will be the ones to be rightfully upset and disappointed in him.

 

[maria-olivia]

The flue is the best diplomatic illness because you have to stay home .
Prince Henrik had to stay home and a week later should go to Venice for recovery and would be seen and they will be no critics and his Reputation should be unchanged.

My respect to HM the Queen who really enjoyed her birthday with such a Royal Attitude.

 

[Muhler]

Kong Henrik undersøgt på flere sygehuse – Ekstra Bladet

The court has confirmed that PH went for an examination at two hospitals in Copenhagen prior to QMI's birthday, Rigshospitalet and Bispebjerg Hospital.

Also QMII said the the press conference that PH was sick with something that resembles flu.

- Perhaps members in Copenhagen can help. Does Bispebjerg Hospital have a specialty that might spring to mind?

 

[Archduchess Zelia]

They have a large pathology branch – but it's obviously not that. IIRC, they also have a large department for lung cancer. And then Bispebjerg is covering most everything psychiatry in Copenhagen.

 

[Muhler]

And Rigshospitalet have state of the art scanners...

Perhaps he booked a time with the pathologist?

I've donated my body to science and the pathologist I spoke with at Aarhus University admonished me not to let myself being stabbed or shot, otherwise they couldn't embalm me.

BTW. BB today is quoting Lene Balleby for confirming that PH went to "routine check ups" at two hospitals over two coherent days, upon returning from Venice.
- More on that when I start posting summaries.

When in hospital you can assess your condition using this easy guide:
The doctor walks right past you with hardly a glance = No need to worry.
A doctor looks at you and move on = You'll recover all right.
The doctor walks up to you first and ignores the other patients and speaks about you as "an interesting case". = There are serious reasons for concern!
Several doctors stand around you, using expressions like "fascinating", "novel", "remarkable" and "The Lancet". = You are in big, big trouble!
A pathologist presents himself to you - looking delighted... = Time to make a reservation for a one room suite with a lid!

 

[melina premiere]

I hope that Prince Henrik has not something bad. I don't personnaly never believe that Prince Henrik did not want to attend to the birthday festivities , I always believe that Prince Henrik had a flu . I hope that it is not worst.