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


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https://www.bt.dk/royale/kongeskibet-i-problemer-hentes-hjem-af-forsvaret

There have been problems with Dannebrog's engines and she had to be towed back to her home in Frederikshavn Naval Station.
She was otherwise on her was to the Faeroe Islands for the first summer cruise there with QMII, bot both engines failed.
Fortunately she was able top be towed back to the harbor by a frigate. (No, it's not the frigate you see towing Danneborg into the harbor, but a tugboat. The frigate is much larger and was perhaps an escort for Dannebrog.)

It is of course unfortunate, if they can't fix her engines very soon. She is after all an elderly lady and can't sail that fast. And as such may not get to the islands in time.
She is also a big crowd pleaser.

But the escorting frigate, Iver Huitfeld (pronounced Whitfeld in English) can. She is fast and hyper-modern and she is designed to accommodate a commodore or rear admiral. Her helicopter is a Seahawk and large enough to fly QMII, a LiW and an adjutant anywhere they want on the islands. (Something the previous, but much loved navy Lynx helicopters couldn't.)
Size-wise there is plenty of room for QMII's entourage, because Iver Huitfeld is actually a heavy destroyer, despite her being classified as a frigate. And I think the crew will quite appreciate being the royal yacht. ;) - Something to brag about to the crews of the other frigates.

As for QMII, she will no doubt fly to the islands, as has always been the plan and then quietly board whatever ship is available and be accommodated there, before the official cruise starts at 10.00.

As the former Master of Ceremonies, Christian Eugen Olsen, who has a wonderful sense of humor, pointed out: The clock is always ten, when the royal yacht moors at the quay. :lol:

ADDED:
Here are two short clips of Danish helicopters landing on deck in the North Atlantic, first a Seahawk, then a Lynx.
Watch them if you dare!

ADDED: A photo of Dannebrog. Isn't she beautiful?
https://jyllands-posten.dk/pictures...2048/soefolk-fra-kongeskib-frifindes-i-sexsag
 
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The problems with Dannebrog's engines persists.
She cannot get to the Faeroe Islands in time. - It takes four days for her to sail there.
But there are no reports of changing of plans from the court, so it appears QMII will start her visit to the islands tomorrow as scheduled.
 
Well, today QMII took off for the Faeroe Islands by plane, so that she would be ready for the official visit starting tomorrow.
Alas, the plane couldn't land in Thorshavn and QMII will try again tomorrow.

https://www.bt.dk/royale/dronningens-besoeg-paa-faeroeerne-udskudt-flyet-har-ikke-kunnet-lande

I work in logistics, so this is interesting for me on a professional basis.
I'm almost certain she tried to fly to Thorshavn on an air force Challenger. But the weather is very unpredictable in the North Atlantic, and it's not unusual that the airport is closed and trying to land in poor weather is dangerous! A Defense Chief was killed with the crew and his staff trying to do just that some twenty years ago.
Considering the range of a fully loaded Challenger, I will imagine the plane refueled in Norway on the way back to DK.

The problems with Dannebrog's engines is worrying, because she was scheduled to sail on to Greenland from the Faeroe Islands. But if the engines aren't fixed within a few days it will not be possible for Dannebrog to reach Greenland in time for QMII's visit.
And that will present a major problem for QMII, because where do you accommodate QMII and her entourage?
The small hamlets don't have hotels. At best they have gravel landing strips for Hercules transport plane and local Challengers. Only the towns have a landing strip suited for local shuttle planes.
Helicopters can't make the distance between several of the destinations anyway, so one way or another QMII will have to be accommodated locally.
Where she may risk having to stay for several days, because the weather is unpredictable around Greenland.
One solution is to use the patrol frigate stationed in the Greenlandic waters, but that's anything but luxurious!
There are nothing else but small ferries, patrol boats, trawlers and small icebreakers. But keep in mind that QMII has turned 81, so climbing ladders is hardly an option for her.

So I think there is a more than good chance the visit will be postponed or alternatively be downsized to only taking place in Nuuk, the capital and the hamlets and towns within a safe distance.

To put it into perspective: The west coass of Greenland is roughly equivalent to the east coast of USA in regards to distances.

ADDED:
Due to a rise in the number of infected on the islands, QMII, like everybody else, must be tested when she arrives at Thorshavn. And then she must isolate until the result of her test is there. But she will be given first priority in regards to the result of the test, was the info on the press briefing in Thorshavn yesterday.

Like I mentioned above, QMII will fly in on a Challenger and this is how it looks when she arrives anywhere: https://billedbladet-prod.imgix.net...op=focalpoint&auto=format&ixlib=imgixjs-3.4.0
Challengers routine land on the gravel strips in Greenland (and Canada) but it's bad for the paint!
 
