View source for Margrethe II

{{Short description|Queen of Denmark from 1972 to 2024}}
{{About|the queen regnant|the World War II military operation|Operation Margarethe II}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox royalty
| name         = Margrethe II
| image        = Drottning Margrethe av Danmark.jpg
| caption      = Portrait, 2012
| succession   = [[Queen of Denmark]]
| reign        = 14 January 1972 – {{nowrap|14 January 2024}}
| predecessor  = [[Frederik IX]]
| successor    = [[Frederik X]]
| birth_date   = {{birth date and age|1940|4|16|df=y}}
| birth_place  = [[Amalienborg]], Copenhagen, Denmark
| spouse       = {{marriage|[[Henri de Laborde de Monpezat]]|10 June 1967|13 February 2018|end=died}}
| issue        = {{plainlist|
* [[Frederik X]]
* [[Prince Joachim of Denmark|Prince Joachim]]
}}
| full name    = Margrethe Alexandrine Þórhildur Ingrid
| house        = [[House of Glücksburg|Glücksburg]]<ref>{{cite web| title=150 years of the House of Glücksborg| date=15 November 2013| url=http://kongehuset.dk/english/Menu/news/150-years-of-the-house-of-glcksborg| access-date=25 October 2014| archive-date=8 December 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208013734/http://kongehuset.dk/english/Menu/news/150-years-of-the-house-of-glcksborg}}</ref>
| father       = [[Frederik IX]]
| mother       = [[Ingrid of Sweden]]
| signature    = Margrethe II - signature.svg
| religion = [[Protestantism in Denmark|Protestant]]{{efn|group=a|As monarch, Margrethe II was the supreme authority of the [[Church of Denmark]], alongside the [[Folketing]], per the [[Constitution of Denmark]].}}
}}
{{Danish Royal Family}}

'''Margrethe II''' ({{IPA|da|mɑˈkʁeˀtə|lang}}; Margrethe Alexandrine Þórhildur Ingrid, born 16 April 1940) is a member of the [[Danish royal family]] who reigned as [[Queen of Denmark]] from 14 January 1972 until [[Abdication of Margrethe II|her abdication]] on 14 January 2024. Having reigned for exactly 52 years, she was the second-longest-reigning Danish monarch after [[Christian IV]].

Margrethe was born into the [[House of Glücksburg]], a [[cadet branch]] of the [[House of Oldenburg]], during the reign of her paternal grandfather, [[King Christian X]]. She is the eldest child of [[King Frederik IX]] and [[Queen Ingrid]]. She became [[heir presumptive]] to her father in 1953 when [[Act of Succession (Denmark)|a constitutional amendment]] allowed women to inherit the throne. In 1967 she married [[Henri de Laborde de Monpezat]], with whom she had two sons, [[Frederik X|Frederik]] and [[Prince Joachim of Denmark|Joachim]]. Margrethe succeeded her father upon his death in January 1972.

Margrethe has worked as a [[scenographer]], [[costume design]]er, and [[Illustrating Tolkien#Margrethe II of Denmark|illustrator of works by J. R. R. Tolkien]]. Support for the [[monarchy in Denmark]], alongside her personal popularity, gradually rose throughout the course of her reign, attaining around eighty per cent by the time of her abdication. She was succeeded by her elder son, Frederik X.

==Early life and education==
[[File:Het Deense Koninklijk gezin in hun woning in paleis Brockdorff in Slot Amalienbo, Bestanddeelnr 252-8594.jpg|thumb|left|Margrethe (left) with her parents and sisters, 1954]]
Margrethe was born on 16 April 1940 at 10:10 [[Central European Time|CET]] at [[Brockdorff's Palace|Frederik VIII's Palace]], in her parents' residence at [[Amalienborg]], the principal residence of the [[Danish royal family]] in the district of [[Frederiksstaden]] in central [[Copenhagen]].<ref name="facts"/> She was the first child of Crown Prince Frederik (later King [[Frederik IX]]) and Crown Princess Ingrid (later [[Queen Ingrid]]). Her father was the elder son of the then-reigning King [[Christian X]], while her mother was the only daughter of Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden (later King [[Gustaf VI Adolf]]). Her birth took place just one week after the beginning of [[Nazi Germany]]'s [[Denmark in World War II|occupation of Denmark]] following the [[German invasion of Denmark (1940)|war invasion]].<ref name=r1/>

Margrethe was [[baptised]] on 14 May at the [[Holmen Church]] in Copenhagen.<ref name="kongeligedaab">{{cite book|first1=Lone|last1=Hindø|first2=Else|last2=Boelskifte|title=Kongelig Dåb. Fjorten generationer ved Rosenborg-døbefonten|trans-title=Royal Baptisms. Fourteen generations at the Rosenborg baptismal font|publisher=Forlaget Hovedland|year=2007|isbn=978-87-7070-014-6|language=da|page=113-116}}</ref> Her godparents were her grandfathers, King Christian X of Denmark and Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden; her maternal great-grandfathers, King [[Gustaf V]] of Sweden and [[Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn]]; her uncles [[Prince Knud of Denmark]] and [[Prince Gustaf Adolf, Duke of Västerbotten]]; as well as her first cousin twice removed, [[Prince Axel of Denmark]].<ref name="facts">{{cite web |url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/nyheder/80-fakta-om-hm-dronningen |title=80 fakta om H.M. Dronningen |language=da-DK |date=15 April 2020 |website=Kongehuset.dk |access-date=2 January 2024 |archive-date=2 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102063229/https://www.kongehuset.dk/nyheder/80-fakta-om-hm-dronningen |url-status=live }}</ref> She was named Margrethe—the Danish variation of her late maternal grandmother [[Princess Margaret of Connaught|Crown Princess Margareta of Sweden]]'s name—Alexandrine after her paternal grandmother, [[Queen Alexandrine]], and Ingrid after her mother. Since her paternal grandfather was also [[King of Iceland]] at the time of her birth, she was given the [[Icelandic language|Icelandic]] name Þórhildur ("Thor's battle" or "Thor's strength").<ref>{{cite web | title = Navnet til den ny prinsesse... | website = nfi.ku.dk | publisher = Nordisk Forskningsinstitut, [[University of Copenhagen]] | date = 18 May 2012 | url = http://nfi.ku.dk/nyheder/prinsessenavn2012/ | access-date = 23 January 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170202083411/http://nfi.ku.dk/nyheder/prinsessenavn2012/ | archive-date = 2 February 2017 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Like her maternal grandmother, Margrethe is known affectionately as "Daisy" to her family and close friends.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16537659|title=Denmark's Queen Margrethe marks 40 years|first=Chris|last=Morris|date=13 January 2012|website=BBC News|access-date=11 May 2020|archive-date=19 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919124536/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16537659|url-status=live}}</ref>

The birth of Margrethe's younger sisters [[Princess Benedikte of Denmark|Benedikte]] and [[Queen Anne-Marie of Greece|Anne-Marie]] followed in 1944 and 1946, respectively. The princesses grew up in apartments at Frederik VIII's Palace at Amalienborg in Copenhagen and in [[Fredensborg Palace]] in [[North Zealand]]. Margrethe spent summer holidays with the royal family in her parents' summer residence at [[Gråsten Palace]] in [[Southern Jutland]]. On 20 April 1947, following the death of Christian X, Margrethe's father acceded to the throne as Frederik IX.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christian-X |title=Christian X |access-date=14 January 2024 |archive-date=20 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120002951/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christian-X |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Education===
Margrethe was educated at the private school [[N. Zahle's School]] in Copenhagen, from which she graduated in 1959. She spent a year at [[North Foreland Lodge]], a boarding school for girls in [[Hampshire]], England,<ref name=ILN>{{cite news|work=The Illustrated London News|volume=227|issue=2 |year=1955|page=552|title=Princess Margrethe, who is fifteen and is heir presumptive to the Danish throne, is to study for a year in England at North Foreland Lodge, a girls' boarding school near Basingstoke, in Hampshire...}}</ref> and later studied [[prehistoric]] [[archaeology]] at [[Girton College, Cambridge]], during 1960–1961, and [[political science]] at [[Aarhus University]] between 1961 and 1962, attended the [[University of Paris|Sorbonne]] in 1963, and was at the [[London School of Economics]] in 1965.{{CN|date=May 2024}} She is a [[Fellow]] of the [[Society of Antiquaries of London]].<ref name=r1/>

==Heir presumptive==

[[File:November 17 1962.jpg|thumb| Margrethe received by Egyptian president [[Gamal Abdel Nasser]] and First Lady [[Tahia Abdel Nasser]] at the [[Abdeen Palace]], Cairo, in November 1962]]

[[File:Troonopvolgster prinses Margrethe, Bestanddeelnr 254-7690.jpg|thumb|Princess Margrethe in August 1966]]
At the time of her birth, only males could accede to the throne of Denmark, owing to the changes in succession laws enacted in the 1850s when the [[House of Glücksburg|Glücksburg]] branch was chosen to succeed. As Margrethe had no brothers, it was assumed that her uncle [[Knud, Hereditary Prince of Denmark|Prince Knud]] would one day assume the throne.<ref>{{cite news|work=The New York Times|title=PRINCE KNUD DIES; DANISH CLAIMANT|date=15 June 1976|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/06/15/archives/prince-knud-dies-danish-claimant-he-lost-direct-succession-to-the.html|access-date=14 January 2024|archive-date=14 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114065337/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/06/15/archives/prince-knud-dies-danish-claimant-he-lost-direct-succession-to-the.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The process of changing the constitution started in 1947, not long after Margrethe's father acceded to the throne and it became clear that Queen Ingrid would have no more children. The popularity of Frederik and his daughters and the more prominent role of women in Danish life started the complicated process of altering the constitution. The law required that the proposal be passed by two successive [[Rigsdagen|Parliaments]] and then by [[1953 Danish constitutional and electoral age referendum|a referendum]], which occurred on 27 March 1953. The new [[Act of Succession (Denmark)|Act of Succession]] permitted female [[Order of succession|succession]] to the throne of Denmark, according to male-preference cognatic [[primogeniture]], where a female can accede to the throne only if she does not have a brother. Princess Margrethe therefore became [[heir presumptive]].<ref name=r1/> In 2009, the law of succession was modified into absolute primogeniture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kongehuset.dk/english/the-royal-house|website=kongehuset.dk|publisher=Danish Royal Court|title=The Royal House – The Danish Monarchy|access-date=22 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208201408/http://kongehuset.dk/english/the-royal-house|archive-date=8 February 2014}}</ref>

