Grand opening of "Dronningens Ansigter"

16th June

When Queen Margrethe celebrated her 80th birthday a couple of months ago, nothing was a planned. We all know why. Despite change of plans I am sure she enjoyed her day. In several interviews she noted that it has been a very special and memorable day. But alls official plans of celebrating her, was still canceled. With everything getting back to normal some of these plans has been redeemed in the last few days. Among others things, she was celebrated by a children's choir. The small concert took place at Christiansborg the same day as the opening of the new exhibition, here.

Denmark's 98 municipalities have also come together for a joint gift to the Queen on the occasion of her 80th birthday in April. The gift was also revealed yesterday at Christiansborg. The municipalities presented 98 paintings made by children in third grade. Here you see some of the paintings.

In the afternoon, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary accompanied the Queen and attended the official opening of "Dronningens Ansigter" (The Faces of the Queen), here. An exhibition portraying her life.  Both paintings, clothes, porcelain, pictures and much more are exhibited. The three of them arrived to the Museum of National History at Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød in a splendid mood Tuesday afternoon. Lovely seeing them together again, right? Especially, on such a joyful day.

As part of the opening, a new portray was revealed by Queen Margrethe herself. A portrait by Niels Strøbek, here. Watching the exhibition created both laughter and smiles.

Kongehuset ● Det Danske Kongehus ● TV2 ● Frederik et Mary ● Billed-Bladet ● Billed-Bladet ● Billed-Bladet ● Getty Images ● PPE Agency ● Newscom

What a magnificent outfit. So elegant and so simple. When wearing such a simple outfit every little detail counts. All details are also eye-catching. Mary has made a great comeback with her last two outfits. I sense that many of you was inspired by what she wore when attending the opening of "Naturværk" on June 12th, here. If I am correct: you like this looks very much too. So do I.

From Heaven I learned that Mary was wearing a brand new Beulah London dress. Very 1950s, right? Its full skirt; high collar; covered buttons; and belted waist. Already, I imagine her wearing the dress with all sorts of accessories. Colored pumps, diamond earrings, a tote-bag, even a pair of sneakers would do. She embraced the style with white suede pumps from Gianvito Rossi. Impressive how these two white colors match with such perfection. Mary has always had a good eye of finding pieces from different designers in the same colors.

Her stunning coral and diamond earrings are her old creation from Dulong Fine Jewelry. These earrings come with several pendants. Different in both color, style and size. She wore quite a few bracelets - two diamond bangles from Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen, one from Cartier, another one from Dulong Fine Jewelry and a fifth one designed by Rebekka Notkin. Maybe you noticed that her Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen bangles look a lot like the ring. It is simply because they are from the same designer and collection. Her green beaded necklace is from Nadia Shelbaya.

Even Mary's hairstyle is all 1950s. Soft curls and a half updo. Another 50s-inspired thing, is her new clutch. 1950s style was all about colors and patterns, and this new clutch match that perfectly. Heaven made me aware of a significant detail. It looks like her monogram ('M') is embroidered in red. It now turned out to be a handmade handbag by Queen Margrethe specially made for Mary. Lovely gesture, right?

SHOP THE LOOK

Dress ● Beulah London, here

Earrings ● Dulong Fine Jewelry

Necklace ● Nadia Shelbaya, here

Bracelet ● Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen, here

Bracelet ● Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen, here

Bracelet ● Cartier, here

Bracelet ● Dulong Fine Jewelry, here

Bracelet ● Rebekka Notkin, here

Ring ● Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen, here

Clutch ● Handmade by Queen Margrethe, here

Shoes ● Gianvito Rossi

Opening of Naturkraft

12th June

It was a day of flowers, wind machines, experiments and lots of smiles, when the Crown Princess attended the opening of "Naturkraft" (Force of Nature). It is a brand new universe of experience in Ringkøbing. This new universe combine learning with play and make it another way of learning about the green transition. Through especially sensory experiences, the place should help us learn about the forces of nature and how to deal with these forces, and use them to our advantage instead of fighting against them.