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It's a grueling schedule QMII has to go though, due to everything having to be compressed.
She is after all 81 and there are few breaks and no one to share the burden - i.e. she is on constantly.
 
She likes being up there, doesn't she?

She doesn't seem to be feeling alone at all. And she looks terrific in her local dress.
 
Prinsara said:
She likes being up there, doesn't she?

She doesn't seem to be feeling alone at all. And she looks terrific in her local dress.
Click to expand...

I agree. She always seems to thrive on doing her duty -- I think she truly enjoys it. I get the same impression from Princess Benedikte. They clearly love their jobs.

In fact, I get the same sense from Princess Beatrix and Princess Margriet in the Netherlands and Queen Elizabeth and Princess Anne in England. They all look great and enjoy their duties. No drama, no "celebrity."
 
Yes, QMII has been very busy!

It delights the locals that she is able to understand most of spoken Faeroese and she can speak simple sentences.
There are however some critical voices. Not so much against QMII. But that the visit comes now where there is an increase of infected on the islands and where the islanders have been urged to avoid too much contact with other people.
A visit by QMII means crowds and that many people interact closely.
It hardly helps by having a group of Danes flying in. I.e. QMII's entourage plus journalists.

Some have also expressed concern about QMII. Because even though she has long been fully vaccinated, there is a real risk of her becoming infected in this visit. And while an illness may not be severe, she is after all 81.

And due to the local restrictions regarding crowding, one of QMII's favorits when visiting the islands, the chain-dance has to be cancelled.
For someone who is so much into Nordic culture and mythology, the songs accompanying the dances are based on stories written down during the 1200's about events taking place 2-300 years earlier, are a treat.

So here is it, with English subtitles.
It's about a large sea-battle taking place around 900 between the Nordic kings. There are about 10.000 verses in these songs and it's really mesmerizing! Hypnotic.
It's fascinating to think that variations of this dance has been danced on the Faeroe Islands for more than a thousand years.

Here with the CP-family aboard Dannebrog (Watch on YouTube):

And if you simply can't get enough, here with QMII back in 2016, she's singing along on the chorus:
 
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So no news yet about Dannebrog and getting to Greenland?
 
Prinsara said:
So no news yet about Dannebrog and getting to Greenland?
Click to expand...

No, she is testing her engines this evening and the result of those tests will determine whether she will sail to Greenland.

She had a major refit, including new engines, in the 1980's. So perhaps a new overhaul is needed?
 
Apparently one of the Faroese towns painted a giant daisy on the landing pad for her helicopter. :flowers:

I'm going to guess in the words of her great-great-grandma, she was very much amused, indeed.
 
That's a nice touch. :lol:

QMII has clearly had problems with her back during this visit. She walks as little as possible and sit down at most events and is seen discreetly holding on to or leaning against things.
https://www.bt.dk/royale/dronning-margrethe-kaemper-med-benene-paa-faeroeerne

But she still has her sense of self-deprecating humor. When posing somewhere she said after a short while: "Well, surely I'm not that amusing to look at."

Dannebrog will not sail to Greenland.

The reason is that the cause of the engine-failure has not been established.

- Engine failure in the North Atlantic is bad! Engine failure in the waters around Greenland is dangerous! There are lots of icebergs around, also in the summer, and if Dannebrog can't move out of the way due to engine failure, she will be churned down or holed,
It must be a terrible disappointment for the conscript crew though.

QMII's visit to Greenland will take place though. But there will naturally be a number of changes to the schedule.
 
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:previous: Thaf is a great photo!
I love that QM never looses her zest for life and sense of humor ❤️
 
The summer visit to the Faeroe Islands has ended with a meeting with the press this morning, July 19:


** tt.se gallery **
 
QMII said at the press-meeting that she will head for France after her visit to Greenland. Here she will visit J&M - for the first time, while they are in France.

PH was very popular on the Faroe Islands, and quite a few islanders also waved the French flag, as well at the Faroese and Danish flag.
 
Muhler said:
PH was very popular on the Faroe Islands, and quite a few islanders also waved the French flag, as well at the Faroese and Danish flag.
Click to expand...

What engendered his popularity on the Islands?
 
Tatiana Maria said:
What engendered his popularity on the Islands?
Click to expand...

Two things I believe:
A) His quirky humor appealed to the islanders.
B) The population is so small and the visits so relatively frequent that most islanders will remember a personal episode where PH goofed when they looked on, said a witty remark to them personally, gave them a personal smile etc.
Keep in mind that PH was actually very good at personal interaction with people.
That's a trait Frederik did not only inherit form his grandfather but also father.
 
https://jyllands-posten.dk/indland/...har-loest-problemer-og-sejler-med-dronningen/

QMII has boarded Dannebrog in Copenhagen and is now heading for the city of Aalborg, from where QMII will drive to the hunting lodge at Trend nearby.
She will return to Copenhagen, aboard Dannebrog on 3rd August.

