Queen Margrethe's Summer Tour aboard the Dannebrog: 2015 - 2023

[Nordic]

Summary of article in Billed Bladet #23, 2016.

Who observes that QMII has rarely been seen happier, fresher and more folksy than on this cruise.
This cruise also different from previous cruises in that there is extra time at each event, so less stress and more time to interact with people and really see what is going on. And also give QMII time to greet onlookers.

I don't think Queen M has always been this folksy and interacted with people?

 

[Muhler]

She hasn't.

Partly because I think she is uncomfortable with small-talk with ordinary people, but would be comfortable discussing French impressionists.
But she has become more relaxed over the years and she has clearly learned.

It was when Mary entered the scene that the DRF began to approach onlookers and shake hands and receive flowers and what not. Before that it was actually only elderly whom QMII greeted.
Otherwise she and indeed the rest of the DRF just went past, waving and smiling and that was it.
But looking at Mary and seeing that it didn't hurt the royal status, they including QMII, have loosened up and now interact with ordinary people with good results. Even if QMII is still a bit reserved, but I think that's more her personality.
PH in contrast has always been more open and approachable, but of course on cruises beforehand he couldn't break away to go chat with people.

 

[Osipi]

This sounds like Queen Daisy has been having a marvelous summer so far and enjoys getting into the spirit of whatever it is that she's doing. So many interesting things to do and the time to enjoy it all to the max. I would love to see a picture of her with that piglet.

 

[Muhler]

Here you go: https://app.box.com/s/zhfzkdy0j5kze9wpf5gyo1m5tl2ocgb4
https://app.box.com/s/1sqjs8w9lka20wwcbmlcbybq8exw1l7t

Pure love, eh?

From one of the galleries Iceflower kindly posted.

Perhaps they will replace the dachshunds with piglets? Should make an interesting change! Especially at Christmas...

 

[Osipi]

Pigs are so cool and would be such fun for the children.

This summer tour is really hitting just about everything you can think of from art and culture to the needs of the people and the service personnel that are deployed. Margrethe seems to make it all look so easy and fun and in that respect, I think she's a lot like her buddy QEII in the stamina department. Grabbing life with both hands and getting the most out of it.

 

[Muhler]

Agree.
And as for QEII, I think she would drop dead if she slowed down.

 

[gerry]

Agree.
And as for QEII, I think she would drop dead if she slowed down.

Agree: the secret to beating old age is that you have got to keep moving!

 

[alicia]

She hasn't.

Partly because I think she is uncomfortable with small-talk with ordinary people, but would be comfortable discussing French impressionists.
But she has become more relaxed over the years and she has clearly learned.

It was when Mary entered the scene that the DRF began to approach onlookers and shake hands and receive flowers and what not. Before that it was actually only elderly whom QMII greeted.
Otherwise she and indeed the rest of the DRF just went past, waving and smiling and that was it.
But looking at Mary and seeing that it didn't hurt the royal status, they including QMII, have loosened up and now interact with ordinary people with good results. Even if QMII is still a bit reserved, but I think that's more her personality.
PH in contrast has always been more open and approachable, but of course on cruises beforehand he couldn't break away to go chat with people.

Interesting article and observations. Thanks Muhler ?

 

[Muhler]

BB writes that QMII has arrived to the Faeroe Islands. She flew there in an air force Challenger.
In fact she arrived a bit early, so people had to mill out to meet her.

But tomorrow she will arrive officially aboard Dannebrog.

Dronning Margrethe er ankommet til Færøerne | BILLED-BLADET

BB observes that she's wearing a new suit.

 

[Hannelore]

I'm looking forward to seeing the spectacularly beautiful landscape at the Faroer isles again!

 

[Muhler]

Indeed. But I fear there won't be much coverage in the DK media about this visit. Not with soccer in France, and the possible scandal of one or more countries being disqualified as a result of riots and now also the shooting in USA.

