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12-01-2018, 01:19 PM
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Imperial Majesty
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Join Date: Apr 2015
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12-01-2018, 04:33 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: London, United Kingdom
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 That's a lovely photo. Wasn't Iceland owned by Denmark for a bit during the 20th century? I wonder if the two countries still share close relations with one another.
I'm off to visit Iceland in a few weeks and am looking forward to it! Hoping to see the Northern Lights.
__________________
"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone". Audrey Hepburn
*
"Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy". Anne Frank
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12-01-2018, 04:33 PM
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Imperial Majesty
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Eastern Jutland, Denmark
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Yes, that's a pretty red nose!
She'd better look out, when you are past 70, a severe cold or ear infection isn't something to take lightly.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HereditaryPrincess
That's a lovely photo. Wasn't Iceland owned by Denmark for a bit during the 20th century? I wonder if the two countries still share close relations with one another.
I'm off to visit Iceland in a few weeks and am looking forward to it! Hoping to see the Northern Lights. |
Well, Iceland was initially independent and settled by outlaws and people who did not wish to conform to the growing powers of kings in the northern countries, so what we today would call political refugees were also among the settlers.
Despite the, to put it mildly, very different kinds of people settling in Iceland in the 8-900's they did in fact develop the first true democracy in Europe north of the Alps.
But by the 1100's that had ended, because by then Iceland came under the Norwegian throne.
In the 1300's the Scandinavian Kalmar Union under Queen Margrethe I was formed, and when that broke apart, Norway ended up under the Danish throne. Norway and Denmark was officially and dual monarchy, but in reality Norway was a province in the Danish realm, and so was Iceland. Now detached from Norway administratively speaking.
In 1814 Denmark for various reasons ended up being one of the last allies of Napoleon. Our arch-enemy Sweden backed the winning side and wanted their spoils - Norway!
The Norwegians weren't at all keen on changing allegiance from Denmark to Sweden. they wanted independence and tried to fight back, they were overwhelmed.
However, Sweden did not get Iceland!
Some powers (Britain in particular) were not all displeased with seeing Denmark and Norway being separated, but there was no reason to make Sweden too powerful, so Iceland remained with Denmark.
There was some independence movement in Iceland by the beginning of the 1900's. And IRRC Iceland had de facto autonomy.
Then Denmark was invaded in 1940.
The Allies, meaning Britain did not want Iceland to be occupied by Germany! So Britain occupied Iceland and the Faeroe Islands. Later on the Americans took over in Iceland.
Not knowing when the war would end, or even who would win, the Icelandic independence movement grew stronger and by 1944, no doubt "not discouraged" by USA, Iceland declared itself independent and a republic.
That led Christian X to feel somewhat bitter. He felt that by 1944 it was clear who would win and couldn't the Icelanders wait until the war was over and then seek independence so that the two countries would separate more amiably?
But the political realities were of course to be considered. After all there was no agreement on which side of the Iron Curtain Denmark would end up in. It was literally first come. Fortunately for Denmark the German forces in DK surrendered to Field Marshall Montgomery. But had the Soviets been more successful, they might have "liberated" Denmark...
That meant that Iceland would for all practical purposes have ended up as a US protectorate, along with the Faeroe Islands and Greenland. The island was and is too important strategically. - In fact it may only be a matter of time before the NATO Base is Iceland is reopened.
The political realities were as they were after WWII, so DK and Iceland established very friendly relations. Icelanders wishing a higher education went to Denmark at studied at universities here. And for decades after WWII Danish as such remained the second language taught in Iceland.
Today Iceland is a wealthy country with a very well-educated population and they have become much more international in regards to where they get the education they can't get in Iceland.
Today Iceland is one of the three countries closest to DK, and as such also one of the three countries that a new regent couple visit first officially. So when M&F take over, one of the first state visits will go to Iceland.
There are still very strong bonds between Iceland and Denmark and Norway. During the Cod-War between Britain and Iceland in the 1970, there were actually serious calls in Norway and Denmark to send our navies to assist the Icelandic coast guard.
