The Prime Minister's speech:
Statsministerens tale ved gallataflet - Kongehuset
Google Translate:
Their Majesties. Their Royal Highnesses. Their Excellencies. Ladies and gentlemen.
Dear Queen Margrethe.
Today 40 years ago did you get a great responsibility in the middle of a deep sorrow. They lost their beloved father, and Denmark lost a dear king.
They told about the difficulty of getting responsibility at a young age and as a young mother. But also about the strength it gives to the duty and destiny to him.
I know that day is strong in your memory. Of course.
And on 15 January 1972 is a day that stands strong in the mind of us all together - all of us who are old enough to remember it.
It was a day when the Danes stood shoulder to shoulder in front of Christiansborg Palace and the streets to the square - despite the fact that it probably was not really a matter of course back in the early '70s.
It was the break-up times. Everything was under fire - especially the traditions. But not that day.
All kinds of people showed up, old and young, maybe even a Republican or two.
And those who had not taken the trip to the castle courtyard in this biting cold January day, sitting at home on the couch in front of the TV. Many places had to be off the couch and go and right on the ground antenna for the black-white image to be quite sharp.
And it did so. The picture of the young queen in black dress and with sørgefloret as wind took in. The picture was with us out in living rooms. It hit us in the heart.
And there you have been ever since.
With dignity, with proximity and wisely have you been an anchor for the Danes.
Throughout your work, you have a solid backing from all your great family. They told about the great support your mother Queen
Ingrid was for you. She was a focal point for the entire royal family and a loving grandmother of Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim.
But someone has probably supported them more than anyone else. That's their man. I want tonight to say a special thanks to Your Royal Highness the Prince Consort.
The Queen is safe anchorage and life companion. They have supported the Queen in the official work and family. They have helped to give the Crown the special status it has. Also you we owe a big thank you today.
They were and are a talented queen. It would take too long to list all the talent up. The food would be cold and hungry guests. And fortunately it is not necessary.
Because we know what you can.
I will therefore limit myself to reveal one of your hidden talents.
I know - because I myself have had a taste - that you master the dialects from across the country. Yes, you can too. And it is no coincidence.
It shows how much you know your country and how much they love their country men. That you have respect for the whole realm and for diversity.
A respect that also shows up when you a couple times a month receive Danes in the audience. Preferably over a hundred people.
And everybody gets your attention. From the educator who has worked 40 years with learning disabilities, to the driver with a long career at the track. It's part of your work you are talking very warmly about.
They make an impression when you arrive. I remember when the Queen inaugurated the S-train station in Ishøj in 1976. All we had to go and attend the event. We stood on tiptoe to catch a glimpse of a true queen. I remember the tense atmosphere.
The mayor of her fanciest clothes. Expectant children. And the feeling of living in a city that had been visited by a very special guest. As we were just too much.
I know that I share the kind of memories with 1000-some of the citizens throughout the kingdom, which has appreciated that they did their cities into something special.
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Today you have reigned over Denmark through 40 years. It's a long time for one person. But it is a short time compared to the age-old chain, you are a part in.
I will go back in time. Not fully to Gorm the Old. But in 1947 when a newspaper obituary praised Their grandfather, Christian tithing as a "model of government." An editorial in the same newspaper concluded that the monarchy was no longer a "match questions" in Denmark.
And no, it was not Berlingske Tidende. The bourgeois newspapers published not because of the typographer strike. It was the Land and People.
Since there is not seriously been questioned by the royal family in Denmark.
Christian the Tenth was "the rankryggede king," as it so graphically described in the Danish Communist newspaper.
Frederik the Ninth invited Denmark within the family.
And as Margaret the other has the same done things your own way.
Then in 1972 the court was enough to get used to that sat a woman in office after a long series of men. Margaret was the first after all, many hundred years ago. And there may be things we women do differently.
But first and foremost, you have completed your role as regent in tune with the times.
In your New Year's speeches affects the zeitgeist. Yes, the Danish language becomes even renewed. I need not mention the word.
All of Denmark knows what I think.
They have even said with his usual irony: "There is nothing so clever as people you agree with." I might add: The New Year speeches manage to say something clever, like all immediately declare that they agree in.
Through three generations the royal family renewed its role in a vibrant democracy. Also next generation, Crown Prince, have found their role as a modern family.
But is a monarchy in a democratic society is not something of a paradox? How is it possible?
Some explain the royal family success that it is good business. It procures orders for Danish companies, tourists to the kingdom and a positive reputation in the world around us.
That's right all along. But the story is much bigger than that.
Monarchy is not a business. Monarchy is a national rallying point - a part of our identity as Danes. A fixed point through changing times.
This morning we held State Council number 500 during the Queen's savvy management. Through 500 The State Council has directed eight prime ministers and many more governments and ministers.
And when the government is formed, so ensuring queen Round that everything goes right for him. That we have an unimpeachable framework for democracy.
And the Crown binds the whole kingdom together. There is a deep and mutual respect between the Queen and the Greenlandic and the Faroese people.
Is the Royal Family as a paradox in modern times? No, far from it. Denmark's royal family is a full and complete part of a modern Denmark.
But it requires a certain sense of brinkmanship by the ruler. To balance between contemporary and tradition without falling into the ditch. It takes a queen.
I know I speak for all of Denmark, when I express great respect for and recognition of the way you have managed your role. We are proud of our Queen.
Dear Queen Margrethe. They are not only Denmarks Queen. They are the Danish queen.
And on behalf of all Danes is a great honor to congratulate you with their 40 year anniversary. Congratulations from all over Denmark.
I would ask everyone to stand up and deliver a nifoldigt live for Her Majesty the Queen.
Her Majesty the Queen Long live!
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