Margrethe attended the traditional New Year Courts for the first time in 1956.<ref name="facts"/> On her eighteenth birthday, 16 April 1958, Margrethe was given a seat in the [[Danish Council of State|Council of State]]. She subsequently chaired the meetings of the Council in the absence of the King.<ref name=r1/> In 1960, with her first cousin, [[Princess Margaretha, Mrs. Ambler|Princess Margaretha of Sweden]], and [[Princess Astrid of Norway]], she travelled to the United States, which included a visit to Los Angeles, and to the [[Paramount Studios]], where they met several celebrities, including [[Dean Martin]], [[Jerry Lewis]] and [[Elvis Presley]].<ref name=Elvis>{{cite web|title=Elvis Presley with Princesses Margrethe of Denmark, Astrid of Norway, and Margaretha of Sweden|url=http://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/pictures/1960_june_7.html#sthash.ORaSOwgy.dd9JxPDB.dpbs|website=Elvispresleymusic.com.au|date=7 June 1960|access-date=11 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909182159/http://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/pictures/1960_june_7.html#sthash.ORaSOwgy.dd9JxPDB.dpbs|archive-date=9 September 2015}}</ref>

She paid her first visit to the [[Faroe Islands]] in 1959, alongside her parents and sisters, and to Greenland in 1960.<ref name="facts"/>

===Marriage and family===
{{See also|Wedding of Princess Margrethe and Henri de Laborde de Monpezat}}
[[File:Henrik-Prince-Consort-of-Denmark-and-Margrethe-II-engagement-391769175131.jpg|thumb|Margrethe and Henri in 1966]]
While Margrethe studied in London, she met the French diplomat [[Henri de Laborde de Monpezat]], who was legation secretary at the [[Embassy of France, London|French Embassy]] in London. Their engagement was announced on 5 October 1966. They were married on 10 June 1967, at the [[Holmen Church]] in Copenhagen, and the wedding reception was held at [[Fredensborg Palace]].<ref name=r1/> Laborde de Monpezat received the style and title of "His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark" because of his new position as the spouse of the heir presumptive to the Danish throne.<ref name=r1/> They were married for more than fifty years, until his death on 13 February 2018.<ref name=r1/>

Less than a year after the wedding, Margrethe gave birth to her first child, a son, on 26 May 1968. By tradition, Danish kings were alternately named either Frederik or Christian. She chose to maintain this by assuming the position of a Christian, and thus named her elder son [[Frederik X|Frederik]]. The following year, a second child, named [[Prince Joachim of Denmark|Joachim]], was born on 7 June 1969.<ref name=r1/>

In 1974, she and Henrik purchased [[Château de Cayx]] in the wine district of [[Cahors]] in [[Southern France]].<ref name="facts"/>

Margrethe announced in 2008 that her male-line descendants would bear the additional title of [[Count of Monpezat|Count or Countess of Monpezat]] in recognition of her husband's ancestry.<ref name="monpezat">{{cite web|title=Monpezat til Frederik og Joachim|trans-title=Monpezat for Frederik and Joachim|work=[[Berlingske Tidende]]|date=30 April 2008|url=http://www.berlingske.dk/article/20080430/danmark/804300370/|access-date=11 December 2014|archive-date=4 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080504140925/http://www.berlingske.dk/article/20080430/danmark/804300370/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2022, the Queen announced that, from the start of 2023, the descendants of Prince Joachim will only be able to use their titles of Count and Countess of Monpezat, their previous titles of Prince and Princess of Denmark ceasing to exist. To allow the children, who were never expected to hold an official role within the royal family, to have normal lives, the Queen wanted "to create a framework for the four grandchildren, to a much greater degree, to be able to shape their own existence without being limited by the special considerations and obligations that a formal affiliation with the Royal House as an institution implies".<ref>{{Cite web <!--|work=Agence France-Presse --> |date=28 September 2022 |title=Denmark's Queen Margrethe strips four grandchildren of royal titles |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/29/denmarks-queen-margrethe-strips-four-grandchildren-of-royal-titles |access-date=29 September 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en |agency=Agence France-Presse}}</ref> Her son, Joachim, daughter-in-law, [[Princess Marie of Denmark|Marie]], former daughter-in-law, [[Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg|Alexandra]], and eldest grandson, [[Count Nikolai of Monpezat|Nikolai]], publicly expressed shock and confusion because of the decision,<ref>[https://www.euronews.com/2022/09/29/shocked-and-confused-denmarks-queen-strips-royal-titles-from-grandchildren 'Shocked and confused': Denmark's queen strips royal titles from grandchildren] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930000333/https://www.euronews.com/2022/09/29/shocked-and-confused-denmarks-queen-strips-royal-titles-from-grandchildren |date=30 September 2022 }}, Euronews, 29 September 2022.</ref> after which Margrethe released a statement in which she said that it saddened her that she had upset Joachim's family.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/04/denmark-queen-margrethe-sorry-family-upset-grandchildren-royal-titles Denmark's Queen says sorry for family upset caused by taking away titles] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019015542/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/04/denmark-queen-margrethe-sorry-family-upset-grandchildren-royal-titles |date=19 October 2022 }}, The Guardian, 4 October 2022.</ref>

Along with her late husband, Margrethe has kept [[dachshund]]s since the 1970s.<ref name="facts"/> She currently{{When|date=September 2025}} has one dog, the dachshund Tilia, who was Prince Henrik's dog until his death in 2018.

==Reign==

===Accession===
[[File:Dronning Margrethe leder statsrådet 15.1.1972 (DH036650).jpg|thumb|Margrethe (seated right) chairing a meeting of the Council of State on the day of her proclamation]]
On 3 January 1972, three days after King Frederik IX delivered his New Year's address, he suffered a heart attack and was admitted to the [[Copenhagen Municipal Hospital]]. Margrethe was then designated [[regent]] the following day. The King died on 14 January, and Margrethe acceded to the throne at the age of 31, becoming the first female Danish sovereign under the new Act of Succession. She was proclaimed Queen from the balcony of [[Christiansborg Palace]] the following day by Prime Minister [[Jens Otto Krag]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 January 2022 |title=Frederik 9.´s sidste dage |url=https://www.dr.dk/historie/webfeature/frederik-ix-sidste-dage |access-date=28 July 2024 |website=[[DR (broadcaster)|DR]] |language=da-dk}}</ref>

Her [[regnal number]] was chosen in recognition of the 14th century Danish monarch, [[Margaret I of Denmark|Margrethe]].<ref name="facts"/> Her [[Royal mottos of Danish monarchs|motto]] was "God's help, the love of the people, Denmark's strength" ({{Langx|da|Guds hjælp, folkets kærlighed, Danmarks styrke|links=no}}). She relinquished all the monarch's former titles except the title to [[Danish Realm|Denmark]], hence her style "[[By the Grace of God]], Queen of Denmark" ({{langx|da|Margrethe den Anden, af Guds Nåde Danmarks Dronning|links=no}}).{{CN|date=May 2024}}

=== Constitutional role ===
[[File:Dmitry Medvedev in Denmark 27 April 2010-4.jpeg|thumb|left|Margrethe hosting Russian President [[Dmitry Medvedev]] in Denmark, April 2010]]

The Queen's main tasks were to represent the kingdom abroad and to be a unifying figure at home. She performed the latter by opening exhibitions, attending anniversaries and inaugurating bridges, among other things. She received foreign ambassadors and awards, honours and medals.

As a constitutional sovereign, Margrethe took no part in party politics and does not express any political opinions. Although she had the right to vote, she opted not to do so to avoid even the appearance of partisanship.<ref name="r1"/>

The Queen held a meeting with the [[Prime Minister of Denmark|prime minister]] and the [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Denmark)|foreign affairs minister]] every Wednesday, unless either she or the prime minister was outside of the [[Danish Realm|kingdom]].

After an election where the incumbent prime minister does not have a majority behind him or her, the Queen held a "{{Lang|da|Dronningerunde}}" (Queen's meeting) in which she met the chairmen of each of the [[Danish political parties]].<ref name="Todays">{{cite web |url=http://kongehuset.dk/english/the-monarchy-in-denmark/the-monarchy-today |title=The Monarchy today |publisher=Kongehuset.dk |access-date=11 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215082552/http://kongehuset.dk/english/the-monarchy-in-denmark/the-monarchy-today |archive-date=15 February 2015 }}</ref>

[[File:P060811SA-0016 (5813178454).jpg|thumb|Margrethe with Michelle Obama at the White House, June 2011]]

Each party has the choice of selecting a royal investigator to lead these negotiations or alternatively, give the incumbent prime minister the mandate to continue his or her government as is. In theory each party could choose its own leader as royal investigator, as the social liberal {{Lang|da|[[Det Radikale Venstre]]|italic=no}} did in 2006, but often only one royal investigator is chosen plus the prime minister, before each election. The leader who, at that meeting, succeeds in securing a majority of the seats in the [[Folketing]], is, by royal decree, charged with the task of forming a new government. (No party has held an absolute majority in the Folketing since 1903.)

Once the government had been formed, the Queen formally appointed it. Officially, it was the monarch who was the [[head of state]], and she therefore presided over the Council of State ([[privy council]]), where the acts of legislation which have been passed by the parliament are signed into law. In practice, nearly all of the Queen's formal powers were exercised by the [[Cabinet of Denmark]].