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12-02-2018, 08:33 AM
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Administrator
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: , Germany
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Here's another video of the day in Iceland:
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12-02-2018, 01:33 PM
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Serene Highness
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,143
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eya
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So how does language work in Iceland....is Danish also understood by Icelanders?
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12-02-2018, 01:55 PM
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Imperial Majesty
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Eastern Jutland, Denmark
Posts: 16,440
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gerry
So how does language work in Iceland....is Danish also understood by Icelanders?
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We used to have an Icelander around here on TRF, who will have the final word on this. 
My impression is that increasingly fewer Icelanders speak, let alone understands Danish.
I don't even think Danish is taught in schools there anymore. That has long since been replaced by English and as you can get an university education in English in Denmark and elsewhere now, I don't think Danish is seen as particularly relevant.
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12-02-2018, 11:49 PM
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Serene Highness
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,143
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Muhler
We used to have an Icelander around here on TRF, who will have the final word on this.
My impression is that increasingly fewer Icelanders speak, let alone understands Danish.
I don't even think Danish is taught in schools there anymore. That has long since been replaced by English and as you can get an university education in English in Denmark and elsewhere now, I don't think Danish is seen as particularly relevant. |
Thank you Muhler, as always! I was curious because I believe Queen Margarethe was speaking Danish when she presented the book (can you share which book it was?) to the Icelandic president and he seemed to understand what she was saying ... 
By the way; hot Danish news from Toronto....we now have a Danish Pastry House http://danishpastryhouse.ca/
in our downtown Union Station (main transportation hub) and at Eaton centre, our largest shopping mall. I think it is time for the DRF to come back and officially open these wonderful ambassadors of Danish culture in my city!
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12-03-2018, 12:48 AM
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Royal Highness
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Join Date: May 2017
Location: USA, United States
Posts: 1,850
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I just checked the site you gave us on the Danish Pastry Shop.......oh my goodness what a delight, I have had Stone Age Bread many many years ago and loved it. Since I am gluten free it is a must have for me when I find it. I am wondering if they could ship it over night or what? Would be to expensive for my bank account I bet, yet worth it only for a one time shipping. Thanks for sharing that info with us, makes my mouth hungry just looking at it. I also so not eat manufactured food nor chemicals in my food, my body was not built for those things that I have a strong belief they cause us medical problems. Now I want bread.......... 
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12-03-2018, 05:11 AM
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Imperial Majesty
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Eastern Jutland, Denmark
Posts: 16,440
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gerry
Thank you Muhler, as always! I was curious because I believe Queen Margarethe was speaking Danish when she presented the book (can you share which book it was?) to the Icelandic president and he seemed to understand what she was saying ...
By the way; hot Danish news from Toronto....we now have a Danish Pastry House The Danish Pastry House - Authentic Danish Pastries
in our downtown Union Station (main transportation hub) and at Eaton centre, our largest shopping mall. I think it is time for the DRF to come back and officially open these wonderful ambassadors of Danish culture in my city! |
While you and Payton enjoy your pastry, I'll answer your question. 
The book is the memoirs of Christian X, including his thoughts about Iceland becoming independent.
As mentioned in a previous post, they were not altogether positive. Being a proud man Christian X probably took the fact that the independence was declared in 1944 as a personal affront, and perhaps he felt quite a bit hurt as well.
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12-03-2018, 12:07 PM
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Imperial Majesty
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: san diego, United States
Posts: 10,653
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It was a nice one day visit by the Queen. Now Frederik is regent until December 5th . 
H.K.H. Kronprinsen er regent | Kongehuset
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12-03-2018, 04:45 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: London, United Kingdom
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Muhler
Yes, that's a pretty red nose!
She'd better look out, when you are past 70, a severe cold or ear infection isn't something to take lightly.
Well, Iceland was initially independent and settled by outlaws and people who did not wish to conform to the growing powers of kings in the northern countries, so what we today would call political refugees were also among the settlers.
Despite the, to put it mildly, very different kinds of people settling in Iceland in the 8-900's they did in fact develop the first true democracy in Europe north of the Alps.
But by the 1100's that had ended, because by then Iceland came under the Norwegian throne.
