Trivia

Reigned as queen of Denmark from 14 January 1972 until her abdication on 14 January 2024. She became the first female Danish monarch since Margrethe I reigned from 1376 to 1412.

Is considered a talented painter, giving many art shows and illustrating the 1977 Danish edition of "The Lord of the Rings".

Sister of Prinsesse Benedikte and Queen Anne-Marie.

Speaks fluently Danish, Swedish, French, English and German.

She was known to be a chain smoker and was sometimes nicknamed the "ashtray queen". In 2006, the royal court announced that she would be cutting down on smoking and would no longer smoke in public.

Third cousin of King Michael, King Harald V, Juan Carlos de Borbón, King Carl XVI Gustaf, and Queen Elizabeth II.

Has eight grandchildren: Kronprins Christian Valdemar Henri John (b. 15 October 2005), Prinsesse Isabella Henrietta Ingrid Margrethe (b. 21 April 2007), Prins Vincent Frederik Minik Alexander and Prinsesse Josephine Sophia Ivalo Mathilda (8 January 2011,Frederik X children) and H.E. Greve Nikolai William Alexander Frederik (b. 28 August 1999), H.E. Greve Felix Henrik Valdemar Christian(b. 22 July 2002), Prins Henrik Carl Joachim Alain (b. 4 May 2009) Prinsesse Athena Marguerite Françoise Marie, (b. 24 January 2012, Prins Joachim's sons and daughter).

On 31 March 2014, she became the second longest reigning Danish monarch in history, with 42 years on the throne. Her reign ultimately lasted for exactly 52 years. Christian IV was longest reigning Danish monarch at 59 years and 11 months, though Margrethe's personal reign was slightly longer, as Christian required a regent for his first eight years.

Celebrated her Golden Jubilee in 2022, marking 50 years on the throne.

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II (who was also her third cousin) in 2022, she was the world's only reigning queen regnant. After her abdication in 2024, it marked the first time there were no reigning queens in the world since 1837.

When she was born, women were not eligible to accede the Danish throne. After her parents had three successive daughters, the Danish parliament changed the constitution to allow female succession in 1953.

She abdicated the Danish throne on 14 January 2024, the 52nd anniversary her ascension. She became the first Danish monarch to abdicate since Eric III in 1146. She was succeed by her older son Frederik X.

In September 2022, she stripped her four grandchildren by her younger son Prince Joachim of their princely titles and restyled them as counts/countesses of Monpezat, effective January 1, 2023. Her official reason was to allow them to "live more normal lives".

She would often walk the streets of Copenhagen unescorted.

She was the first Danish monarch not named Christian or Frederick since King John (reigned 1481 to 1513).

Following her abdication in 2024, the Danish government confirmed Margrethe would retain her regal title and style and she was henceforth known as "H.M. Dronning Margrethe" (H.M. Queen Margrethe), but it is only an honorary title. The title "Dronning af Denmark" (The Queen of Denmark) went to her daughter-in-law Dronning Mary.