Anyway, BB has a couple of pics og QMII arriving, wearing the Faeroese national costume. Dronning Margrethe fik flot modtagelse på Færøerne | BILLED-BLADET
Fashionistas may notice the sweaters worn by some of the children.

http://www.bt.dk/royale/dronnning-margrethe-alene-paa-faeroeerne-henrik-vil-blive-savnet

 

[polyesco]

the DRF has some beautiful pictures from her arrival
Besøg på Færøerne | Kongehuset

this picture is spectacular
http://kongehuset.dk/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow/public/dsc_4694christian.gif?itok=ZZ3Io7RV

the Queen looks lovely in her national outfit
http://kongehuset.dk/sites/default/...43-l_29mbliselotte_sabroe_0.jpg?itok=3CAcjWy4

similar posts on instagram and facebook too

previous visits
Besøg på Færøerne gennem tiden | Kongehuset

a wonderful video of the Queen arriving on the Danneborg
https://www.facebook.com/detdanskekongehus/videos/301219176883337/

 

[Muhler]

Beautiful indeed.

Here is a BB video of the first day. QMII seems in fine form, physical as well as in spirit. VIDEO: Hør dronning Margrethe fortælle om besøget på Færøerne uden prins Henrik | BILLED-BLADET

She was naturally asked how it was to visit the islands alone, she hasn't tried before. - No, but the most important thing was coming here. "It's a funny feeling to go ashore alone, but it's lovely to be here".

She visited a retirement home. A school for assistant nurses and a fish-processing factory.

Notice the national costumes. They are inspired by the dresses from the Viking Age as well as later dresses from around the 1700's, while Danish national costumes all dates back to the 1700's. As such the Faeroese dresses are held together with strings and clasps, rather than buttons.
QMII and most of the other women are wearing a shawl, but to be correct, as a married woman, she should wear her shawl as a headscarf. Unmarried women and girls, were usually bear-headed. Married women would originally also wear the keys to the household hanging from the belt, as a sign of her being the matron of the family.
That is also not the case with Danish costumes. There women wear bonnets and use buttons. Oddly enough the Faeroese male costumes are more like the Danish, I.e. in the style worn in the early 1700's.

Here are examples of Faeroese costumes, they vary from island to island.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ebu950rIglg/TjMjrm6WMHI/AAAAAAAAAaw/7GxdYIlc_24/s1600/1a+002.jpg
https://nahserian.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/c3b2lavsc3b8ka-lc3b8rdag-eftermiddag-3.jpg
http://www.pollurin.dk/IMG_4269.jpg
Even though they are pretty expensive, it's not uncommon to get one as you graduate from high school, as this couple:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2XObQMORjg/ThS-NWxUbsI/AAAAAAAAAWA/DCpAmxFcEYQ/s1600/IMG_1696.JPG
http://www.pollurin.dk/20790224-bd13bcb98aa931cd767ab2a6631f340a.jpg

And for comparison Danish local costumes. You could read the complete status and where people came from, from the costumes they wore.
http://egnsretter.biosecom.dk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/andelslandsby_folk_DSC_4161-01.jpg
http://www.folkedragt.dk/images/Dragter/Mors/mors-34.JPG
These are from the very beginning of 1700's:
http://www.folkedragt.dk/images/Par-sdj-1.JPG
http://cdn.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/sites/default/files/2011/03/283962.jpg

In contrast to Sweden Denmark does not have a national costume, but lots of local costumes.

Notice that the Faeroese women have bare forearms. That was considered sexy in the Viking Age. While the later Danish costumes had full length sleeves reflecting the moral norms at the time.

 

[polyesco]

nice! thank you for sharing.
the Queen looks lovely and strong . I think its time for Frederik and Mary to visit again.

 

[Muhler]

I think so too. Perhaps next year?

ADDED: Someone looked forward to the beautiful scenery. Look no further, here is a BT gallery: http://www.bt.dk/royale/se-alle-bil...eg-paa-faeroeerne-i-nationaldragt-og-uden-pri

The light on the islands is fantastic and it emphasize colors.

Notice how QMII is piped aboard, when walking up the gangway.

 

[Osipi]

Perhaps HM wore her scarf the way she did to indicate that as she was alone, she might have been scouting too.