It was customary for Margrethe, as the Danish monarch, to host the annual New Year [[Levee (ceremony)|levées]]. Every year on 1 January, a banquet was held for the government, the Speaker of the [[Danish Parliament]], representatives of official Denmark and the Royal Court at Christian VIII's Palace at [[Amalienborg]]. On day two, a levée was held at Christian VIII's Palace for the justices of [[Supreme Court of Denmark]] and the Officer Corps of the [[Royal Life Guards (Denmark)|Royal Life Guards]] and the [[Guard Hussar Regiment (Denmark)|Guard Hussar Regiment]], followed by a levée at [[Christiansborg Palace]] for the [[diplomatic corps]]. On day three, a levée was held for officers from the [[Ministry of Defence (Denmark)|Ministry of Defence]] and the [[Danish Emergency Management Agency]], the I., II. and III. ranking classes as well as invited representatives of major national organisations and the royal patronages.<ref name="nytår">{{cite web |url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/monarkiet-i-danmark/begivenheder-i-kongehuset/nytarstafler-og-kure |title=Nytårstafler og -kure |publisher=Kongehuset.dk |language=da-DK |access-date=2 January 2024 |archive-date=2 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102070641/https://www.kongehuset.dk/monarkiet-i-danmark/begivenheder-i-kongehuset/nytarstafler-og-kure |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Official duties===

[[File:Monarchy Of Denmark April 2010.jpg|thumb|Margrethe surrounded by her family waving to crowds on her 70th birthday in April 2010]]

Up to the end of her reign, Margrethe held 72 Danish and eight foreign patronages as queen, including [[Aarhus Festuge]], [[ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum]], [[DaneAge Association]], [[Danes Worldwide]], the {{ill|Dyrenes Beskyttelse|da|lt=Danish Animal Welfare Society}}, the {{ill|Kræftens Bekæmpelse|da|lt=Danish Cancer Society}}, [[Den Gamle By]], [[Det Classenske Fideicommis]], the {{ill|Det Danske Bibelselskab|da|lt=Danish Bible Society}}, [[Det Kongelige Vajsenhus]], [[Diakonissestiftelsen]], [[Foreningen Norden]], [[Land of Legends (Sagnlandet Lejre)]], [[M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark]], [[Moesgaard Museum]], [[National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark]], [[Nyborg Slot]], [[Rebild National Park]], the [[Royal Danish Academy of Music]], [[Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters]], [[Royal Danish Yacht Club]], {{ill|Rungstedlundfonden|da|lt=Rungstedlund Foundation}}, [[Sankt Lukas Stiftelsen]], [[Vallø stift]] and [[Vemmetofte]].<ref name=patron>{{cite web |url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/den-kongelige-familie/h-m-dronningen#protektioner-og-aereshverv |title=Protektioner og æreshverv |publisher=Kongehuset.dk |language=da-DK |access-date=2 January 2024 |archive-date=2 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102045718/https://www.kongehuset.dk/den-kongelige-familie/h-m-dronningen#protektioner-og-aereshverv |url-status=live }}</ref>

A pillar of her reign was an intricate knowledge of and connection to all parts of the [[Danish Realm]]. In 2016, she contributed to a book about Denmark's history.<ref name=hist>{{cite web |url=https://www.thelocal.dk/20161019/danish-queen-writes-history-of-her-nation |title=Denmark's Queen to publish history of the nation |date=19 October 2016 |publisher=[[The Local]] |access-date=2 January 2024 |archive-date=2 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102045718/https://www.thelocal.dk/20161019/danish-queen-writes-history-of-her-nation |url-status=live }}</ref>

Until her abdication, Margrethe served as [[colonel-in-chief]] of the [[Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment]], an infantry regiment of the [[British Army]], following a tradition dating back to 1906 when [[Edward VII]], married to [[Alexandra of Denmark]], appointed his brother-in-law, [[Frederik VIII of Denmark]], colonel-in-chief of the then [[Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)]].<ref name=r1/><ref name=CiC>{{cite web |url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/connection-with-the-princess-of-wales-royal-regiment |title=Connection with The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment |publisher=Kongehuset.dk |access-date=2 January 2024 |archive-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701032854/https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/connection-with-the-princess-of-wales-royal-regiment |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=31 March 2023 |title=The PWRR's Colonel-in-Chief – PWRR and Queen's Museum |url=https://pwrrqueensmuseum.co.uk/our-colonel-in-chief/ |access-date=21 May 2024 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

As [[sovereign]], Margrethe received 42 official [[state visit]]s and she undertook 55 foreign state visits herself. She and the [[Danish royal family|royal family]] have made several other foreign visits.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=4 August 2020 |title=Stats- og officielle besøg |trans-title=State and official visits |url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/kongehuset/monarkiet-i-danmark/stats-og-officielle-besoeg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625030552/https://www.kongehuset.dk/kongehuset/monarkiet-i-danmark/stats-og-officielle-besoeg |archive-date=25 June 2021 |access-date=23 June 2021 |website=Kongehuset |language=da}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 September 2021 |title=Statsbesøg til Forbundsrepublikken Tyskland |trans-title=State visit to the Federal Republic of Germany |url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/nyheder/statsbesoeg-til-forbundsrepublikken-tyskland |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111194524/https://www.kongehuset.dk/nyheder/statsbesoeg-til-forbundsrepublikken-tyskland |archive-date=11 November 2021 |access-date=11 November 2021 |website=Kongehuset |language=da}}</ref>

===Residences===

As queen, her official residences were [[Amalienborg]] (where she resides at [[Christian IX's Palace]]) in Copenhagen and [[Fredensborg Palace]] near [[Hillerød]]. Her summer residences were [[Marselisborg Palace]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2011 |title=Marselisborg Slot |trans-title=Marselisborg Castle |url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/slotte-og-kongeskibet/marselisborg-slot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416170302/https://www.kongehuset.dk/slotte-og-kongeskibet/marselisborg-slot |archive-date=16 April 2021 |access-date=16 April 2021 |website=Kongehuset.dk |language=da}}</ref> near [[Aarhus]] and [[Gråsten Palace]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2011 |title=Graasten Slot |trans-title=Graasten Castle |url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/slotte-og-kongeskibet/grasten-slot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416165902/https://www.kongehuset.dk/slotte-og-kongeskibet/grasten-slot |archive-date=16 April 2021 |access-date=16 April 2021 |website=Kongehuset.dk |language=da}}</ref> near [[Sønderborg]], the former home of her mother, Queen Ingrid, who died in 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Graasten Palace and Palace Gardens |url=https://kongeligeslotte.dk/en/palaces-and-gardens/graasten-palace-and-palace-gardens.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114065503/https://kongeligeslotte.dk/en/palaces-and-gardens/graasten-palace-and-palace-gardens.html |archive-date=14 January 2024 |access-date=14 January 2024}}</ref>

===Immigration debate===

In her New Year's address at the end of 1984, the Queen addressed the [[xenophobia]] experienced by many immigrants in Denmark: {{blockquote|We have the peace, the free political life and social relations that make our country a sought-after haven for many. Refugees from very different backgrounds come here, sometimes injured in both mind and body. We welcome them and are probably also a little proud that they have chosen our little paradise, but when we see them fumbling with our way of life and our language, hospitality becomes difficult all too quickly, and disappointment sets in on both sides. There are also others who have felt that, namely the [[Guest worker program|guest workers]] and their families (...) Then we come with our 'Danish humour' and little cocky remarks. Then we meet them with coolness, and then it is not far to harassment and rougher methods—we cannot allow that. If we want the new year to be better than the old, then here is a good place to start.}}

The term "cocky remarks" ({{Lang|da|dumsmarte bemærkninger}}, {{Literal translation|dumb-slick remarks}}) has since become an integrated part of the Danish vocabulary.<ref>{{Cite web |title=dumsmart — Den Danske Ordbog |url=https://ordnet.dk/ddo/ordbog?query=dumsmarte |language=da-DK |access-date=2 January 2024 |website=ordnet.dk |archive-date=2 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102052509/https://ordnet.dk/ddo/ordbog?query=dumsmarte |url-status=live }}</ref>

In an interview within the 2016 book {{Lang|da|De dybeste rødder}} (''The Deepest Roots''), according to historians at the [[South Campus (University of Copenhagen)|Saxo Institute]] of the [[University of Copenhagen]], Margrethe showed a change in attitude to immigration towards a more conservative stance. She stated that the Danish people should have more explicitly clarified the rules and values of [[Danish culture]] in order to be able to teach them to new arrivals. She further stated that the Danes in general have underestimated the difficulties involved in successful integration of immigrants, exemplified with the rules of a democracy not being clarified to Muslim immigrants and a lack of readiness to enforce those rules. This was received as a change in line with the attitude of the Danish people.<ref name="tv2_dk_23October2016">{{cite news|title=Historiker om Margrethes danskheds-udtalelse: – Hun har fulgt folkesjælens bekymringer|url=http://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2016-10-23-historiker-om-margrethes-danskheds-udtalelse-hun-har-fulgt-folkesjaelens|access-date=25 October 2016|publisher=[[TV2 (Denmark)]]|date=23 October 2016|archive-date=10 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610175255/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2016-10-23-historiker-om-margrethes-danskheds-udtalelse-hun-har-fulgt-folkesjaelens|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="b_dk_22October2016">{{cite news|title=Dronning Margrethe om integration: "Det er ikke en naturlov, at man bliver dansker af at bo i Danmark"|url=http://www.b.dk/politiko/dronning-margrethe-om-integration-det-er-ikke-en-naturlov-at-man-bliver-dans|access-date=25 October 2016|newspaper=[[Berlingske Tidende]]|date=22 October 2016|archive-date=3 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803074024/https://www.b.dk/politiko/dronning-margrethe-om-integration-det-er-ikke-en-naturlov-at-man-bliver-dans|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Silver, Ruby and Golden Jubilees===
{{See also|Golden Jubilee of Margrethe II}}{{multiple image
| align             = right
| total_width       = 230
| perrow            = 
| image1            = Faroe stamp 302 Queen Margrethe.jpg
| image2            = Stamps of the Faroe Islands-2012-01.jpg
| footer            = Faroese stamps marking the Queen's silver jubilee in 1997 and her ruby jubilee in 2012
}}