For sure we cannot help yourselves from being thrilled that she is back, but what hit my while looking at all the new pictures I realized that she looks even more thrilled than the rest of us. She was one big smile from the moment she arrived. The welcoming was sincere and warm - despite Crown Princess Mary at one point looked a bit cold. But that smile make everybody warm again, right?

The Crown Princess officially opened Naturkraft by cutting the tradition red ribbon, only, the ribbon had been replaced by a branch of flowers. Beautiful. When visiting the new facilities she made a few new friends, among others, the wind machine that gives you a clear view on how vest wind feels like on the Danish coast. Seems like it was truly a wonderful day for all of them.

On her way home from, she made a private visit in Ringkøbing, here. She was spotted by some of the bypassing citizens in Ringkøbing. The Crown Princess took time visiting one of Prince Henrik's sculptures named "Miss Ringkøbing". The sculpture was first given the name "Miss Fredensborg" because Prince Henrik made it as one of the first sculptures to Fredensborg Castle. Later Ringkøbing purchased the artwork and it is now located at Ringkøbing Square.

Kongehuset ● Det Danske Kongehus ● Tv Midtvest ● Herning Folkeblad ● Hede Selskabet ● Billed-Bladet ● Billed-Bladet ● Billed-Bladet ● Rex Features

Showing up in Ringkøbing Mary had chosen one of the most casual looks we have ever seen I think. Very simple, comfortable and all relaxed. She looked great in that new creamy white linen blazer. Though it is as simple as it can be, I think you should take a look at all the details. It embraces her body beautifully. 

Mary styled her new blazer with, what I believe, is a reused button-down shirt. One with pin-stripes and a lovely dusty blue color. I believe she wore it at a weekly meeting with the Mary Fondation in September 2019, here. I has been found by Heaven at BA&SH. Despite a closet full of black trousers, these seems to be new. Like how the style is a bit baggy. Makes her outfit way more casual and loose than if she had worn a pair of fitted trousers. I like this very much. Unfortunately, I am not able to provide you with much info about neither her blouse, trousers or blazer.

What I do no for a fact, is that Mary stunned wearing golden hoops from Dulong Fine Jewelry such as with the rather large golden ring. I see another reused piece of jewellery and that is her diamond bangle from Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen. There are some more bracelets, but the lack of pictures makes it hard to tell the identity of those pieces - yet. Could be her Cartier bangle. The necklace is from talented Nadia Shelbaya.

She topped it off with a colorful scarf. A white and orange leopard (?) scarf that goes back to 2012, here. It has never been identified and it still isn't. Of course, we cannot forget about the shoes. Cap-toe espadrilles shoes from Chanel. This is the first time she wears them at a public appearance, but in fact we have seen them before. Last year, when the family visited different cities and places all over Denmark as part of their holiday, here. So, tell me do you like this second "back-to-work" outfit?

SHOP THE LOOK

Blouse ● BA&SH, here

Earrings ● Dulong Fine Jewelry, here

Necklace ● Nadia Shelbaya, here

Ring ● Dulong Fine Jewelry, here

Bracelet ● Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen, here

Shoes ● Chanel, here

The opening of Holmegaard Værk

8th June

I almost cannot remember how to write these posts. It has been such a long time without any writings, but slowly it feels more natural while I am in the process. Today, Crown Princess Mary was back at work. Well, we have seen her at a couple of meetings the past month or so. But today, she was finally back attending the opening of the brand new "Holmegaard Værk". 

Holmegaard Værk is a new designmuseum capturing the essence of a long history of glass, ceramic and design. Holmegaard Glasværk goes back to the around mid-19th century. Since then the company has made some of the most iconic glass work that have become a big part of Denmark's design history.  Today, all of that are gathered at Holmegaard Værk. The new museum are both design, arts and crafts, new ways of communication these two and gatherings people.

Crown Princess Mary arrived to Fensmark in Næstved (where Holmegaard Værk is located) in a splendid mood. Maybe she had been looking forward to this day as much as we have? I think so. She was warmly welcomed by Mayor Carsten Rasmussen, Director of Museum Southeast Denmark Keld Møller Hansen and Director of Realdania Jester Nygård. All of them seemed extremely pleasant both at the arrival and during the visit.

