Danish New Year Courts: 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

[Bellefleur]

I think CP Mary looked great at the last event...her hair was stunning, she was looking very pretty, however, the dress was not well suited to her...that's okay, it happens...

[Paula**]

Calm down you guys, I know how bad is to see are idols been caled "dowdy housewife" but we have to admit that dress is just HORRIBLE is disgusting
Mary's skin was beautiful her hair was beautiful, but the dress that pics needs to be posted in the worst outfits topic!
But the blue dress is fine I loved it! ;D

[Daneborn]

I doubt any of the dresses Mary wore this new year would be my first choice for a reception with the queen.

The blue one, at first I liked it but there's something too simple about it that I don't like. It does enhance the elephant, the chain and also the tiara though.

The yellow one, at first I found it hideous but it's growing on me. Probably because it's the kind of dress I imagine only a royal person could wear.

Although the clothes are somewhat important we shouldn't forget that it's the actual presence of the members of the royal family that's really important on these occasions.

How would we feel if Mary decided to stay home because she thought to herself; ''Oh this dress doesn't really fit me and I will get a lot of criticism for it so I better stay put here in my couch with my baby and watch some television''.

[Lasse Pedersen]

On the last day of 2005, HM Queen Margrethe II gave her 34rd New Year's Speech at 6 o'clock in the evening. As usual, Her Majesty spoke from her study in Christian IX's Palace at Amalienborg. The first New Year's Speech was given by H.M. King Christian X in 1947. Only very few heads-of-state have their New Year's Speech transmitted live. Along with HM Queen Beatrix of Holland, HM Queen Margrethe is, to my knowledge, the only European one to do so.

Queen Margrethe's New Year's Speech of 2005, translated into English:
It is New Year's Eve. The year 2005 is coming to an end. Soon, we will close the book and put the old, well-known volume back on the shelf. Next to it stands a closed book, of which all we know is that it is called '2006'. We believe to know a little about its contents, maybe we suspect to know parts of the story; but what it will afford in all aspects is not known until another 365 days have passed.

The last time we celebrated the New Year, it was in the shadow of the catastrophic tidal wave in South East Asia. It affected us more closely because we still had to fear, in those days, that the number of Danish victims would also be heavy. After many apprehensive weeks, it turned out that the losses were fortunately not as serious as we first feared; but for the individual family who was hit, the loss is just as big, and in the countries ravaged by the tidal wave, long time will pass before life will be normal again.

This autumn, we witnessed, again, natural disasters of proportions which are hard to grasp for us, when, in October, the north-eastern Pakistan was hit by an earthquake which destroyed lives and property, and has made thousands homeless. But not even a technologically highly developed society is proof against the vagaries of nature. We experienced the truth of this when a series of tropical storms swept over Central America and the southern USA, and made even a large city as New Orleans a disaster area.

Every time, the Danish aid has been spontaneous and generous. And could it seem as if we were quite quick and generous wherever our own countrymen were amongst the victims, it is a joy to see how the aid to Pakistan has now started. But tonight we must first and foremost gather and focus on thanking all those from Denmark who have personally taken part in the relief. Under the most difficult conditions, they have again and again stationed themselves in order to contribute with what they are able to. This applies to the Rescue Readiness, the Defence and the Police, the Red Cross and all other humanitarian organisations. With my wishes for the New Year, I also send my best thanks for the effort they give. They do Denmark honour!

But not only the forces of nature have caused havoc in 2005.

The blind terrorism has also cast dark shadows over the societies in the year passed. Sometimes so near that we sense the shockwaves as when London was hit this summer, in the busy everyday life which looks like ours.

Acts of violence and suicide attacks like these lie far from our concepts here in Denmark. Nevertheless, we must realise that extreme opinions and acts can seem tempting to young people, and that sacrificing oneself for a cause can seem heroic. But sacrificing others for one's own anger or hopelessness; that is brutish and cynical; that makes no hero! We do not wish that that fate shall tempt one single young person, who has grown up here in Denmark.

The Danish society is open and democratic; it is based on respect for one another as human beings, and on the respect for each other's opinions. It is probably typical for us in Denmark that we do not care for conflicts; a discussion must preferably end up with all parties agreeing.

Sharp-cut points of view and categorical demands, dramatic statements are hard for us to take seriously, and often, we react by either giggling or feeling offended. But it is important that we both listen to one another and are able to speak freely of our opinions whilst letting others know when we agree and when we disagree. That is the manner in which we have built the society in which we take pride, and which we know is looked up to and envied a bit other places in the world. We wish that all in future generations will feel as a part of this society, thus making it naturally for any young man or woman to hold on to and defend it in his or her daily activities.

The year to which we now say farewell, is also a beginning of something entirely new for the Danish society. The municipal election of autumn marks the commencement of the municipal reform which has been in the pipeline for a long time. Already now, it is felt all over the country. Old patterns have to be broken, new to be made, and no wonder if it makes many people uncertain of how it will affect their daily life.