Margrethe marked her [[Silver Jubilee]] in 1997 with a religious service and a gala dinner attended by fellow Scandinavian royals.{{CN|date=May 2024}} She celebrated her [[Ruby Jubilee]], the 40th year on the throne, on 14 January 2012.<ref name="BBC40">{{cite news |date=12 January 2012 |title=Queen Margrethe II of Denmark marks 40 years on the throne |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-16531823 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314221949/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16531823 |archive-date=14 March 2017 |access-date=22 June 2018 |work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> This was marked by a church service, concert, carriage procession, gala banquet at [[Christiansborg Palace]] and numerous TV interviews.{{CN|date=May 2024}}

The [[Golden Jubilee of Margrethe II|Queen's Golden Jubilee]] was marked on 14 January 2022, with celebrations to take place later in the year. In September, following the [[death of Queen Elizabeth II]] of the United Kingdom, it was announced by the Royal House that it was "Her Majesty The Queen's wish that a number of adjustments be made" to the upcoming celebrations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/modified-celebration-of-the-50th-jubilee-of-hm-the-queen%E2%80%99s-accession-to-the-throne|title=Modified celebration of the 50th Jubilee of HM The Queen's Accession to the Throne|work=The Royal House|date=9 September 2022|access-date=1 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205175653/https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/modified-celebration-of-the-50th-jubilee-of-hm-the-queen%E2%80%99s-accession-to-the-throne|url-status=live}}</ref>

Between Elizabeth II's death and her abdication, Margrethe was Europe's longest-reigning monarch, the world's only [[queen regnant]], and the longest-serving incumbent female head of state.<ref name=telegraph>{{cite news|title=Margrethe II: Who is the chain-smoking, fashion-forward Queen of Denmark?|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/queen-margrethe-ii-denmark-who-b2471599.html|date=1 January 2024|work=Independent|access-date=2 January 2024|archive-date=1 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101015706/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/queen-margrethe-ii-denmark-who-b2471599.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Sitting reign record ===
In July 2023, the [[Danish royal family|Danish Royal House]] recognized Margrethe II as Denmark's longest-reigning sitting monarch.<ref name=reign>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/queen-margrethe-makes-history-longest-reigning-monarch-denmark-7562644|title=Queen Margrethe Just Made History as Denmark's Longest-Reigning Monarch — See the New Record|first=David|last=Chiu|publisher=People|date=18 July 2023|access-date=15 January 2024}}</ref><ref name=sittingmonarch>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/queen-margrethe-denmarks-uniting-figure-set-step-down-throne-2024-01-11/|title=Queen Margrethe, Denmark's uniting figure, set to step down from throne|first1=Louise|last1=Rasmussen|first2=Johannes|last2=Birkebaek|publisher=Reuters|date=11 January 2024|access-date=15 January 2024}}</ref> Though [[Christian IV]] reigned for more than 59 years between 1588 and 1648, he was not officially installed until 1596, ruling with a "guardian government" up until then.<ref name=reign/>

=== Abdication ===
{{main|Abdication of Margrethe II}}
[[File:Prinsesse Benedikte & Dronning Margrethe II (54843552576).jpg|thumb|Margrethe greeting her sister Benedikte at the 2025 opening of parliament]]
In her annual live broadcast New Year's Eve address on 31 December 2023, Margrethe announced her abdication, which took place on 14 January 2024, the 52nd anniversary of her accession to the throne.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67854395 |title=Queen of Denmark announces abdication live on TV |date=31 December 2023 |access-date=31 December 2023 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231173513/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67854395 |url-status=live }}</ref> She said that time had taken its "toll", that her number of "ailments" had increased, and that she cannot undertake as many duties as in the past. She cited her extensive back surgery in February, and said that the operation made her reassess her position and consider "whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation".<ref name=speech>{{cite web|url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/read-hm-the-queens-new-year-address-2023|title=Read HM The Queen's New Year Address 2023|date=31 December 2023|work=kongehuset.dk|access-date=1 January 2024|archive-date=1 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101040453/https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/read-hm-the-queens-new-year-address-2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

Margrethe's elder son, Frederik, assumed the throne as [[Frederik X]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nrk.no/norge/dronning-margrethe-av-danmark-gar-av-1.16697543 |title=Dronning Margrethe av Danmark går av |first=Silja Björklund |last=Einarsdóttir |date=31 December 2023 |website=NRK |access-date=31 December 2023 |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231174727/https://www.nrk.no/norge/dronning-margrethe-av-danmark-gar-av-1.16697543 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=31 December 2023 |title=Missede du det store øjeblik? Se hele dronning Margrethes tale her |url=https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/seneste/missede-du-det-store-oejeblik-se-hele-dronning-margrethes-tale-her |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=DR |language=da-DK |archive-date=1 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101235323/https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/seneste/missede-du-det-store-oejeblik-se-hele-dronning-margrethes-tale-her |url-status=live }}</ref> Mirroring her first New Year Address in 1973, she said of the succession: "The support and assistance which I have received throughout the years, have been crucial to the success of my task. It is my hope that the new King and Queen will be met with the same trust and devotion which have fallen to my lot."<ref name=speech/>

Since her abdication, she has been referred to as "Her Majesty Queen Margrethe".<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-queen-margrethe/|title=HM Queen Margrethe|date=15 January 2024|work=kongehuset.dk|access-date=16 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/changes-in-the-titles-of-the-royal-family|title=Changes in the titles of The Royal Family|date=2 January 2024|work=kongehuset.dk|access-date=3 January 2024|archive-date=3 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103011235/https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/changes-in-the-titles-of-the-royal-family|url-status=live}}</ref> She is eligible to serve as regent in the event of the incapacity or absence of the King and Crown Prince Christian. As regent, Margrethe can perform the duties of the head of state on certain occasions, for example during Frederik and Christian's stays abroad.<ref>{{cite web|title=HM The Queen will be able to be installed as acting regent|date=10 January 2024|url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/hm-the-queen-will-be-able-to-be-installed-as-acting-regent|work=kongehuset.dk|access-date=15 January 2024|archive-date=14 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114235451/https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/hm-the-queen-will-be-able-to-be-installed-as-acting-regent|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Health issues==
[[File:Crown-princess Margrethe and Henri de Monpezat 1966.jpg|thumb|Henrik lighting a cigarette for Margrethe, 1966]]
Queen Margrethe II has had a number of health issues. Since the 1990s, she has undergone several operations on her right knee due to injuries and [[osteoarthritis]]. In 1994, she was treated for [[cervical cancer]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Slidgigt, allergi og kræft | url=https://www.bt.dk/nyheder/slidgigt-allergi-og-kraeft | publisher=BT | date=27 December 2001 | access-date=27 September 2022 | archive-date=26 September 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926232245/https://www.bt.dk/nyheder/slidgigt-allergi-og-kraeft | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2003, she underwent a four-and-a-half-hour-long operation for [[spinal stenosis]].<ref name="spinalstenose">{{Cite web|title=Dronning Margrethe er begyndt genoptræning|url=https://jyllands-posten.dk/indland/ECE15144930/dronning-margrethe-er-begyndt-genoptraening/|access-date=24 February 2023|website=Berlingske|date=23 February 2023|archive-date=23 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223234443/https://jyllands-posten.dk/indland/ECE15144930/dronning-margrethe-er-begyndt-genoptraening/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 9 February 2022, the Danish court disclosed in a press release that the Queen had contracted [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=HM The Queen has tested positive for COVID-19|url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/her-majesty-the-queen-has-tested-positive-for-covid-19|access-date=9 February 2022|website=kongehuset.dk|archive-date=21 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421114143/https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/her-majesty-the-queen-has-tested-positive-for-covid-19|url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 February, the Queen was able to leave home isolation after having had a mild case of the virus.<ref>{{Cite web|title=H.M. Dronningen kan ophæve sin isolation|url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/nyheder/h-m-dronningen-kan-ophaeve-sin-isolation|access-date=13 February 2022|website=kongehuset.dk|trans-title=HM The Queen can lift her isolation|archive-date=13 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213200234/https://www.kongehuset.dk/nyheder/h-m-dronningen-kan-ophaeve-sin-isolation|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 September 2022, the Danish Royal House disclosed in a press release that Margrethe had tested positive for COVID-19 a second time after attending the [[Death and state funeral of Elizabeth II|state funeral of Elizabeth II]], her third cousin, in London.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 September 2022 |title=Queen of Denmark tests positive to COVID-19 after attending funeral of Queen Elizabeth II |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-22/queen-denmark-tests-positive-covid/101464642 |access-date=21 September 2022 |archive-date=21 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921234234/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-22/queen-denmark-tests-positive-covid/101464642 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Danish queen tests positive after UK monarch's funeral |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/danish-queen-tests-positive-uk-monarchs-funeral-90259444 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921234230/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/danish-queen-tests-positive-uk-monarchs-funeral-90259444 |archive-date=21 September 2022 |access-date=21 September 2022 |website=ABC News |language=}}</ref> She left home isolation again on 26 September and resumed her official duties immediately, stating that she felt fine.<ref>{{cite news | title=Dronning Margrethe er ude af coronaisolation – har det "fint, fint" | url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/samfund/2022-09-26-dronning-margrethe-er-ude-af-coronaisolation-har-det-fint-fint | publisher=TV2 | date=26 September 2022 | access-date=27 September 2022 | archive-date=26 September 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926232246/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/samfund/2022-09-26-dronning-margrethe-er-ude-af-coronaisolation-har-det-fint-fint | url-status=live }}</ref>

On 22 February 2023, the Queen underwent "major back surgery" at [[Rigshospitalet]] due to continued back pain.<ref name="back-surgery">{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/crown-prince-frederik-queen-margrethe-ii-denmark-europe-2d4d5120ec84520dd6e2d6d72031459b|title=Danish queen to undergo 'major back surgery'|work=AP News|date=8 February 2023|access-date=8 February 2023|archive-date=8 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208162357/https://apnews.com/article/crown-prince-frederik-queen-margrethe-ii-denmark-europe-2d4d5120ec84520dd6e2d6d72031459b|url-status=live}}</ref> In a statement the following day, a representative for the Queen said that the surgery had gone well and that she had already been up for a walk.<ref name="spinalstenose"/> She was discharged from the hospital on 2 March,<ref name="back-surgery"/><ref>{{cite news |date=2 March 2023 |title=Danish queen discharged from hospital after back surgery |url=https://apnews.com/article/denmark-queen-margrethe-surgery-7aa7f5d8f5946660c8cf7b3fc59afb9a |work=AP News |access-date=10 May 2023 |archive-date=11 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511031803/https://apnews.com/article/denmark-queen-margrethe-surgery-7aa7f5d8f5946660c8cf7b3fc59afb9a |url-status=live }}</ref> and returned from sick leave on her birthday on 16 April.

