Festivities in Aarhus for Queen Margrethe’s Birthday

Aarhus today welcomed the Danish Royal Family to town to celebrate the Queen’s upcoming 75th birthday.

The day began with Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik participating in a carriage ride through the streets of Aarhus, heading towards the City Hall for an official reception. Here they were joined by Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie for a balcony appearance before the reception took place. A crowd of approximately 5,000 gathered in front of the City Hall to catch a glimpse of the royal family (there was coffee and pastries for the crowds served outside once the appearance was over).

During the reception, the Queen made an impromptu speech thanking everyone for their birthday wishes. She also mentioned the long-standing relationship she has with Aarhus (she attended university there in the early 1960s). The Mayor of Aarhus, Jacob Bundsgaard, presented the Queen with the city’s birthday gift, a brooch encircled by eight gems representing her eight grandchildren (yellow for the girls, blue for the boys).

In the evening, the family attended a concert alongside 1,200 guests at the Aarhus Concert Hall. Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Nikolai and Prince Felix were also present to help celebrate with their grandmother. Among the performers were the famous Queen Margrethe impersonator, Ulf Pilgaard (who had Prince Christian in a fit of laughter), singer Anne Linnet, and ballet dancers Ida Praetorius and Sebastian Haynes.

More events – including a gala dinner – will be held over April 15 and 16. Check back tomorrow for a detailed look at the fashions from today’s events!

Filed under Denmark
Tagged Birthday, Concert, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Margrethe II of Denmark, Prince Christian of Denmark, Prince Felix of Denmark, Prince Henrik the Prince Consort, Prince Joachim of Denmark, Prince Nikolai of Denmark, Princess Isabella of Denmark, Princess Marie of Denmark.

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