In a year, the municipal reform will be reality with joint municipalities and new regions. Denmark is refurnishing her living rooms. Walls are torn down and new doors are put into place. It will probably take some time before all of us are accustom hereto, and find out where everything is placed now. But it is the same house and the same family. Both the Prince Consort and I have felt this clearly when we, earlier this year, visited around the country. Everywhere, we meet the same, warm hospitality, and feel the same pride, although the circumstances can be ever so different from one place to the next.

In these years, the Danish Defence is also going through major changes which affect the individual, both when on duty and in private. At the same time, the work with the assignments placed upon the Defence continues. The year has been marked by the major effort, which is made internationally, and it is evident that the Danish Defence and its personnel is a centre of respect. We have seen that it has costs, and my thoughts go out to those who have been hit so suddenly and hard, and to the families who must sit with the grief and the loss. I send my New Year's greetings to all in the Defence, to their families and those closest to them. May the new year be a good year for the Danish Defence as well.

My thoughts and wishes go out for all Danish who are celebrating New Year far from home, and to all those who must miss a family member on this evening. My greeting also goes for the many who have travelled to settle abroad for a shorter or longer period of time, and for the Danish south of the border who ever so faithfully maintain their Danish inheritance, whilst being respected citizens of the country where they live. I wish for a happy New Year for them all.

This autumn, the Prince Consort and I have experienced one of the biggest joys of all for a mother and a father, that is once again becoming grandparents. The Crown Prince Couple's little son has become yet another symbol of unity, not only for the family, bur, I dare say, for all of Denmark; his happy parents, the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, and the Prince Consort and I myself, are deeply touched by the warm participation we have met everywhere. I would like to wish all good for all young families who, in this year, will experience the blessing it is that a new little life is placed in their hands.

This summer, the trip was once again set for the Faroe Islands, this time with the Crown Prince Couple. It was a visit to which we looked forward; and as always, we have returned enriched, encouraged and touched by the warm reception we all shared. May the new year be a good year for the Faroese and the Faroese society.

Greenland too stands clearly in the minds of my entire family and me, and I bring warm New Year's greetings and good wishes for Greenland and all, who live in the vast, beautiful land.

Every year has its joys, but also its sorrows which can be twice as heavy a burden, when others can celebrate and be happy. To anyone who sits with great concerns, or who has lost someone they love, my thoughts go out, and I hope that all who know someone who sits alone with their anxiety and loss will be ready with comfort and help, maybe just a handshake or a smile on a cold day.

The book of the year is a strange book. Some of the text is already there, and will reveal itself, day by day, without us having much influence hereon. But some of the text, we write ourselves; therefore, the book of the year is also our very own.

Let us help one another make the book of the new year a good book for our country and for our society and all of us; may 2006 be a joyful, new year.

GOD SAVE DENMARK

The above translation is made by me. I have done my best in order to overcome the challenges presented by the major differences between the Danish and English languages. Moreover, I have sought to the best of my humble abilities to give a translation which preserves Her Majesty's tone and style. Finally, I want to accentuate the fact that this translation has not been seen by anyone affiliated with the Royal Danish Court, and has not been officially approved.


Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II giving the New Year's Speech of 2005 from her Amalienborg Study

To see Her Majesty's New Year's Speech of 2005, click this link: http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Indland/2006/01/03/083818.htm and then click on "Se talen" below the image of Her Majesty.

Of course, I posted the translation to hear some opinions about the speech, about how it was given, about Her Majesty's appearance or anything else than you may find relevant to dicuss regarding the New Year's Speech.

Since this is my first post in the forums, I look forward to this and many interesting debates inhere.

/Lasse Pedersen

[Lasse Pedersen]

Additional information: The New Year's Speech is written by HM Queen Margrethe herself. She receives a list from the Prime Minister's Office, which includes topics for the Queen to consider mentioning. Her Majesty then writes her speech, deciding for herself what to in- and exclude from the given list, and sends her speech to the Prime Minister's Office. Here, the speech is read and approved.

/Lasse Pedersen

[JPhinala]

Thanks for posting and translating that! What a beautiful speech!

"The book of the year is a strange book. Some of the text is already there, and will reveal itself, day by day, without us having much influence hereon. But some of the text, we write ourselves; therefore, the book of the year is also our very own."
Isn't that a great quote! It's really nice how she writes that herself. It adds something to it.

[capricorninin]

Thanks a lot. It was a very good effort. This is the first speech I have had the chance to read of QM and it is just beautiful and thoughtful, and just what I would expect from an artistic person like her. Beautiful imagery of words.

[Paula**]

What a wonderful Queen The people of Denmark have I feel a bit orphan, cause I'm american and we dont have queen(duh) :p and about the president and first lady is not the same thing, know what a mean?
:( I wanna marry with some denmark's guy and be from denmark so I can have a queen LOL
Queen Margrethe is absolutely adorable :)

[Scott]

Originally Posted by Daneborn

I doubt any of the dresses Mary wore this new year would be my first choice for a reception with the queen.