She was one big smile and all ears. It is clear that the Crown Princess was stunned and fascinated by all the 42,000 pieces of glasswork surrounding her. Imagine all that glass at one place. Wauw, right?She was also shown and taught how champagne glass are made. They also had a little surprise for her. Bjørn Friborg from Holmegaard Værk had created a piece of art, which was given to her as a gift. 

Kongehuset ● Det Danske Kongehus ● Holmegaard Værk ● Billed-Bladet ● Billed-Bladet ● Sjællandske Nyheder ● Sjællandske Nyheder ● TV2 Øst ● SE og HØR ● Kendte.dk ● Royal Central ● Frederik et Mary 

It was a treat seeing her again today and even better, she wore the most gorgeous summer outfit. Crispy white, stunning pearls, bright blue and a little floral print. Something new. Something old. You probably remember having seen that simple white Elise Gug blouse before. Actually, it has been part of her wardrobe for around seven years now. She has worn the blouse with everything from powder pink skirts and black pants suits. This time she embraced the style with a brand new pleated floral printed skirt from Paul & Joe. I learned about the skirt from Heaven.

What an incredible combo, right? You have to have fallen in love with this print. It is almost mesmerizing. No outfit without a bit of jewellery, a clutch and (of course) shoes. For this particular outfit, Mary had chosen white pearl earrings created by Dulong Fine Jewelry. They go way back in time, as with the blouse. But these earrings goes way longer back in time. To be more specific. Mary wore the earrings on April 30th 2006, here. She later added a ring matching in style - made by the same designer. Nadia Shelbaya's stunning necklace is a great addition to her outfit.

Her braided straw clutch is old news as well. Unfortunately, I have never been able to point out a designer. Have you? To my knowledge she wore it the first time at Prince Felix's confirmation in 2017. The last final touch has to be her eye-catching blue Gianvito Rossi pumps. Artwork shaped as shoes.

SHOP THE LOOK

Blouse ● Elise Gug, here

Skirt ● Paul & Joe, here
Earrings ● Dulong Fine Jewelry
Necklace ● Nadia Shelbaya, here

Ring ● Dulong Fine Jewelry
Shoes ● Gianvito Rossi, here

An 80th birthday

Our beloved Queen Margrethe turns 80 years old this year. A lot was planned; ways to celebrate Denmark's and everybody else's Queen, but because of the ongoing situation with COVID-19 everything were canceled. I know many people, both in public and in private, had been looking forward to celebrate Queen Margrethe on her big day and she is still celebrated. Usually, I only write about the Crown Princess but this is such a historic day. I cannot miss reporting about, right? I also assume that many of you are interested in following how she is celebrated on her 80th birthday.

I speak for all of us, when I congratulate Queen Margrethe. We all wish her a wonderful and memorable day!

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Three new portraits - Margrethe, Frederik & Christian

Three new portraits were published of the Queen, her son Crown Prince Frederik and her grandson Prince Christian. A regent and the two that are suppose to follow in her footsteps. The photos were taken by photographer, Per Morten Abrahamsen. Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Christian are captured to be remembered at Christian IX's Palace at Amalienborg and Fredensborg Castle in Fall/Winter of 2019.

Congratulate the Queen

Every year on April 16th the Queen is also celebrated by Danes writing congratulation letters to her. They do that by showing up at Amalienborg and sharing a few words and a drawing. This year people are still able to congratulate her, but by writing and sharing pictures online. Would you like to wish Her Majesty a happy birthday, then follow this link here.

A documentary

"Dronningen holder frikvarter" (The Queen takes time off) is a new documentary broadcasted on Danish television on April 14th. The documentary is made by JJ Film and shows a Queen when she takes time off. On thing Queen Margrethe is known to love, is art - among others things, also scenography. Watch it here.