In the 1300's the Scandinavian Kalmar Union under Queen Margrethe I was formed, and when that broke apart, Norway ended up under the Danish throne. Norway and Denmark was officially and dual monarchy, but in reality Norway was a province in the Danish realm, and so was Iceland. Now detached from Norway administratively speaking.
In 1814 Denmark for various reasons ended up being one of the last allies of Napoleon. Our arch-enemy Sweden backed the winning side and wanted their spoils - Norway!
The Norwegians weren't at all keen on changing allegiance from Denmark to Sweden. they wanted independence and tried to fight back, they were overwhelmed.
However, Sweden did not get Iceland!
Some powers (Britain in particular) were not all displeased with seeing Denmark and Norway being separated, but there was no reason to make Sweden too powerful, so Iceland remained with Denmark.
There was some independence movement in Iceland by the beginning of the 1900's. And IRRC Iceland had de facto autonomy.
Then Denmark was invaded in 1940.
The Allies, meaning Britain did not want Iceland to be occupied by Germany! So Britain occupied Iceland and the Faeroe Islands. Later on the Americans took over in Iceland.
Not knowing when the war would end, or even who would win, the Icelandic independence movement grew stronger and by 1944, no doubt "not discouraged" by USA, Iceland declared itself independent and a republic.
That led Christian X to feel somewhat bitter. He felt that by 1944 it was clear who would win and couldn't the Icelanders wait until the war was over and then seek independence so that the two countries would separate more amiably?
But the political realities were of course to be considered. After all there was no agreement on which side of the Iron Curtain Denmark would end up in. It was literally first come. Fortunately for Denmark the German forces in DK surrendered to Field Marshall Montgomery. But had the Soviets been more successful, they might have "liberated" Denmark...
That meant that Iceland would for all practical purposes have ended up as a US protectorate, along with the Faeroe Islands and Greenland. The island was and is too important strategically. - In fact it may only be a matter of time before the NATO Base is Iceland is reopened.
The political realities were as they were after WWII, so DK and Iceland established very friendly relations. Icelanders wishing a higher education went to Denmark at studied at universities here. And for decades after WWII Danish as such remained the second language taught in Iceland.
Today Iceland is a wealthy country with a very well-educated population and they have become much more international in regards to where they get the education they can't get in Iceland.
Today Iceland is one of the three countries closest to DK, and as such also one of the three countries that a new regent couple visit first officially. So when M&F take over, one of the first state visits will go to Iceland.
There are still very strong bonds between Iceland and Denmark and Norway. During the Cod-War between Britain and Iceland in the 1970, there were actually serious calls in Norway and Denmark to send our navies to assist the Icelandic coast guard.
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Tak for the fascinating history lesson Muhler  This is probably veering some what off topic but as a result of Iceland being a small country, are there a lot of Icelandic international students at Danish/Norwegian/Swedish universities and schools?
__________________
"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone". Audrey Hepburn
*
"Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy". Anne Frank
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12-03-2018, 05:20 PM
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Imperial Majesty
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Eastern Jutland, Denmark
Posts: 16,440
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HereditaryPrincess
Tak for the fascinating history lesson Muhler This is probably veering some what off topic but as a result of Iceland being a small country, are there a lot of Icelandic international students at Danish/Norwegian/Swedish universities and schools? |
You are welcome.
I must admit, that I don't know.
There must be quite a few here in DK, because when the Icelandic economy broke down a some years ago, the Icelandic students were suddenly left pretty much without means and that of course hit the news.
The Icelandic economy has rebounded BTW and the Icelandic individuals who were profiteers (that I believe is the appropriate term for those within especially the finance sector, whose greed was a large part of causing the recent financial crisis) were prosecuted. Something similar should IMO have happened in the rest of the world as well...
Summary of article in Billed Bladet #49, 2018.
Written by our reporter in the north, Trine Larsen.
In 1918, Iceland became independent, in the sense that it got it's own government and right to carry out it's own foreign policy, while remaining a part of the commonwealth of the Danish realm, with the Danish monarch as head of state. - Akin to say Canada before WWI.
It was bitterly cold and windy in Iceland! so QMII had prudently put on a long mink coat for the ceremony outside the government building in the capital of Reykjavik.