QMII will remain aboard Danneborg until 9th August, but it is yet unknown where she will be.
(I have a feeling that it's a kind of consolation-cruise. Both for QMII herself but also the conscript crew. After all the main reason for volunteering for Dannebrog is to sail with the DRF.)

The engine is working fine again, but it hasn't been possible to point down the exact reason for the engines not working, despite going through every bit of the engine, checking and testing. Danneborg has been sailing for 100 hours and the date has been transferred to the navy for additional analyses.
(Something that springs to mind is a virus or hacking, but of course the navy would never tell if that's the case.)
 
Thanks, Polyesco.

Good to see QMII walking down the phalarope pretty effortlessly.
As far as I can deduce from the text, she arrived in Aalborg before 16.00.

And I imagine she is now sitting in Trend hunting lodge with her feet up - enjoying the mosquitos. They are legio this year!
But it is just as likely the rain is drumming against the windows, we are having several cloudburst up through Jutland this evening.
 
The visit to Thisted should be interesting. Not least the visit to the Bunker museum" in Hansholm, which is dedicated to the Danish part of the WWII German bunker-line along the coasts of the Atlantic in expectation of an Allied invasion somewhere.

The visit to the island of Fanø should be worth following as well. It's a very scenic island. - The tourists love the place - and the locals loves to fleece them. :D
 
Tomorrow QMII will visit the scenic island of Fanø.
Fanø is located a few minutes by ferry from the town of Esbjerg, which she visited today.
It's a fair-sized island:
https://cdn.oestjylland.bazo.dk/images/7289c0c6-a355-4586-8e70-0b248d0ff64a/s/2048
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p...LCv1JzzbLylk2KAdRPQIloLh0rkcb3Rwz7NJkhzGn9McO

Locate at the northern edge of the Wadden Sea, the island is very flat:
https://naturstyrelsen.dk/media/nst/11454960/fan__knuderikchristensen_colourbox.jpg
It consist basically of two overgrown villages, one in the north and one in the south, with heath in the middle of the island, that is surrounded by sandbanks when the tide is low. But do be careful! When the tide comes in in the Wadden Sea, it comes in deceptively fast! And the water is surprisingly cold. People are much more careful today, and have mobile phones too. But in my childhood the tide claimed a few tourists each year.
It used to be a fishing island. Today it's very much tourism, all year round.
The best way to explore the island is leaving your car in Esbjerg and rent a bike and bring it along on the ferry. You can explore the island in a day and get plenty of exercise at the same time!
Being a tourist island, there are loads of souvenirs, amber and locals dressed up in traditional attire roaming the streets. Many of the houses are also preserved and look very traditional, complete with thatched roofs. But they are no located near the beach, people knew that sometimes the sea came in...
It was a hard life living from fishing. You lived a prosperous life alright, but many drowned at sea. So people took their religion very serious! It wasn't as black and white as further up north, where people were poorer and the sea even more dangerous, but the religion was stern and no nonsense on Fanø. As such Fanø-girl, easy to recognize on their traditional dresses were known to be virtuous, hardworking and dependable and were sought after by employees when they left home after being confirmed around the age of fourteen.

The ferry, just a few minutes of sailing from Esbjerg:
https://cdn.syd.bazo.dk/images/d2683017-47c2-48bd-b14c-70b53f310892/d/16-9/s/2000

One of the first things you notice when leaving the ferry is a Fanø-girl:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p...MMAod5Ex7TEfs3ZQ46Eqy1WabG0Qqebtj0-XEtTOZ9z_u

Let's have look at the two small towns:
https://pic.ejendomstorvet.dk/img/48873861200X775.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-boSuDB_8t...g/Oz1aAZA4juU/s1600/Dsc03319+Nordby,+Fanø.jpg
https://static.holidu.com/region/13108/l/328.jpg
https://selvmaegler.dk/images/userimage/1554714736_20170904_172750.jpg
https://vestkystruten.dk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Fano_Gitte-Lindeborg-496-1-scaled.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3FjUA4tk6Jw/maxresdefault.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/Sønderho.Fanø.5.JPG
The mill is working BTW:
https://shop15151.hstatic.dk/upload_dir/shop/produkter/fanoe_2/image_00362.w1200.jpg
https://images.easyreserve.com/vacation_rentals/94444/xwide/40f2e989250a1ee9b0fc8323d9cb6095
https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/51efcd1ecae64d637c50dd894d9a51cc.jpg
https://files.guidedanmark.org/files/418/260563_Fan_Krogaard.jpg
But how does such a house look like inside? (Click "billeder")
https://www.nybolig.dk/fritidshus/6720/barkvej/101653/21045