The blue one, at first I liked it but there's something too simple about it that I don't like. It does enhance the elephant, the chain and also the tiara though.

The yellow one, at first I found it hideous but it's growing on me. Probably because it's the kind of dress I imagine only a royal person could wear.

Although the clothes are somewhat important we shouldn't forget that it's the actual presence of the members of the royal family that's really important on these occasions.

How would we feel if Mary decided to stay home because she thought to herself; ''Oh this dress doesn't really fit me and I will get a lot of criticism for it so I better stay put here in my couch with my baby and watch some television''.

I actually really liked both dresses. I love Mary in Royal Blue but I like her best in Lavendars and Aquas. I have to admit my favorite dress is what I callthe "Thai" Dress (The purple and gold)

Considering she is a new Mum I think she is looking really great.

Scott

[norwegianne]

Welcome to the forums, Lasse Pedersen.

Happy continued posting

[tabbitha]

Originally Posted by Scott

I actually really liked both dresses. I love Mary in Royal Blue but I like her best in Lavendars and Aquas. I have to admit my favorite dress is what I callthe "Thai" Dress (The purple and gold)

Considering she is a new Mum I think she is looking really great.

Scott

Hello Scott,
You like Mary in Royal Blue !!!!! Think about it- it's quite funny- good for you. Yes i do too if you know what i mean :p She looks great in the bold colors but I like the soft pastels and florals on her too- she looks good - motherhood does suit her..:)

[Scott]

Originally Posted by tabbitha

Hello Scott,
You like Mary in Royal Blue !!!!! Think about it- it's quite funny- good for you. Yes i do too if you know what i mean :p She looks great in the bold colors but I like the soft pastels and florals on her too- she looks good - motherhood does suit her..:)

I think I just made a real "Boo Boo" saying that!!!!!!:o If anyone on this Board has ever read the Forum "Royal Blue" you will know why I have a red face.

I will rephrase my sentance. I like Mary in the colour Royal Blue. Perhaps she wore it to snub her nose at RB posters

Thank you so much tabbitha for pointing that out.

Scott.

[Liva]

Originally Posted by JPhinala

Thanks for posting and translating that! What a beautiful speech! .

I agree. I have always enjoyed the Queens speeches. It´s become sort of a tradition for a lot of families in denmark to gather in front of the tv on the evening of the 31th at 18.00 to listen to her.. I think she did a great job with this speech:)

[Daneborn]

Liva > I remember that too from my upbringing in Denmark. No matter the occasion the party didn't start until people heard the Queen's speech.

As I remember it the Queen's speech is broadcasted on both national TV-channels plus all the national radiochannels. Very majestic in my opinion. Which shows what great prominence the speech has.

Lasse > I'm very impressed by the translation. I don't think even the Queen herself could have done that better.

Paula > That's exactly why I think a kingdom is better than a republic. Especially in a country like the USA where the president is so involved in everyday politics. Politicians are replaced, they have their own agenda and they rarely represent more than some 50% of the population.

[Little_star]

Thank yuo Lasse_Pedersen for the translation, an excellent speech by the Queen.

[purple_platinum]

excellent translation, Lasse Pedersen . . .
it was a beautiful speech by the Queen, i'm even more impressed she wrote it herself. a very talented queen indeed..

[GrandDuchess]

Thank you very much for posting your excellent translation of Queen Margrethe's New Year speech, Lasse Pedersen!

As I'm Swedish and can read Danish, I read it when it was first released, and I love it! She speaks in pictures, one can really see the things she talks about in the head or as images before you, and that's a great gift to have as a speaker.

[H.M. Margrethe]

Originally Posted by purple_platinum

excellent translation, Lasse Pedersen . . .
it was a beautiful speech by the Queen, i'm even more impressed she wrote it herself. a very talented queen indeed..

I hate to say this BUT Queen Margrethe don´t write her newyears speech.
She gets an outecast from Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen about what to say in her speech. She migthe writhe somthing down but it is not the full version of it.

[UserDane]

Originally Posted by H.M. Margrethe

I hate to say this BUT Queen Margrethe don´t write her newyears speech.
She gets an outecast from Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen about what to say in her speech. She migthe writhe somthing down but it is not the full version of it.

I always had the impression that it was the othe way around; that Queen Margrethe writes her speech and then it is reviewed for approval (for undue political content) by the prime minister before being aired?

[Daneborn]

Originally Posted by H.M. Margrethe

I hate to say this BUT Queen Margrethe don´t write her newyears speech.
She gets an outecast from Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen about what to say in her speech. She migthe writhe somthing down but it is not the full version of it.

How do you know this ??

Anders Fogh Rasmussen has his own speech broadcasted on January 1st. I can't see why it's necessary for him to fit his agenda into the queen's speech.

I agree with UserDane, and besides it's clearly a speech made by a woman, an artistical and unpolitical person. I don't think she writes it all by herself, but who knows, she's got the experience for it.

I hope she's giving Frederik some training for his future speeches.