The Icelanders are of course used to the weather, but as our reporter observed, no one had apparently prepared QMII for the icy wind, so that she could have put on a hat and scarf. Nor had a screen been erected to shield her from the wind. - That may explain the Icelandic President's obvious concern for QMII. He offered her his knitted but QMII declined with a laugh. But at least she had a blanket. And here she sat for more than 20 minutes, amid growing concerns for her comfort, it seems.
The event took place outside, in order to involve as many Icelanders as possible. IIRC about half of the roughly 350.000 Icelanders live in or around Reykjavik.
QMII's comment afterwards was:
"Yeah, it was quite windy.
To me it's a very big occasion... and nice that they wanted me to take part in this celebration. It's a historical day for Iceland, no question about that."
QMII impressed by being in fine shape and in good spirits, she was after all on for more that fifteen hours in a row.
In fact QMII flew in in the forenoon and started the whole thing with a visit to a museum.
Then it was time for a lunch before being cooled off in front of the government building.
Then it was inside for no doubt some needed warmth at the National Gallery, Listasafn Islands.
Then off to Veröld for a meeting with the former Icelandic president, Vigdis Finnbogadottir (*) who runs her own research institute for foreign languages. (**)
Vigdis Finnbogadottir was IIRC the world's first female president.
That included a tour of the place and presenting of a couple of awards.
After that QMII was the guest of honor at a dinner at the residence of the Icelandic President, Guoni Johannesson.
That included a number of merry speeches, before the evening ended with a gala performance at the concert hall Harpa in downtown Reykjavik. Here QMII gave a speech and presented a 400 page book with handwritten notes about the thoughts and concerns Christian X had when Iceland became a republic in 1944.
I guess it was pretty wasted QMII who flew back to DK!
(*) The Icelanders use the charming gender variation of their surnames. So women call themselves XXdottir = daughter. While men call themselves XXson.
May that practice never be abandoned.
(**) The Icelanders do what they can to preserve their old-norse style language.
That include using compounding existing words when they need a new word.
So they came up with an entire new word when the satellite (parabolic) dish was introduced, because neither satellite nor parabolic had words in Icelandic.
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12-06-2018, 11:03 PM
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Majesty
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posts: 6,333
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BRF Court Circular 6th December
HRH The Duchess of Gloucester this evening attended a Dinner in the presence of The Queen of Denmark at the Dorchester Hotel, 53 Park Lane, London W1, to celebrate the formation of the Danish-UK Association.
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This precious stone set in the silver sea,......
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England,
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12-07-2018, 02:17 PM
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Imperial Majesty
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: san diego, United States
Posts: 10,653
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How nice. She always participates in events around London during her December vacations.
Probably from her visit to Iceland went directly to London, as Frederik has been regent, with Joachim currently being regent while Frederik completes his visit to Latvia, and then Frederik again regent until the 10th
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12-07-2018, 02:47 PM
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Serene Highness
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: xxx, Finland
Posts: 1,117
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Quote:
Originally Posted by polyesco
Frederik has been regent, with Joachim currently being regent while Frederik completes his visit to Latvia, and then Frederik again regent until the 10th |
I am going to do some nitpicking : Prince Joachim is currently "rigsforstander", while the Crown Prince was and will be "regent".
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12-07-2018, 07:12 PM
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Imperial Majesty
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Eastern Jutland, Denmark
Posts: 16,440
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And she is doing her Christmas shopping in London at this time of year.
Apart from present to family and friends, she also buys presents for her staff as well as an English plum cake (IIRC. The cake is English at least.)
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12-13-2018, 09:19 AM
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Imperial Majesty
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Eastern Jutland, Denmark
Posts: 16,440
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It was a delighted QMII who visited the National Museum today (I mean yesterday ), to attend the Christmas meeting at the Danish Geographical Society.
https://www.billedbladet.dk/kongelig...ielt-julemoede
BB observes that QMII felt very well among the scientists and researchers who have added more knowledge to the early migration of the human race.
- I bet not even a pack of growling pit-bulls would have kept QMII away!
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