Royal Press Conference

Yesterday I was in luck to attend a press conference at the private Royal residence of Fredensborg to the North of Copenhagen in connection with the 70th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II on 16th April.

The press conference was also represented by Prince Consort Henrik for a photo op, while leaving the questions to Her Majesty to deal with. And there was enough to deal with, being asked as varied questions as to sum up her life and work, to comment on world affairs and relations with the Russian President. Questions about modern day Royal life compared to Danish sociatal changes. And was asked to show a good example and not smoke (as she has for most of her life). In Denmark, the regent is more of a ceremonial figure who performs representative tasks and attends official arrangements.

The queen was not shaken - barely stirred - but took all questions and critical hits as they came in. Some with serious and well thought responses. Some with witty remarks. And some with shots from the hip. And by the way - she is not about to stop smoking, even turning 70. So there.

PN managed to get one question through the rain of media questions - what profile she has and is most often revered for as viewed by the Royal family themselves. Compared to the Crown Prince. She mostly stressed the change in generation and gender between them, and the many-facetted tasks that call on different sides of each of them. And commented that although they may appear very different, they have grown very close and can talk about everything.

The Royal Guard at Fredensborg preparing for the official parades.

For further information, please see:
http://kongehuset.dk/publish.php?dogtag=k_dk_familien_dronningen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margrethe_II_of_Denmark