Margrethe has been a [[chain smoker]] and is well known for her tobacco habit.<ref name=cancer>{{cite news|url= https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1235946.stm|title= Danish royals angry at cancer accusation|work=BBC |publisher= BBC News|date= 23 March 2001|first= Julian|last= Isherwood|access-date= 11 December 2014|archive-date= 7 August 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170807025601/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/1235946.stm|url-status= live}}</ref> On 23 November 2006, the Danish newspaper ''B.T.'' printed an announcement from the Royal Court that the Queen would henceforth smoke only in private.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bt.dk/article/20061123/ROYALT/111230530/1058 |title=Margrethe skruer ned for røgen | website= bt.dk| date= 26 November 2006 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071016113125/http://www.bt.dk/article/20061123/ROYALT/111230530/1058 |archive-date=16 October 2007| access-date=7 May 2014}}</ref>

In September 2024, she was hospitalised after falling in [[Fredensborg Castle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/margrethe-royal-queen-falling-denmark-4e6574b44a78521ca6afa2e5010c6428 | website=Associated Press |title=Denmark's Queen Margrethe who abdicated earlier this year has been hospitalized |date=19 September 2024 |access-date=19 September 2024}}</ref>

==Public image and style==
[[File:Hendes Majestæt Dronningen i Kolding 01.jpg|thumb|Margrethe wearing her famous yellow and floral raincoat, which was sewn out of a waxy outdoor tablecloth<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billedbladet.dk/kongelige/danmark/hemmeligheden-bag-dronning-margrethes-blomstrede-regnfrakke|date=19 July 2017|title=Hemmeligheden bag dronning Margrethes blomstrede regnfrakke|work=Billed Bladet|access-date=2 January 2024|archive-date=2 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102151140/https://www.billedbladet.dk/kongelige/danmark/hemmeligheden-bag-dronning-margrethes-blomstrede-regnfrakke|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=As Queen Margrethe Of Denmark Announces Her Surprise Abdication, A Look Back At Her Eccentric Royal Style|work=British Vogue|date=2 January 2024|url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/queen-margrethe-of-denmark-style|access-date=26 April 2021|archive-date=19 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419180110/https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/queen-margrethe-of-denmark-style|url-status=live}}</ref>]]

Margrethe wears designs by former [[Pierre Balmain]] designer Erik Mortensen, [[Jørgen Bender]], and Birgitte Taulow.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-14 |title=How Denmark's Queen Margrethe became the most eccentric royal dresser |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/denmark-queen-margrethe-became-most-080000627.html |access-date=2025-09-13 |website=Yahoo Life |language=en-US}}</ref> In March 2013, ''[[The Guardian]]'' listed her as one of the fifty best-dressed over-50s.<ref name="Guardian">{{cite news |last=Cartner-Morley |first=Jess |date=28 March 2013 |title=The 50 best-dressed over-50s |url=https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/gallery/2013/mar/29/50-best-dressed-over-50s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420140223/http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/gallery/2013/mar/29/50-best-dressed-over-50s |archive-date=20 April 2016 |access-date=12 December 2016 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |location=UK}}</ref> In connection with her 80th birthday, [[British Vogue|British ''Vogue'']] published an article calling her "An Unsung Style Heroine."<ref>{{cite news |last=Madsen |first=Anders Christian |title=Meet Queen Margrethe Of Denmark, An Unsung Style Heroine |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/queen-margrethe-of-denmark-style |access-date=26 April 2021 |work=[[British Vogue]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=2 May 2020 |archive-date=19 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419180110/https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/queen-margrethe-of-denmark-style |url-status=live }}</ref>

A 2012 poll showed support for the [[monarchy in Denmark]] remained consistently high at around 82%, compared to less than half when she acceded to the throne in 1972.<ref name=":0"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stjer |first=Christian |date=2 June 2012 |title=Danskerne er vilde med kongehuset {{!}} Voxmeter |url=https://voxmeter.dk/danskerne-er-vilde-kongehuset/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005020321/https://voxmeter.dk/danskerne-er-vilde-kongehuset/ |archive-date=5 October 2022 |access-date=23 June 2021 |language=da-DK}}</ref><ref name="sittingmonarch"/>

The Queen has been depicted on the annual [[christmas seal]] twice—as a child in 1942 and following her accession to the throne in 1972.<ref name="facts"/> 

Margrethe was included in [[Andy Warhol]]'s portrait series in 1985 as one of four ''[[Reigning Queens]]'', along with queens [[Ntfombi of Eswatini]], [[Elizabeth II]] and [[Beatrix of the Netherlands]].<ref>[[Los Angeles Times]]. Muchnic, Suzanne. [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-12-20-ca-5060-story.html The Art Galleries: Downtown], articles.latimes.com; 20 December 1985.</ref>

==Personal interests==
===Archaeology===

Margrethe is known for her strong [[archaeological]] passion and has participated in several [[excavations]], including in Italy, Egypt, Denmark and South America.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Scocozza|first=Benito|title=Politikens bog om danske monarker|date=1997|publisher=Politiken|isbn=87-567-5772-7|edition=1. udg|location=København|pages=204–205|oclc=57288915}}</ref> She shared this interest with her grandfather, [[Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden]], with whom she spent some time unearthing [[Artifact (archaeology)|artefacts]] near [[Etruria]] in 1962.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |title=Burke's Royal Families of the World. |publisher=Burke's Peerage Limited |year=1977 |isbn=0-85011-023-8 |editor-last=Montgomery-Massingberd |editor-first=Hugh |editor-link=Hugh Massingberd |series=MCMLXXVII |volume=I |location=London |pages=62–63 |oclc=18496936}}</ref>

===Church textiles===

Since the 1970s, Margrethe has designed and embroidered several vestments and church textiles for churches in Denmark, Greenland, Germany and England.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-the-queen/hm-the-queen-s-artistic-work/church-textiles/ |title=Church textiles |work=Kongehuset.dk |access-date=2 January 2024 |archive-date=2 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102061310/https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-the-queen/hm-the-queen-s-artistic-work/church-textiles/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She has designed a [[chasuble]] for [[Fredensborg Palace]] Church which was since embroidered by her mother, Queen Ingrid, and [[appliqué]]d by her sister, Princess Benedikte. The textile was presented to the church on its 250th anniversary in 1976. In 1989, Margrethe designed the bishop's robe for the [[Diocese of Viborg]]. In 2017, she designed the [[antependium]] for the [[All Saints' Church, Wittenberg]], Germany. In 2020, she designed the chasuble for the [[Nordic churches in London#Danish Church|Danish Church of St Katharine]] in the [[London Borough of Camden]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/hm-the-queen-has-created-a-new-chasuble-for-the-danish-church-in-london |title=HM The Queen has created a new chasuble for the Danish Church in London |work=Kongehuset.dk |date=6 December 2020 |access-date=2 January 2024 |archive-date=2 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102061315/https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/hm-the-queen-has-created-a-new-chasuble-for-the-danish-church-in-london |url-status=live }}</ref>

In addition to the church textiles, Margrethe has various other things, including an altarpiece for Skei Mountain Church in Norway, a Christmas spoon, the annual Danish Christmas seals in 1970, 2003 and 2015, and Greenland's Christmas seal in 1983.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-the-queen/hm-the-queen-s-artistic-work/decorations-and-design/|access-date=2 January 2024|title=Decorations and design|work=kongehuset.dk|archive-date=2 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102145047/https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-the-queen/hm-the-queen-s-artistic-work/decorations-and-design/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Découpage===

Since the mid-1970s, Margrethe has been using the [[découpage]] technique, which involves combining clippings from periodicals and books for new motifs. This technique is used in auction catalogues, home magazines, and furniture decorations. The découpage often references literary, mythological, or art-historical topics, and is often displayed in royal palaces, particularly Christian VII's Palace at Amalienborg. Sealed with a protective lacquer, the Queen's découpage works generally have references to literary, mythological or art-historical topics.<ref name=decou>{{cite web|title=Découpage|date=2 January 2024|work=kongehuset.dk|url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-the-queen/hm-the-queen-s-artistic-work/decoupage/|access-date=2 January 2024|archive-date=2 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102145047/https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-the-queen/hm-the-queen-s-artistic-work/decoupage/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Margrethe's découpage works have also been used in various books and films, including Prince Henrik's poetry collections ''Cantabile'' (2000) and ''Frihjul'' (2010).<ref name=decou/> Eighty-one découpages she designed were the basis for the sets of the 2023 film ''[[Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction]]''.<ref name="auto1">[https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/aug/31/queen-of-denmark-margrethe-ii-set-designer-netflix-ehrengard-karen-blixen ''The Guardian'', "Queen of Denmark hired as set designer on new Netflix film", 31 August 2021] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027171352/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/aug/31/queen-of-denmark-margrethe-ii-set-designer-netflix-ehrengard-karen-blixen |date=27 October 2023 }}. Retrieved 27 October 2023.</ref><ref name="auto">[https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/10/style/ehrengard-queen-margrethe-netflix.html ''The New York Times'', "Scream Queen? More Like Steam Queen", 10 October 2023] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027171352/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/10/style/ehrengard-queen-margrethe-netflix.html |date=27 October 2023 }}. Retrieved 27 October 2023.</ref>

===Embroidery===

As a child, Margrethe preferred drawing rather than needlework, but since 1960, numerous embroideries have been presented as gifts or used in the Queen's own rooms. The embroideries are made from patterns that Margrethe herself creates on graph paper, which includes twining shapes and the recipient's monogram. The Queen has designed several embroideries for the Danish Handcraft Guild, including patterns for calendars, cushion covers and dinner mats. Margrethe has also designed evening bags and spectacle cases for friends and family members, including Christmas calendars for all of the grandchildren, cushion covers and furniture covers for the palaces, and fireplace screens for Fredensborg Palace.<ref name=emb>{{cite web|url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-the-queen/hm-the-queen-s-artistic-work/embroideries/|work=kongehuset.dk|access-date=2 January 2024|title=Embroideries|archive-date=2 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102145047/https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-the-queen/hm-the-queen-s-artistic-work/embroideries/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Queen's private embroideries were exhibited at Koldinghus Castle in 2021.<ref name=emb/>

===Films===

The Queen has worked as a screenwriter alongside Per Brink Abrahamsen on the two [[Hans Christian Andersen]] adaptations {{ill|Snedronningen (film fra 2000)|da|lt=''The Snow Queen''}} from 2000 and {{ill|De vilde svaner (film fra 2009)|da|lt=''The Wild Swans''}} from 2009. Additionally, she narrated the former and made an uncredited acting cameo as a "member of the mob" in the latter.

