Queen Margrethe II of Denmark ascends the throne, the first Queen of Denmark since 1412 and the first Danish monarch not named Frederick or Christian since 1513.

Margrethe II, officially known by her full name Margrethe Alexandrine Þórhildur Ingrid, was born on 16 April 1940. She serves as the revered Queen of Denmark and holds the significant position of commander-in-chief of the Danish Defence. Her regnal name, Margrethe II, distinctly marks her as the second Danish monarch bearing this name, succeeding the historically prominent Margrethe I.

Hailing from the esteemed House of Glücksburg, which is a cadet branch of the ancient House of Oldenburg, Margrethe II is the eldest child of Frederick IX of Denmark and Ingrid of Sweden. This lineage connects her to a vast network of European royal families, including the current monarchies of Norway and Greece.

The Path to the Throne: A Constitutional Shift

Her journey to the throne was marked by a pivotal constitutional amendment in 1953. Prior to this, the Danish Act of Succession mandated male-only primogeniture, meaning only males could inherit the throne. However, as Frederick IX had no sons, only three daughters, a significant societal and political consensus emerged to reform the succession law. The 1953 amendment, approved by a national referendum, introduced semi-Salic law, allowing women to inherit the throne if there were no male heirs. This progressive change designated Margrethe as the heir presumptive to her father.

Upon the passing of her father, King Frederick IX, on 14 January 1972, Margrethe ascended to the Danish throne. This historic moment not only ushered in a new era for Denmark but also positioned her as the first female monarch of Denmark since the formidable Margrethe I, who ruled the Scandinavian kingdoms during the Kalmar Union from 1375 to 1412. The comparison underscores Margrethe II's unique place in Danish history, linking her reign to one of the most powerful and influential female rulers of the Nordic region.

Family Life and Royal Consort

In 1967, Margrethe II married Henri de Laborde de Monpezat, who was later styled as His Royal Highness Prince Consort Henrik of Denmark. Their union brought two sons into the world: Crown Prince Frederik, who is the current heir apparent to the Danish throne, and Prince Joachim. This family continues the lineage of the Danish monarchy, ensuring its future.

Beyond Duty: A Queen's Passion for Archaeology

Beyond her official royal duties, Margrethe II is widely recognized for her profound passion for archaeology. This keen interest is not merely a hobby but a serious pursuit that has seen her actively participate in numerous archaeological excavations across the globe, including significant sites in Italy, Egypt, Denmark, and South America. Her hands-on involvement in unearthing historical artifacts is an unusual and commendable trait for a reigning monarch.

This deep fascination with ancient history and cultures was a shared interest with her maternal grandfather, Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden, himself a distinguished amateur archaeologist. The two shared a special bond through this common passion, notably spending time together in 1962 unearthing artifacts near Etruria in Italy, a region rich with ancient Etruscan history. This collaboration highlights a personal and intellectual side to the Queen often unseen in other public figures.

A Highly Popular and Engaged Sovereign

As a sovereign, Margrethe II plays a crucial diplomatic role, representing Denmark on the international stage. As of 2022, she had received 42 official state visits from foreign heads of state and had personally undertaken 55 foreign state visits herself. These visits are vital for fostering international relations, promoting Danish interests, and strengthening diplomatic ties. Furthermore, she and the wider Danish royal family have undertaken countless other foreign visits, reinforcing Denmark's presence globally.

The Danish monarchy consistently enjoys exceptionally high levels of public support, a testament to its modern relevance and the Queen's dedication. Surveys consistently show support for the monarchy in Denmark at around 82%, a remarkably high figure for a contemporary constitutional monarchy. This strong approval extends to Margrethe II's personal popularity, which remains equally robust. Her ability to adapt the institution to changing times, her unwavering commitment to duty, and her approachable demeanor are often cited as key factors contributing to this enduring popularity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Queen Margrethe II

Who is Margrethe II of Denmark?
Margrethe II is the current Queen of Denmark and the commander-in-chief of the Danish Defence. She is the reigning monarch of Denmark and head of the Danish royal family.
How did Margrethe II become Queen?
Margrethe II became Queen upon the death of her father, King Frederick IX, on 14 January 1972. Her succession was made possible by a 1953 constitutional amendment that allowed women to inherit the Danish throne in the absence of male heirs.
What is unique about Margrethe II's reign?
Her reign is historically significant as she is the first female monarch of Denmark since Margrethe I (who ruled in the 14th-15th centuries) and one of the longest-reigning European monarchs. She is also notable for her personal passion for archaeology.
Is the Danish monarchy popular?
Yes, the Danish monarchy consistently enjoys very high levels of public support, typically around 82%, reflecting its strong relevance and popularity within Denmark.
What are Margrethe II's interests outside of royal duties?
Queen Margrethe II has a strong and active interest in archaeology, having participated in numerous excavations globally. She also has talents in art, design, and literature, including translating books and designing costumes for ballets and theatre productions.