There is a nice museum on the island with an art gallery.
This is a Fanø-girl from an affluent family, just about the age of her confirmation:
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/...32067894-SH2KTAL72033DE2GW9KJ/fanø+kunst2.jpg

A closer look at the women's attire.
Fanø is windy and sandy, so the head scarves were not just for decoration but served a very practical function of avoiding getting too much sand in the hair:
https://fanødagbog.dk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/thumbSIV_RSP2106-1300x867.jpg
https://fanødagbog.dk/public_html/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/thumbORM_RSP1828.jpg
While the men went fishing, the women picked up oysters, crabs and what not, when the tide was low - and often amber as well.
https://feldbergfamiliecamping.dk/d...44f4d9ea728245784b4d0-mv2_d_2000_3000_s_2.jpg
Social life:
https://images.jfmedier.dk/images/9...3458_7_90_0_0_5184_3456_1440_960_e216122f.jpg

As mentioned, the religion was stern and so were the churches:
https://ansagerhyttebyifoto.imgix.n...op&crop=faces,entropy&fm=jpg&q=40&auto=format

Landscape:
The island had long since blown away if the shrubbery and heath hadn't kept the sand in place:
https://nyre.dk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/FOTO-Vesterhavet.jpg
The scenery is nothing short of spectacular!
https://photosbyroed.dk/galleri-fanoe/
The Wadden Sea is renowned for the many birds there, but there are also seals all over the place:
https://media.lex.dk/media/149990/standard_compressed_scanpixId20200117-133239-2

As long as you didn't drown, fishing was pretty good. here is the home of amaster of a fishing boat, or coaster, sometimes the vessel was both:
https://natmus.dk/typo3temp/assets/...mann_Hus_02__6_16-9_b49e38610c_d45c54b4c5.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7a/Galionsgården_Sønderho,_landevejen_27.jpg
The figure on top of the portal, is from a ship. - Perhaps the owner?

Of course the place crawls with tourists. As such, Fanø, while beautiful is not as tranquil as other islands i have described over the years:
https://res.cloudinary.com/diehygge...stination-sydvestjylland-nordby-hovedgade.jpg
https://media.lex.dk/media/150016/article_topimage_scanpixId20210413-114050-2

You can easily walk a kilometer away from the shore when the tide is low. But do return before the tide turns! You can't outrun the sea. The two people in the far horizon, would soon be cut off, if not careful.
https://nembillet.dk/filestore/33ec...f8bc603da78dd1bc649badb23cb91e0893a1fbdc16ef8
https://www.danibo.dk/media/1124/img2739.jpg
Being so windy, flying kites is popular:
https://feldbergfamiliecamping.dk/d...umbnails/IMG_0455-56be52c9-a8f17894@424ll.jpg

Of course Fanø is not only thatched roofs, modern summer cottages are legio. But they have to adhere to a certain standard, so that they are at least intrusive in regards to the landscape as possible:
https://picture.sommerhusedanmark.dk/get/06566cb5-a732-475f-8d14-f1c28d4e947d_0.jpg
https://www.ungdomsbo.dk/media/5l0n...&width=1140&height=713&rnd=132524240157530000
https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/867759e461f11f09a65dff951fa7e7f4.jpg

Fanø of course has a special selection of spirits, just like the rest of Jutland. here it's rum:
https://shop14539.hstatic.dk/upload_dir/shop/fanoe_skibsrom_Havmanden_70cl.jpg

Fanø was also a part of the Atlantic Wall during WWII:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Fanø_-_Bunker_(1).jpg
The town of Esbjerg was basically the only decent harbor on the west coast of Jutland and as such the town was heavily protected.

Some opt to sail around the island in a traditional fishing boat. They were common well into the 1920's.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p...bXagRdqeVj4URgfE2aJ6r7j85jAEc3KegjUQA3Q8GLjUU

The Wadden Sea is a popular pit-stop for migrating birds, as well as those that live on the sand banks there. As such birdwatchers congregate in droves to the Island:
https://www.doffyn.dk/images/nyheder/2019/blmejsefan1.jpg
This is what we call a "Havørn = Sea-Eagle":
https://nationalparksafari.dk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ny-Hav├©rn-2-scaled-1.jpg
https://usercontent.one/wp/www.gf-fanoefiskerhuse.dk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/bids.jpg
Mrs Muhler is a keen birdwatcher and I had huge problems getting her away!
Not least because the phenomenon we call "black sun" is seen often here. When thousands of starlings fly at dusk (Blacking out the sun):
https://www.sorensrejser.dk/upload/images/destinationer/2_header/1_dag/header_sortsol.jpg
 
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