Using [[decoupage]] as her primary craft, she has also been a set designer for:

* ''{{ill|Snedronningen (film fra 2000)|da|lt=The Snow Queen}}'' (2000)
* ''{{ill|De vilde svaner (film fra 2009)|da|lt=The Wild Swans}}'' (2009)
* ''[[Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction]]'' (2023)

For her work on ''Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction'', Margrethe won the [[Robert Award for Best Costume Design]] at the 41st Robert Awards on 3 February 2024. She was also nominated in the category [[Robert Award for Best Production Design|Best Production Design]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.billedbladet.dk/kongelige/danmark/vild-nyhed-lige-inden-tronskifte-dronning-margrethe-nomineret-til-stor-pris |title=Vild nyhed lige inden tronskifte: Dronning Margrethe nomineret til stor pris |date=9 January 2024 |website=[[Billed Bladet]] |language=da-DK |access-date=9 January 2024 |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109124052/https://www.billedbladet.dk/kongelige/danmark/vild-nyhed-lige-inden-tronskifte-dronning-margrethe-nomineret-til-stor-pris |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Monograms===

{{multiple image
| align             = right
| total_width       = 230
| perrow            = 
| image1            = Royal Monogram of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.svg
| image2            = Private Monogram of Queen Margrethe of Denmark.svg
| footer            = Margrethe's royal monogram (left) and her personal monogram (right)
}}

In 2004, Margrethe designed the official monogram of her second cousin twice removed, [[Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/jP9bl9/dronning-margrethe-tegnet-ingrid-alexandras-monogram |title=Dronning Margrethe tegnet Ingrid Alexandras monogram |website=[[Verdens Gang|VG]] |date=13 April 2004 |access-date=25 December 2023 |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225075010/https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/jP9bl9/dronning-margrethe-tegnet-ingrid-alexandras-monogram |url-status=live }}</ref> She has also designed her own personal monogram; the personal monograms of her son [[Frederik X]], daughter-in-law [[Queen Mary of Denmark|Mary]] and grandson [[Christian, Crown Prince of Denmark|Christian]]; as well as the joint monograms of the Danish Crown Prince couple as well as the Norwegian Crown Prince couple, her godson [[Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway]], and his wife [[Mette-Marit]].

===Scenography and costume design===

Over the years, Margrethe has become involved in ballet as a scenographer and costume designer.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2 January 2024|url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-the-queen/hm-the-queen-s-artistic-work/scenography-and-costume-design/|title=Scenography and costume design|work=kongehuset.dk|archive-date=2 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102145048/https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-the-queen/hm-the-queen-s-artistic-work/scenography-and-costume-design/|url-status=live}}</ref> She designed the costumes for the [[Royal Danish Ballet]]'s production of ''[[A Folk Tale]]'' and for the 2009 [[Peter Flinth]] film, ''De vilde svaner'' (''The Wild Swans'').<ref name=r1>{{cite web|url=http://kongehuset.dk/english/the-royal-house/Regentparret/hm-the-queen|website=Kongehuset.dk|title=Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II|access-date=11 December 2014|archive-date=7 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207154028/http://kongehuset.dk/english/The-Royal-House/Regentparret/hm-the-queen}}</ref><ref name=Imdb>{{cite web| url= https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1499643/| title= De vilde svaner (2009)| website= [[Internet Movie Database]]| access-date= 11 December 2014| archive-date= 15 September 2014| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140915135055/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1499643/| url-status= live}}</ref> She also designs her own clothes and is known for her colourful and sometimes eccentric clothing choices. The Queen designed 51 costumes for the 2023 film ''[[Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction]]'' as well as 81 découpages that were the basis for the sets.<ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto"/>

Margrethe has designed sets and costumes for numerous ballets. Since 2001, she has worked with the [[Tivoli Gardens|Tivoli]] Ballet Theatre:<ref>{{cite news |title=Scenografi og kostumer |url=https://www.tivoli.dk/da/kultur-og-program/teater/2023/snedronningen?tab=scenografiogkostumer |work=Tivoli |access-date=15 December 2023 |archive-date=14 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214233107/https://www.tivoli.dk/da/kultur-og-program/teater/2023/snedronningen?tab=scenografiogkostumer |url-status=live }}</ref>

* 1991: ''[[A Folk Tale]]'', [[Royal Danish Theatre]]
* 2005 & 2011: ''[[Thumbelina]]'', [[Pantomimeteatret]]
* 2007, 2013 & 2018: ''[[The Tinderbox]]'', [[Pantomimeteatret]]
* 2009: ''[[The Swineherd]]'', [[Pantomimeteatret]]
* 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 & 2022: ''[[The Nutcracker]]'', [[Tivoli Concert Hall]]
* 2013: ''[[The Steadfast Tin Soldier]]'', [[Pantomimeteatret]]
* 2016: ''[[Cinderella]]'', [[Pantomimeteatret]]
* 2019, 2021 & 2023: ''[[The Snow Queen]]'', [[Tivoli Concert Hall]]
* 2024: ''[[Blockhead Hans]]'', [[Pantomimeteatret]] (upcoming)<ref>{{cite news |title=Denmark's recently abdicated Queen Margrethe designs the costumes and set for a ballet |url=https://apnews.com/article/denmark-queen-margrethe-tivoli-ballet-f0a7fadd2a99f37cde7f5e0ae0c39f38 |work=Associated Press |access-date=11 March 2024}}</ref>

===Visual art===
{{anchor|Ingahild Grathmer}}

{{further|Illustrating Tolkien#Margrethe II of Denmark}}

Margrethe is an accomplished painter and has exhibited many of her works over the years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-the-queen/hm-the-queen-s-artistic-work/visual-art/|work=kongehuset.dk|title=Visual art|access-date=2 January 2024|archive-date=2 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102145048/https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-the-queen/hm-the-queen-s-artistic-work/visual-art/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2000, she illustrated Prince Henrik's poetry collection ''[[Cantabile (poetry collection)|Cantabile]]''. Under the title ''From mountains to coast'', she and her close friend, [[Queen Sonja of Norway]], exhibited selected works inspired by nature at the [[Barony Rosendal]] in 2015.

Under the pseudonym ''Ingahild Grathmer'' (the latter being an anagram for Margrethe and the former made up of her secondary names '''Ing'''rid, '''A'''lexandrine and Þór'''hild'''ur), her illustrations were used for Danish editions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', which she was encouraged to illustrate in the early 1970s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/danish-queen-set-designer-on-a-new-netflix-film-ehrengard-1235005709/|title=The Danish Queen Will Be the Set Designer on a New Netflix Film|work=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Scott|last=Roxborough|date=31 August 2021|access-date=31 August 2021|archive-date=31 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831110528/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/danish-queen-set-designer-on-a-new-netflix-film-ehrengard-1235005709/|url-status=live}}</ref> She sent them to [[J. R. R. Tolkien]], who was struck by the similarity of her drawings to his own style.<ref>{{cite web|title=One Queen to Rule Them All: Margrethe II of Denmark|url=https://nmwa.org/blog/artist-spotlight/one-queen-to-rule-them-all-margrethe-ii-of-denmark/|publisher=[[National Museum of Women in the Arts]]|access-date=1 January 2024|date=25 February 2013|archive-date=1 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101160114/https://nmwa.org/blog/artist-spotlight/one-queen-to-rule-them-all-margrethe-ii-of-denmark/|url-status=live}}</ref> <!--Margrethe's drawings were redrawn by the British artist [[Eric Fraser (illustrator)|Eric Fraser]] for the [[Folio Society]]'s English edition of ''The Lord of the Rings'', first published in 1977 and reissued in 2002.{{cn}}, also basically off-topic for this article-->

== Honours ==
{{See also|List of honours of the Danish royal family by country}}

=== National ===
* {{flag|Denmark}}:
** 20 April 1947: Knight of the [[Order of the Elephant]] (R.E.)<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
*** 14 January 1972 – 14 January 2024: Sovereign of the Order of the Elephant
** 14 January 1972: Grand Commander of the [[Order of the Dannebrog]] (S.Kmd.)
*** 14 January 1972 – 14 January 2024: Sovereign of the Order of the Dannebrog
** Knight of the [[Dannebrogordenens Hæderstegn|Decoration of the Cross of Honour of the Dannebrog]] ('''D.Ht.''')<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage">{{cite web|website=Kongehuset.dk|url=http://kongehuset.dk/den-kongelige-familie/regentparret/hm-dronningen%3Fqt-view__node_revision__panel_pane_4%3D1&usg=ALkJrhiawHe9kVNevR1HE9jKFJNEXCIW_Q#qt-view__node_revision__panel_pane_4|title= Dekorationer|access-date= 24 June 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200616142812/http://kongehuset.dk/den-kongelige-familie/regentparret/hm-dronningen?qt-view__node_revision__panel_pane_4=1|archive-date= 16 June 2020}}</ref>
** [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Denmark#Royally Approved Orders and Medals|Homeguard Medal of Merit]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** [[Long Service Awards (Denmark)|25 years of Homeguard Service Medal]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** [[Badge of Honor of the League of Civil Defense|Medal of Honour of the League of Civil Defence]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Denmark#Royally Approved Orders and Medals|Medal of Honour of the Reserve Officers League]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Denmark|100th Anniversary Medal of the Birth of King Christian X]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Denmark|50th Anniversary Medal of the arrival of Queen Ingrid to Denmark]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Denmark|100th Anniversary Medal of the Birth of King Frederik IX]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Denmark|Queen Ingrid Commemorative Medal]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Greenland}}:
** [[Nersornaat|Nersornaat Medal for Meritorious Service, 1st Class]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>

