The queen who curtsied to her father's grave on the anniversary of her death

 

As Queen Margrethe II became the first female regnant in her country's history to mark 50 years on the throne, her mind was elsewhere. For the Queen of Denmark chose to pay tribute to her father, King Frederik IX, on what was also the anniversary of his death. And as all eyes turned to her for her special jubilee, she instead curtsied to the man whose throne she inherited against the odds.

On the 50th anniversary of the death of her father, King Frederik IX, and her own accession, Queen Margrethe made poignant gesture as she paid a visit to his tomb and to the tomb of her mother, Queen Ingrid. On a cold, January day, the Danish Monarch travelled to Roskilde with her family to lay flowers in memory of the king and queen. And Margrethe II's composure appeared to crumble briefly as she began to move away from her parents' final resting place where she had just laid flowers. She then stopped and gave a deep curtsey before departing.

Queen Margrethe and Princess Benedikte lead tributes at the tombs of their parents (Keld Navntoft, Kongehuset ©)

Her sister, Princess Benedikte, who had been overcome with emotion as they placed wreaths in memory of their parents also curtsied and then bowed her head in remembrance. Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary then made their own bow and curtsey, as did Prince Joachim and Princess Marie, before the royal party left the tombs at Roskilde.

The Queen of Denmark had travelled to the city by train with her family to lay wreaths on the graves of King Frederik and Queen Ingrid. Her youngest sister, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, had been due to join them but decided to stay in Greece after her husband, King Constantine, was diagnosed with coronavirus.

The visit to Roskilde was the final major event of the day on which Queen Margrethe marked the 50th anniversary of her reign.

Margrethe II had begun her Golden Jubilee day with a solemn Council of State in which she spoke of her gratitude for the respect she had been shown throughout her reign. She was joined at that meeting by Crown Prince Frederik who is also marking a half century as heir to his country's throne.

The floral wreaths left by Queen Margrethe and Princess Benedikte alongside the tribute placed on behalf of their sister, Queen Anne-Marie (Keld Navntoft, Kongehuset ©️)

Later, the Danish Queen and Crown Prince were joined by other members of the Royal Family for a visit to the country's parliament where Margrethe's long reign was celebrated.

Further events marking her reign will be held in September 2022, having been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Margrethe II became Queen of Denmark on January 14th 1972 on the death of her father, Frederik IX.