A Royal Gathering at Fredensborg Palace

Just a day after Princess isabella’s grand celebration, Queen Margrethe II marked her 85th birthday with a gathering of family at Fredensborg Palace. Citizens gathered to sing “Happy Birthday” and offer customary cheers,creating a warm atmosphere. While past milestone birthdays saw lavish gala dinners, this year’s celebration was more subdued, reflecting the Queen’s recent abdication and the ongoing adjustments to royal life. The COVID-19 pandemic also impacted larger gatherings in recent years, influencing the scale of celebrations.

Family Present and Notably Absent

Queen Margrethe II was surrounded by much of her family, including Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary, and their children: Prince christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent, and Princess Josephine. Also in attendance were her older grandchildren, Counts Nikolai and Félix, and her sisters, Princess Benedikte and Princess Anne-Marie of Greece.

However, Prince Joachim, along with his wife Princess Marie, and their children, Prince Henrik and Princess athena, were notably absent. Residing in Washington, D.C.,their attendance at family events is often more challenging. While it was speculated that they might combine the trip with princess Isabella’s birthday celebrations, the reasons for their absence remain undisclosed, with the Danish Royal House offering no further comment.

The Queen’s Appearance and Health

Queen Margrethe II appeared radiant as she greeted well-wishers at Fredensborg Palace. She was assisted by her grandson, Prince Christian, as she navigated the stairs, both upon arrival and departure. Due to mobility and back issues, the Queen remained seated during a brief military parade. According to recent reports, back problems affect a notable percentage of individuals over 65, impacting their daily activities and mobility.

Princess Isabella’s Special Brooch

following her own birthday celebrations,all eyes were also on Princess Isabella,who wore a navy-blue gala dress by Jasper Hovring the previous day. On Wednesday, she sported a more casual ensemble: a black skirt, purple blazer, and high-heeled boots. The princess also wore a very special brooch, a gift from her paternal grandmother.

The brooch is a triangular piece adorned with three pearls and diamonds, originally belonging to Queen Alexandrine of Denmark, the great-great-grandmother of Princess Isabella and wife of Christian X. This historic jewel has been passed down through generations. Queen Margrethe II wore the brooch during her youth and gifted it to Isabella upon her birth in April 2007. Princess Isabella first wore the brooch publicly in 2019 and has as worn it at significant events, including her confirmation and her father’s proclamation.

This brooch represents a tangible link to our family’s rich history and traditions.
A Royal Spokesperson

Royal Fashion Choices

Princess Josephine wore a dress borrowed from her mother, Crown Princess Mary – a common practice among royal families. The Dolce & Gabbana black dress, adorned with red and white flowers, was paired with black socks, moccasins, and a gray blazer also owned by the Queen. Crown Princess Mary opted for a simple yet elegant style, wearing black pants and a patterned blouse from the Australian brand Zimmerman. She showed particular affection towards her sons, Prince Christian and Prince Vincent. Prince Christian, despite his military commitments, made time to attend his sister’s and grandmother’s birthday celebrations.