Now, in all seriousness and joking aside, I have a question. I absolutely loved how Queen Margrethe wore the local dress as she toured around. It suits her and she looks absolutely regal in it. This is a woman that can wear anything and carry it off to perfection. My question is, have there been other monarchs to do as she did or is the Queen unique in this regards?

I do love how the Danish keep their traditions alive and wearing the traditional clothes are not only very colorful and elegant but they're, to me, timeless. Seeing the beautiful scenery surrounding the photos and videos, it gave me a sense of stepping back in time to a place of peace and serenity and very happy people.

Thanks Muhler!

 

[Muhler]

You are welcome.

Perhaps she is, but she seemed to have found love in the piglet we saw her with a few days ago. So perhaps she'll settle for that?

Well, Queen Ingrid wore a Greenlandic costume, so why not a Faeroese as well?

But before then, that's more doubtful I think.

And back in the 1700's the queens wouldn't have been seen dead in a local costume! They would have worn the (nearly) latest French fashion and certainly not the attire peasants and yeoman wore to church and weddings.

 

[polyesco]

last week holding a piglet and now a fish, the Queen is awesome
http://a.bt.bmcdn.dk/media/cache/resolve/image_1240/image/88/887089/13656814-dronningen-p-frerne.jpg

 

[Valerie Rose]

Thank you for these photos especially of the costumes and landscapes: they have prompted me to find out a little more about the Faroe Islands.
I always enjoy learning, and appreciate how this forum inspires me to expand my knowledge

 

[Osipi]

Thank you for these photos especially of the costumes and landscapes: they have prompted me to find out a little more about the Faroe Islands.
I always enjoy learning, and appreciate how this forum inspires me to expand my knowledge

I'm in total agreement with you on that. What these forums and all the information and photos also do for me is give me an itch to travel. Denmark is very fast approaching the top of the traveling bucket list for me.

ETA: BTW, if I had a magic traveling bucket, I'd already be there.

 

[Hannelore]

Thanks so much. This is such a beautiful place, I definitely want to go there one day.

The info on the traditional costumes is super interesting. Thanks Muhler! This particular one has to be the most beautiful and flattering costume I've seen so far. As a young woman it(s still flattering to wear nowadays - I can think of a few others! The male costume also looks good.

Queen Margrethe looks "young" in a way wearing her Faroe traditional costume. Very elegant.

I say more royal visits to the Islands!

 

[Roskilde]

Thanks so much. This is such a beautiful place, I definately want to go there one day.

I can highly recommend visiting the Faroe Islands. It's such a beautiful place. The same with Greenland. Beautiful islands. Hope Margrethe has a nice trip.

I say more royal visits to the Islands!

Definitely. And I am very certain it wan't takes long before we will see a new family's summer cruise for the Crown Prince family - and this time to the Faroe Islands.

It was a huge hit when we saw the four adorable Crown Prince children in their national costumes of Greenland so now it soon must be time to see them all four in Faroe traditional costumes, eh?

http://67.media.tumblr.com/4f424dce9a90b87245e7477844354a90/tumblr_mjjsopKdAC1s4i1f3o1_500.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/0e/19/62/0e19625138eb18846fbcb9896cd72d1e.jpg
http://faroeknitting.com/bcknd/wp-content/uploads/Family-wearing-Faroese-national-costume1.jpg
http://b.bimg.dk/node-images/544/7/x2048-u/7544880-besg-i-qaqortoq.jpg

 

[Muhler]

Let's hope for a visit soon. But as for Christian... While they may need little persuasion to get a showgirl like Isabella to dress up in an national costume, it may not be that easy to convince a tween like Christian to wear such a costume. - Charming though it may look.

Vincent is happy as long as there are some sheep he can shout at.

 

[Roskilde]

Yes, I don't think they need much persuasion to get the showgirls Josephine and Isabella in those different national costumes But you may be right that the boys need a little more persuasion haha. Especially if it includes those funny hats.

Let's hope for a visit soon. I know several Faroese often express that is a big wish.

Beautiful pictures so far from Margrethes trip. Thanks for pictures and information so far.

 

[Hannelore]

If I'm not mistaken the crown prince couple have only visited the Faroe Islands once, in 2005. (here's some reminiscing Mary from the start: Faroe).