=== Foreign ===
{{columns-list|colwidth=25em|
* {{flag|Argentina}}: Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Liberator San Martín]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Austria}}: Grand Star of the [[Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/><ref>{{cite web| title=Bundeskanzler Anfragebeantwortung An die Präsidentin des Nationalrats| url=http://www.parlament.gv.at/PAKT/VHG/XXIV/AB/AB_10542/imfname_251156.pdf| trans-title=Reply to a parliamentary question about the Decoration of Honour| language=de| website=Parlament.gv.at| page=168| access-date=1 November 2012| archive-date=7 August 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807055319/http://www.parlament.gv.at/PAKT/VHG/XXIV/AB/AB_10542/imfname_251156.pdf| url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Belgium}}: Grand Cordon of the [[Order of Leopold I]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Brazil}}: Grand Collar of the [[Order of the Southern Cross]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Bulgaria}}: Sash of the [[Order of the Stara Planina]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Chile}}: Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Merit of Chile]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Estonia}}: Collar of the [[Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Egypt}}: Collar of the [[Order of the Nile]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Finland}}: Grand Cross with Collar of the [[Order of the White Rose]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|France}}: Grand Cross of the [[Legion of Honour|Order of the Legion of Honour]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Germany}}: Grand Cross Special Class of the [[Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* Greece:
** {{flagicon|Kingdom of Greece}} [[Greek Royal Family]]: Dame Grand Cross, Special Class of the [[Order of Saints Olga and Sophia|Royal Order of Saints Olga and Sophia]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** {{flag|Greece}}: Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Redeemer]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Iceland}}: Collar with Grand Cross Breast Star of the [[Order of the Falcon]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/><ref name=Iceland>{{cite web| title=Fálkaorðuhafar| trans-title=Holders of the Commander's Cross| url=http://falkadb.forseti.is/orduskra/fal03.php?term=Margrethe&sub=Leita| publisher=The President of Iceland| access-date=11 December 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220225908/http://falkadb.forseti.is/orduskra/fal03.php?term=Margrethe&sub=Leita| archive-date=20 December 2014| df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Iran|1964}} [[Pahlavi Dynasty|Iranian Imperial Family]]: Member 2nd Class of the [[Order of the Pleiades (Iran)|Order of the Pleiades]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Italy}}: Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the [[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Japan}}: 
** Collar of the [[Order of the Chrysanthemum]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** Grand Cordon (Paulownia) of the [[Order of the Precious Crown]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Jordan}}: Collar of the [[Order of Al-Hussein bin Ali]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Latvia}}: Commander Grand Cross with Chain of the [[Order of the Three Stars]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Lithuania}}: Grand Cross of the [[Order of Vytautas the Great]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/><ref name=Lithuania>{{cite web|title=Apdovanojimai |trans-title=Awards Database |url=http://www.lrp.lt/lt/prezidento_veikla/apdovanojimai/apdovanojimai_256/p40.html |publisher=President of the Republic of Lithuania |access-date=11 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419212238/http://www.lrp.lt/lt/prezidento_veikla/apdovanojimai/apdovanojimai_256/p40.html |archive-date=19 April 2014}}</ref>
* {{flag|Luxembourg}}: Knight of the [[Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Mexico}}: Collar of the [[Order of the Aztec Eagle]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/><ref name=Mexico>{{cite web|title=ACUERDO por el que se otorga a Su Majestad Margrethe II Reina de Dinamarca, la Condecoración de la Orden Mexicana del Aguila Azteca en el grado de Collar|trans-title=AGREEMENT that the Collar of the Order of the Aztec Eagle is awarded to Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark|url=http://dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5029819&fecha=13/02/2008|date=13 February 2008|publisher=Secretariat of the Interior|access-date=11 December 2014|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429184126/http://dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5029819&fecha=13/02/2008|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Morocco}}: Grand Cordon of the [[Order of Ouissam Alaouite]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Netherlands}}: Knight Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Netherlands Lion]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Kingdom of Nepal}}: Member of the [[Nepal Pratap Bhaskara|Nepal Decoration of Honour]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Norway}}: 
** Grand Cross with Collar of the [[Order of St. Olav]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** Recipient of the [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Norway|Silver Jubilee Medal of King Olav V]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** Recipient of the [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Norway|Silver Jubilee Medal of King Harald V]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Tildeling av Kong Harald Vs jubileumsmedalje 1991–2016|url=http://www.kongehuset.no/binfil/download2.php?tid=133159|website=Kongehuset|access-date=20 January 2016|language=no|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125143313/http://www.kongehuset.no/binfil/download2.php?tid=133159|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Poland}}: 
** Knight of the [[Order of the White Eagle (Poland)|Order of the White Eagle]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** Grand Cross of the [[Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Portugal}}:
** Grand Collar of the [[Military Order of Saint James of the Sword]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** Grand Collar of the [[Order of Prince Henry]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Romania}}: Collar of the [[Order of the Star of Romania]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}: Collar of the [[Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Slovakia}}: Grand Cross of the [[Order of the White Double Cross]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Slovenia}}: Member 1st Class of the [[Order of Freedom of the Republic of Slovenia]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Spain}}: 
** Lady of the [[Order of the Golden Fleece]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/><ref name=Fleece>{{cite journal|title=REAL DECRETO 1948/1985. de 23 de octubre. por el Que se concede el Collar de la Insigne Orden del Toisón de Oro a Su Majestad Margarita ll, Reina de Dinamarca|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1985/10/24/pdfs/A33619-33619.pdf|journal=Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=24 October 1985|trans-title=Her Majesty Margrethe II, Queen of Denmark is awarded the Collar of the Illustrious Order of the Golden Fleece|access-date=11 December 2014|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002701/http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1985/10/24/pdfs/A33619-33619.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
** Dame of the Collar of the [[Order of Charles III]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/><ref name=Carlos>{{cite journal|title=REAL DECRETO 738/1980, de 15 de marzo, por el que se concede el Collar de la Real y Muy Distinguida Orden de Carlos Ill a Su Majestad Margarita ll, Reina de Dinamarca|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1980/04/24/pdfs/A08890-08890.pdf|journal=Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=24 April 1980|trans-title=Royal Decree 738/1980 of 15 March, granting the Collar of the Royal and Most Distinguished Order of Carlos III Margarita ll to Her Majesty, Queen of Denmark|access-date=11 December 2014|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304101805/http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1980/04/24/pdfs/A08890-08890.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Sweden}}: 
** Member of the [[Royal Order of the Seraphim]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** Recipient of the [[Swedish Royal Jubilee Commemorative Medals|85th Birthday Medal of King Gustaf VI Adolf]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** Recipient of the [[Swedish Royal Jubilee Commemorative Medals|40th Birthday Medal of King Carl XVI Gustaf]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
**  Recipient of King Carl XVI Gustaf's 70th Birthday Commemorative Sign<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|South Africa}}: Grand Collar of the [[Order of Good Hope]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|South Korea}}: Recipient of the [[Grand Order of Mugunghwa]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|Thailand}}: 
** Dame of the [[Order of the Rajamitrabhorn]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** Dame of the [[Order of the Royal House of Chakri]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}: Grand Cordon of the [http://medals.org.uk/abu-dhabi/abu-dhabi001.htm Order of Al Kamal]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
* {{flag|United Kingdom}}:
** Stranger Lady Companion of the [[Order of the Garter]] (7th Lady since 1901; 1979)<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
** Recipient of the [[Royal Victorian Chain]] (1974)<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
*{{flag|Yugoslavia}}: Great Star of the [[Order of the Yugoslav Star]]<ref name="QueenMargretheOrdersPage"/>
}}

===Awards===

* '''2004:''' The Hans Christian Andersen Award Committee's Honorary Award<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 January 2004 |title=Dronningen får H.C.Andersen-pris |url=https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/indland/dronningen-faar-hcandersen-pris |access-date=12 March 2024 |website=[[DR (broadcaster)|DR]] |language=da-DK}}</ref>
* '''2022:''' [[Foreningen Norden]]'s Nordic Language Prize<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://foreningen-norden.dk/dronning-margrethe-tildeles-foreningen-nordens-sprogpris/ |title=Dronning Margrethe tildeles Foreningen NORDENs sprogpris |date=8 September 2022 |website=[[Foreningen Norden]] |language=da-DK |access-date=12 March 2024 }}</ref>
* '''2024:''' [[Robert Award for Best Costume Design]] at the 41st Robert Awards<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://jyllands-posten.dk/kultur/film/ECE16816107/dronning-margrethe-modtager-robertpris/ |title=Dronning Margrethe modtager Robert-pris |date=3 February 2024 |website=[[Jyllands-Posten]] |language=da-DK |access-date=12 March 2024 }}</ref>
* '''2024:''' {{ill|Forening for Boghaandværk|da|lt=Association for Book Crafts'}} Honorary Award<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/nyheder/h-m-dronning-margrethe-modtager-forening-for-boghaandvaerks-%C3%A6respris-1 |title=H.M. Dronning Margrethe modtager Forening for Boghaandværks Ærespris |language=da |website=Kongehuset |date=4 June 2024 |access-date=4 June 2024 |trans-title=HM Queen Margrethe receives the Association for Book Crafts' Honorary Award}}</ref>