Two new portraits

Photographer Per Morten Abrahamsen has taken yet two portraits of the Queen on occasion of her 80th birthday on April 16th. The first portrait shows the Queen in her study at Fredensborg Castle. It was also Queen Ingrid's study at the time when she and her husband spend time at Fredensborg. Both portraits are from September 2019.

Eighty facts

80 years of age. 80 is also the number of "fun facts" the Royal Court released about the Queen, here. Among the facts are that the Queen loves to dance Les Lanciers and because of that, this specific dance has been part of most birthdays and evening events. Also, the Queen has a very unique tradition on Christmas Eve. After she and the rest of the royal family have been to church, she gathered all of her employees and read for them the Christmas gospel, followed by her giving all of them a gift.

The commemorative coin

On occasion of the Queen celebrating her 80th birthday, Denmark's Nationalbank release a commemorative coin. It is Danish tradition to mark such an event with a new coin. The commemorative coin is minted in silver and comes as a 500-krone coin, a 20-krone circulation coin and according to Denmark's Nationalbank, also a 20-krone coin with a sharply embossed motif. Buy one or more coin, here. The portrait facing the coin is made by Lis Nogel - a Danish sculptor, graphic artist and painter. The reverse is created by graphic designer, Jeannette Skov Jensen. Read more about what the symbols of the reverse means, here. Its meaning is warm hearted and personal.

The following post from Det danske kongehus also shows other commemorative coins from, among others, when the Crown Prince Couple got married in 2004.

The commemorative coin will also be a new commemorative medal, which is given to the royal family, the court staff along with a few other people close to the Queen. Making a medal too is her  own decision, here.

 

 

The big day and two more portraits

Queen Margrethe deserves the best day today, because it is her 80th birthday. Early this morning another new portrait of the Queen was published. She poses in the garden in front of Fredensborg Castle with her beloved dog, Tilia. Photographer Per Morten Abrahamsen captured the moment. He is also the master of the previous portraits released of the Queen on occasion of her birthday. You find all the photos, here.

Lots of singing

Early this morning, Queen Margrethe was woken by her staff singing her a morning song. The song "I Danmark er jeg født" (I am born in Denmark) was chosen and the Queen seemed delighted and happy by the gesture.

Later, the Danes also celebrated her with a traditional birthday song led by conductor, Philip Faber. Meanwhile, Philip Faber sang and played the piano, Danes and some from Nuuk, joined him live from their own homes. Queen Margrethe watched it all from her home at Fredensborg Castle, here.

Also the Royal Life Guard shared a special greeting, here.

A very special greeting

We are not the only ones to miss celebrating the Queen on her birthday. Of course, her family also miss celebrating their mother, grandmother and mother-in-law on her special day. Her eight grandchildren have made a gratulation video to their grandmother and they allowed the world to see a glimpse of it. What a lovely way of celebrating and honoring a grandmother. It is also a wonderful way for all of us to remember and care for your loved ones.

Celebrated abroad by kings and queens

Royals from all over Europe were suppose to participate the celebration of the Queen's birthday dinner. Instead, they sent her a video with each a personal greeting wishing her all the best and a magnificent birthday today.

Queen Margrethe received greetings from Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Sweden, Spain, and Norway.

The last word belong to hers

At 7 o'clock Queen Margrethe shared a few words to describe her birthday. Articulate and with a claim voice, she thanked everyone for making it a memorable birthday. One she will remember as warm and happy. With a smile on her face, she reminded the Danes people that even though we are in a difficult situation at the moment, we stick together - by being apart. Something we need to be doing for a little longer. No doubt she have had a splendid day with just enough spirit to remind us that we still need to take care of each other and ourselves.

Apparently a small dinner was held on Fredensborg hosted by the Queen herself. Around an hour later after her speech, the Crown Prince Couple and Prince Joachim and Princess Marie arrived to Fredensborg to attend the private birthday dinner, here & here. Looks like the Crown Princess was wearing one of her old maxi skirts (the same as in Saudi Arabia and Qatar in 2016, here) and some kind of black blouse or jacket. She embraced the style with curly hair, golden bracelets and a brand new large-size necklace.