They seem to have a greater love for the equally beautiful Greenland.

 

[Muhler]

Then it really is about time they return IMO.
Yes, they are very fond of Greenland! - The fewer visit may have something to do with the political climate on the islands. There are many who wish for the islands to become independent. Some of those again wish to keep QMII as monarch though.
So official visits from Denmark can easily be used politically and in a very small society it doesn't take long for small things to be blow way out of proportion! - Because as with other small societies there is a tendency of the world ending about 500 km from Thorshavn (the capital)...

Anyway, here is a video of QMII on the first day, arriving with Dannebrog: VIDEO Dronning Margrethe besøger Færøerne alene: Det er friskt – hun er sej | Kultur | DR

The locals are interviewed and they are pleased with the visit. One saying that QMII is a good sport (*) and cool for coming alone, and that they would liked PH to have been there with her.
However, a gentleman standing on a balcony things it's good the Prince is in France... I think that remark is open to interpretation.

(*) The work here is "frisk", which means fresh, but said about a person it can also mean something like being a good sport, certainly in this context. But it also means someone who is outgoing, willing to do or undertake something, or who is showing initiative, who is not timid. - Say like a child who opens a lemonade stand, that child would be called "frisk".
An archetypical boy who comes home dirty and with the knees scraped after having climbed trees all day is also called "frisk".
Have our English and Danish speakers a suggestion for a word in English covering that?

As a follow up:

QMII's visit is actually and to my slight surprise well covered in the media.

Today the focus on TV2 was that the Faeroese would very much like to be visited by her children.

Joachim hasn't been there since 1978 and M&F not since 2005 - and that is admittedly not very impressive!
QMII was told her children was missed and asked whether would tell them at home. She sure would.

Another little trivia. QMII wore the national costume for the first time back in 1959.

ADDED:

A video from BB: VIDEO: Dronning Margrethe vild med sin 57 år gamle nationaldragt | BILLED-BLADET

Here QMII talks about the costume she is wearing.

It's actually the same as she got 57 years ago.
The scarf and the apron has been replaced, but you are supposed to keep the same costume from when you get it. Of course with the odd changes in size.

And I must correct myself. The Faeroese costumes are not specific to an island or hamlet, like in DK. They have different patterns and this happened to be the patterns given to QMII.

 

[HereditaryPrincess]

Thank you to all those who have shared the photos of Margrethe's tour. She seems to have enjoyed every minute of it, and after looking at the Faroese Islands' scenery, I can totally understand why. She seems to have a particular fondness for the Faroe Islands and Greenland. I love the photo of her with the fish as provided by polyesco.

Thank you also to Muhler for sharing the info about the national costumes, that was a fascinating read. I wonder if Margrethe will wear one whilst she's there this summer.

 

[Muhler]

You are welcome.

And she did actually wear her costume all through the visit.
Also last evening when she was the guest of the Faeroese PM, and along with 150 other guests danced the traditional dance, with everyone holding hands: Dronning Margrethe dansede færøsk kædedans | BILLED-BLADET

You can see how it looks like here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-daBVcV6jE0

 

[HereditaryPrincess]

You are welcome.

And she did actually wear her costume all through the visit.
Also last evening when she was the guest of the Faeroese PM, and along with 150 other guests danced the traditional dance, with everyone holding hands: Dronning Margrethe dansede færøsk kædedans | BILLED-BLADET

You're right, I posted late at night when I wondered about the national costume, so I didn't have time to see all the photos and the ones I did see were the ones of Margrethe not wearing the national costume. But, I've caught up on the photos today and have also seen Kongehuset's Instagram's post of Margrethe's national costume in the Faroe Islands.
Thank you very much for posting the video, that was an interesting watch.

 

[Valkyrie]

Thank you Muhler for the Faroese dancing video and info regarding the national costume, which Dronning Margrethe is wearing. Enjoyed hearing about the word "frisk"! Perhaps an English word with a similar feel (at least in parts of the US) would be "feisty"....meaning full of spirit or pluck..exuberant..conveying determination. No direct reference to QM of course..as a feist is a small dog used in hunting small game! Please keep the sharing coming!