===Honorific eponyms===

====Awards====

* {{flag|Denmark}}: {{ill|Dronning Margrethe II's Videnskabspris|da|lt=Queen Margrethe II's Science Award}} (2015)

====Geographic locations====

* {{flag|Denmark}}: {{ill|Dronningens Boulevard|da|lt=The Queen's Boulevard}} (1979)
* {{flag|Greenland}}: [[Queen Margrethe II Land]] in Northeast [[Greenland]] was named in her honour on 16 April 1990 on the occasion of her 50th birthday<ref name="cat">{{cite book |chapter=Catalogue of place names in northern East Greenland |title=Exploration history and place names of northern East Greenland |last=Higgins |first=Anthony K. |year=2010 |publisher=Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland |chapter-url=http://www.eng.geus.dk/media/12136/nr21_p001-368.pdf |access-date=22 August 2019 |page=158 |archive-date=18 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518130601/http://www.eng.geus.dk/media/12136/nr21_p001-368.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Objects====

* {{flag|Denmark}}: {{ill|Margretheskålen|da|lt=The Margrethe Bowl}} designed by her uncle, [[Sigvard Bernadotte]], for {{ill|Rosti|da|lt=Rosti}} in 1947

====Structures====

* {{flag|Denmark}}: {{ill|Margrethekirken (Københavns Kommune)|da|lt=Margrethe's Church}} in Valby (1968)

===Honorary military appointments===
* {{flagicon|UK}} 1972–1992: Colonel-in-Chief of the [[Queen's Regiment]]<ref name="military-appointments">{{cite web|url=https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/connection-with-the-princess-of-wales-royal-regiment|title=Connection with The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment|work=The Danish Royal House|date=22 April 2023|access-date=30 June 2023|archive-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701032854/https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/news/connection-with-the-princess-of-wales-royal-regiment|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|UK}} 1992–1997: Allied Colonel-in-Chief (with [[Diana, Princess of Wales]]) of the [[Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment]]<ref name="military-appointments"/>
* {{flagicon|UK}} 1997–2024: Colonel-in-Chief of the [[Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment]]<ref name="military-appointments"/>

==Ancestry==
{{See also|Descendants of Christian IX of Denmark}}

{{ahnentafel
|collapsed=yes |align=center
| boxstyle_1 = background-color: #fcc;
| boxstyle_2 = background-color: #fb9;
| boxstyle_3 = background-color: #ffc;
| boxstyle_4 = background-color: #bfc;
| 1 = 1. '''Margrethe II of Denmark'''
| 2 = 2. [[Frederik IX, King of Denmark]]
| 3 = 3. [[Princess Ingrid of Sweden]]
| 4 = 4. [[Christian X, King of Denmark]]
| 5 = 5. [[Duchess Alexandrine of Mecklenburg-Schwerin]]
| 6 = 6. [[Gustaf VI Adolf, King of Sweden]]
| 7 = 7. [[Princess Margaret of Connaught]]
| 8 = 8. [[Frederik VIII, King of Denmark]]
| 9 = 9. [[Princess Louise of Sweden]]
| 10 = 10. [[Frederick Francis III, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin]]
| 11 = 11. [[Grand Duchess Anastasia Mikhailovna of Russia]]
| 12 = 12. [[Gustaf V, King of Sweden]]
| 13 = 13. [[Princess Victoria of Baden]]
| 14 = 14. [[Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn]]
| 15 = 15. [[Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia]]
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Denmark|Faroe Islands}}
* [[Descendants of Christian IX of Denmark]] – Lists other members of European royalty who share a common ancestor with Margrethe II
* [[List of monarchs who abdicated]]
* [[Monarchy of Denmark]]
* [[Queen Margrethe's and Prince Henrik's Foundation]]

==Notes==
{{notelist|group=a}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin|30em}}
*{{cite book|last=Andersen |first=Jens|editor1-last=Nørholm|editor1-first=Elise H.|year=2011|title=M, 40 år på tronen|edition=1st|language=da |location=[[Copenhagen]]|publisher=[[Lindhardt og Ringhof]]|isbn=978-87-11-41969-4}}
*{{Cite book|last=Bloch Skipper|first=Jon|year=2008|title=Tre søstre: samtaler mellem dronning Margrethe, prinsesse Benedikte og dronning Anne-Marie|trans-title=Three sisters: conversations between Queen Margrethe, Princess Benedikte and Queen Anne-Marie|publisher=Lindhardt og Ringhof|location=Copenhagen|isbn=978-87-11-30060-2|language=da}}
*{{cite book|last=Bramsen|first=Bo|year=1992|title=Huset Glücksborg. Europas svigerfader og hans efterslægt.|trans-title=The House of Glücksburg. The Father-in-law of Europe and his descendants|edition=2nd|publisher=Forlaget Forum|location=Copenhagen|isbn=87-553-1843-6|language=da}}
*{{cite book|last=Dehn-Nielsen|first=Henning|year=2005|title=Margrethe 2., Danmarks dronning|edition=3rd|language=da|location=[[Copenhagen]] |publisher=[[Aschehoug]]|isbn=87-11-22283-2}}
*{{cite book|last=Fabricius Møller |first=Jes |year=2013 |title=Dynastiet Glücksborg, en Danmarkshistorie |trans-title=The Glücksborg Dynasty, a history of Denmark |language=da |publisher=Gad |location=Copenhagen |isbn=978-87-12-04841-1 }}
*{{Cite book|last1=Lerche|first1=Anna|last2=Mandal|first2=Marcus|year=2003|title=A royal family: the story of Christian IX and his European descendants|location=Copenhagen|publisher=Aschehoug|isbn=978-87-15-10957-7}}
*{{cite book|last=Lyding|first=Henrik|date=2009 |title=Dronningens teater|language=da|location=[[Copenhagen]]|publisher=[[Gyldendal]] |isbn=978-87-02-07878-7}}
*{{cite book|last=Margrethe II |editor1-last=Andersen|editor1-first=Jens|year=2012|title=Om man så må sige, 350 Dronning Margrethe-citater |language=da|location=[[Copenhagen]]|publisher=[[Lindhardt og Ringhof]]|isbn=978-87-11-39416-8}}
*{{cite book|last=Rubinstein|first=Mogens|date=1996|title=Dronning Margrethe II, 25 år som regent|language=da|location=[[Copenhagen]] |publisher=Møntergården|isbn=87-7553-552-1}}
*{{cite book|last=Scocozza|first=Benito|chapter=Margrethe 2.|title=Politikens bog om danske monarker|trans-title=Politiken's book about Danish monarchs|year=1997|publisher=Politikens Forlag|location=Copenhagen|isbn=87-567-5772-7|pages=204–209|language=da}}
*{{cite book|last=Skipper|first=Jon Bloch|date=2008|title=Tre søstre, samtaler mellem dronning Margrethe, prinsesse Benedikte og dronning Anne-Marie |language=da|location=[[Copenhagen]]|publisher=[[Lindhardt og Ringhof]]|isbn=978-87-11-30060-2}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Margrethe II of Denmark}}
{{Wikiquote|Margrethe II of Denmark|Margrethe II}}
* [https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-queen-margrethe/ Queen Margrethe's Homepage]
* [http://arslonga.dk/DRONNINGENS_GOBELINER_Vikingetid.htm Tapestries for HM The Queen of Denmark]
* {{C-SPAN|17136}}

<!--Succession boxes-->
{{s-start}}
{{s-hou|[[House of Glücksburg]]|16 April|1940|||[[House of Oldenburg]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-reg|}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Frederik IX]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Queen of Denmark]]|years=14 January 1972 – 14 January 2024}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Frederik X]]|heir-type=Heir apparent}}
{{s-end}}

{{Monarchs of Denmark}}
{{Danish princesses}}
{{Members of the Spanish Order of the Golden Fleece}}
{{Members of the Order of the Garter}}
{{Middle-earth}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Margrethe 02 of Denmark}}
[[Category:Margrethe II| ]]
[[Category:1940 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Aarhus University alumni]]
[[Category:Alumni of Girton College, Cambridge]]
[[Category:Alumni of the London School of Economics]]
[[Category:Danish Lutherans]]
[[Category:20th-century monarchs of Denmark]]
[[Category:21st-century monarchs of Denmark]]
[[Category:Danish people of Russian descent]]
[[Category:Danish people of Swedish descent]]
[[Category:20th-century Danish translators]]
[[Category:English–Danish translators]]
[[Category:20th-century Danish women writers]]
[[Category:House of Glücksburg (Denmark)]]
[[Category:De Laborde de Monpezat family]]
[[Category:People educated at North Foreland Lodge]]
[[Category:Queens regnant in Europe]]
[[Category:Tolkien artists]]
[[Category:Translators to Danish]]
<!-- Honours -->
[[Category:Extra Ladies of the Order of the Garter]]
[[Category:Grand Collars of the Order of Prince Henry]]
[[Category:Grand Collars of the Order of Saint James of the Sword]]
[[Category:Grand Commanders of the Order of the Dannebrog]]
[[Category:Grand Cordons of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland]]
[[Category:Grand Cordons of the Order of the Precious Crown]]
[[Category:Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour]]
[[Category:Grand Crosses of the Order of the Liberator General San Martin]]
[[Category:Grand Crosses of the Order of Vytautas the Great]]
[[Category:Knights Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic]]
[[Category:Knights of the Golden Fleece of Spain]]
[[Category:Recipients of Nersornaat]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Collar of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Grand Star of the Decoration for Services to the Republic of Austria]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Order of Freedom of the Republic of Slovenia]]
[[Category:Grand Crosses Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Grand Order of Mugunghwa]]
[[Category:First Class of the Order of the Star of Romania]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Order of the White Eagle (Poland)]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Order of Al-Hussein bin Ali]]
[[Category:Daughters of kings]]
[[Category:Mothers of Danish monarchs]]
[[Category:20th-century queens regnant]]
[[Category:21st-century queens regnant]]
[[Category:Monarchs who abdicated]]
[[Category:Robert Award winners]]
[[Category:Frederik IX]]
[[Category:Protestant monarchs]]