Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II and the Entire Danish Royal Family Attend a Gala Dinner (VIDEOS)
On January 15, 2012, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II and His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark along with Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary and Prince Joachim of Denmark attended a gala dinner held at Christiansborg Slot. Other guests included members from the Norwegian and Greek royal families, the Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg princely family, representatives from the Faroe Islands and Greenland, the President of Finland, Prime Minster Helle Thorning-Schmidt, members of the Danish government and parliament as well as personal friends of Her Majesty.
Guests enjoyed a five-course menu which included Fish, Eggs Mimosa and Endive, Tenderloin, Pommes Anna, Green Peas, Bordelaise sauce, Cheese Tart and Jubilee Cake. The wine was from Chateau de Cayx (2007) and Champagne Mercier.
Prior to dining on the delicious food, speeches were made from Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II as well as His Royal Highness Prince Henrik. Here is what the prince had to say:
I offer a warm welcome to all who are gathered tonight at Christiansborg Castle, an ancient symbol of the Danish monarchy. The purpose is to celebrate the Queen of Denmark’s 40-year government jubilee. A Queen, who is also the fifty-third, in a monarchy that is over 1000 years old.
Tonight we celebrate the current ruler, my dear wife, who gives me joy everyday. We have over these 40 years shared many good and exciting things together, but also some difficult challenges. But, always with dedication and sensitivity.
Dear Queen, dear wife, dear Daisy: I am the first man in the kingdom to admire you, and I also tonight interpreter for the entire company and across the nation who say congratulations to the Regent.
I welcome many members of our family from near and far, to heads of state from the north with strong family ties and friendship, welcome to the Danish government and representatives of the official Denmark.
All we will together with the Danish people celebrate a queen who has dedicated his life to Denmark and Greenland and the Faroe Islands. A ruler who has shown the greatest capacity to carry out her mission in life: To work for Denmark with ‘God’s help, the people’s love, Denmark’s strength’.
A woman who has had an exciting process for four decades with an inspiring energy, a great skill and considerable success.
Happy anniversary, as we all will make festive because we think you deserve to be celebrated. I ask all to rise and join me to participate in a toast to Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.
Here is what Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II had to say:
God’s Help, the People’s Love, Denmark’s strength. Today 40 years ago I said the word for the first time on the balcony here at Christiansborg. Therein I put my hopes, my wishes and my love for my country. With my motto, I would express the obligation I felt to the deed, I went to.
The commitment is as strong for me today, but I would like to stress that the obligation has always been driven by joy. The joy is rooted in the heat that has met me and my family everywhere through every year, in celebration and joy as in sorrow, in the so-called “big day”, as well as in everyday life.
Today, I must first and foremost express my thanks. Only the Prime Minister for the beautiful words to me, they confirm the good and trusting relationship, which I feel has passed between me and the successive governments over the years. So different personalities and so different politics, but always with the goal of serving our country and protect our people.
The same is the role of parliament. For my family and me is the annual opening of the parliamentary session, a ceremony which we witness with joy. Therefore, the reception given to parliament arranged for me earlier this week, a welcome opportunity to re-emphasize the ties that bind the People’s Control and royal family together.
Right from the first day I had my husband at my side. You, my dear Henri, has stood by me and been of encouragement and inspiration for me in the work that we have been two to perform. This day is your anniversary as well as mine. Together we have seen our sons grow up, marry and enrich us with a whole bunch of grandchildren.
Dear Frederik, since you turned 18, you’ve had seats in the State Council and has Prince had frequent front seat when I have been prevented. With Mary by your side, you have represented Denmark in the best manner, both with your parents and on their own. In making your country’s honor and both of us proud.
You too, dear Joachim, has over the years repeatedly as regent handled many of my duties. You are yourself your responsibility, and along with Marie, you are also a support and a source of joy to your parents and beneficial to your country.
Tonight I am also surrounded by many members of my family. Particularly, I am delighted that both my sisters and their families can participate. I’ve always meant so much to me, and I am always a support, at home and abroad.
It is a tradition which I attach great importance to the Heads of the other Nordic countries can also participate on an occasion as this anniversary. Our country is in want and distress linked closely together by our common history and the family ties that have existed for generations.
Realm has always meant a lot to me. Since 1972, the Faroe Islands and Greenland undergone rapid development. Prince Consort and I have had the great experience again and again to be on a visit last summer previous and phosphorus. We have been able to keep up with how both the Faroese and Greenlandic society has evolved and seen how the new generations have grown up and taking responsibility for their country and their communities.
The band, which for centuries has connected Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, has naturally changed over the 40 years. Realm is just full.
40 years, more than a human age, unmanageable for many years to look forward to for those who are young. But in retrospect it seems to me that they’re gone so fast. Today when I look back over the years, it is with deep gratitude, gratitude for the task which has been entrusted to me, and grateful for everything it has given me.
The job I could never have lifted without God’s help, but not have done it without the love that I feel has surrounded me from all sides since my childhood spædeste.
I ask all to rise, and with me pronounce a “God preserve Denmark”
So the festivities are over and I must say that it was a fantastic week for all! Congrats to Her Majesty and the Danish people… you have a pretty epic Queen. 
Next major royal event… Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. It’s going to be massive!
To watch several videos as well as to view photos please click the links below:
- VIDEO (Gala Dinner and Guests Arriving)
- VIDEO (Prince Henrik’s Speech)
- VIDEO (Her Majesty’s Speech)
- VIDEO
- VIDEO (Click where it says Flere Dronning i 40 Ar – on the video screen use your mouse thingy to see it — to watch other videos from the gala dinner.)
- Gallery One
- Gallery Two
- Gallery Four
- Gallery Five
- Gallery Six
- Gallery Seven
- Gallery Eight
- Gallery Nine
Sources: Kongehuset, BT, TV2, and Berlingske
Photo courtesy of BT
