Favorite Royal Images: A Danish Daisy

Favorite Pics of Daisy

In honor of one of my favorite monarch's 40th anniversary as Queen today, here are some of my favorite photos of Queen "Daisy". Congratulation to Her Majesty and Long live the Queen!

Young and majestic

with her consort -and a priceless expression on her face

a warm and winning smile

The Queen, in her fatigues, visiting her troops in Afganistan

there's nothing better than a monarch 'in the field'

Two smokers in love -it touches my heart

And finally, my absolute, all time, undisputed FAVORITE picture the Queen:

Ladies and gentlemen, THIS is what "kewl" looks like!

awesome-ness...

Congratulations to Denmark

Congratulations to Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, one of my favorite reigning monarchs today. It was on this day in 1972 that Margrethe II, daughter of King Frederick IX of Denmark, ascended the throne of the oldest monarchy in Europe. For 39 years she has devoted herself to her country and remains surely the most beloved figure in national life. I admire her, as much for her many good deeds and humanitarian projects, for her independent attitude. Long criticized for her smoking habit she has consistently refused to give in to the new anti-smoking fashion (note* The Mad Monarchist does not advise anyone to start smoking) and has stated on more than a few occasions that it is nobody else's business if she smokes. She has also been known to wear fur on occasion and when once criticized for doing so while on a visit to Britain, the bold and dazzling Danish Queen said pointedly that in her country people were free to wear what they liked. I loved that answer.

The Queen, who is also a great artist in her own right, has suffered a great deal over the years from arthritis but she has never showed any sign that anything could get the better of her. She ruffled some feathers (and brought a smile to my face -that's usually how it works) when she addressed the recent increase in non-Danish and non-European immigrants living in Denmark and stressed the need for assimilation, the preservation of the Danish identity and once even suggested that Denmark might not be the right country for everyone to run to if they are not prepared to adapt to the prevailing culture. She has been a treasure and Denmark is fortunate to have her. She is also the first Danish monarch named Margrethe since the time of the Kalmar Union in 1412. Her motto is quite appropriate: God's help, the love of The People, Denmark's strength. Queen Margrethe II has done an admirable job and The Mad Monarchist sends her and all her people heartfelt congratulations on the anniversary of her accession. Long live the Queen!

Anniversary of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark

Today in 1972 Margrethe Alexandrine Porhildur Ingrid of the Royal House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glucksburg became Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark; sovereign of the oldest monarchy in Europe and the first female Danish sovereign to come to the throne after changes were made to the Act of Succession. Today she is easily one of the most popular monarchs in the world, beloved by her own people and widely respected abroad. As a lover of all very old things I've always had a soft spot for Denmark and I have a great deal of admiration for Queen Margrethe II in particular. In an age when reigning constitutional monarchs are expected to be seen and not heard she has not hesitated to speak her mind, even on controversial subjects. In a Europe dominated by the tyranny of the "politically correct" the Queen of Denmark is a fur-wearing, chain smoking monarch who has even dared to raise some warnings about the embrace of multi-culturalism in Europe. She is also a humanitarian, a gifted artist and an attentive wife and mother. She is an example to others and the Danish people are fortunate to have her. The Mad Monarchist wishes Her Majesty all the best on the anniversary of her accession and hopes that she will continue to reign for many more years to come.

Danish State Visit to Vietnam

The official events have kicked off with the formal start of the Danish Royal Family's state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Communist Party General-Secretary Nong Duc Manh was on hand for the festivities as was the current incarnation of national founder Ho Chi Minh, President Nguyen Minh Triet. Their were reviews of the troops of the People's Army of Vietnam, dinners and of course the ceremonial wreath laying at the tomb of President Ho Chi Minh, founding dictator of the communist regime. Now, I point this out not to criticize HM Queen Margrethe II, who is one of my favorites, she has nothing to do with these sort of decisions and the governments handle everything; this is part of the usual diplomatic routine. However, I also cannot deny that it pains me to see someone like Queen Margrethe II, or any such leader, paying hommage to a brutal, murderous communist dictator like Ho Chi Minh. Off-hand I cannot think of any other such state that insists on similar sychophancy. Nor are the crimes of the Ho Chi Minh regime confined to the past. Recently Rome Reports did a story on the continued oppression of Catholics in Vietnam. They are, of course, not alone as anyone is persecuted who speaks out against the communist party or, as is more often the case, anyone who is suspected of being in opposition. The Catholic Church has tried to assure the leaders in Hanoi, as they have tried in Beijing, that they are not a threat to the local political system (they probably cannot understand why communist governments cannot accept them but ignore them as is standard procedure in the west) but there remains no official diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Holy See because the Communist Party sees all religion as a threat. Monarchs like Queen Margrethe II must often make the best of bad situations, and congratulations to Her Majesty for having the strength to do it, but I would also like everyone to remember the true nature of the man and the government that was being honored in Hanoi.

Queen Margrethe II's Birthday

Today Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark celebrates her 69th birthday. Sovereign of the oldest monarchy in Europe the Kingdom of Denmark is certainly something special and Queen Margrethe II has always been one of my favorite monarchs. She has maintained the highest standards of dignity and royal duty while always remaining down-to-earth and approachable. She is known for her talents as an artist but I must admit that I like her most when she is standing up against pressure from those who love to feign outrage. She is her own woman and will not be bullied into anything as is evidenced by her refusing to bow to media pressure to quit smoking or her retort to an anti-fur protestor that, "people can wear what they like". It seems the Queen of Denmark might have a libertarian streak in her. She has also impressed me with her frank openness about dealing with immigration and radical Islam. Her positions have never been outrageous nor have they gone too far in any direction but it says alot when she is criticized in some quarters simply for addressing the issue honestly and pointing out that (gasp) problems do exist.
Queen Margrethe II is a very intelligent, highly educated woman, a dame of the Spanish Order of the Golden Fleece and a lady of the Order of the Garter and the colonel-in-chief of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment in the British army. Her Royal Family is also very significant in European monarchy as a whole for the number and extent of their relations across the thrones of Europe. She is a great lady, a great monarch and I join all others in wishing Her Majesty a happy birthday.