Queen Margrethe of Denmark beamed on Wednesday as she took part in her official 85th birthday celebrations in Fredensborg. 

The former monarch abdicated the throne in January last year after reigning 52 years, and was succeeded by her eldest son King Frederik, and his wife Queen Mary. 

At the time, she referenced a successful back surgery the previous February, saying it had given rise to ‘thinking about the future’. 

Today, Margrethe appeared in bright spirits as she waved to crowds from the steps of Fredensborg Castle, accompanied by her family and beloved dachshund, Tillia. 

The queen, dressed in a bright tartan ensemble, was helped up and down the steps by her grandson, 19-year-old Crown Prince Christian who, as the eldest child of Frederik and Mary, is heir to the Danish throne. 

She was joined by a whole host of royals, including Christian’s siblings Isabella, Josephine and Vincent and the Queen’s sisters, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece and Princess Benedikte.

Notably watching on were Count Nikolai, 25, and Count Felix, 22, who were stripped of their titles by Margrethe in 2023 – in what was a very controversial decision.  

Later, the Royal House provided a chair for Margrethe while the royals attended a concert by the Royal Life Guards Band in the Inner Palace Courtyard. 

Her birthday celebrations this year are thought to be ‘toned down’ from previous years, according to Danish outlet DR. 

Queen Margrethe of Denmark beamed on Wednesday as she took part in her official 85th birthday celebrations in Fredensborg. Pictured centre with Princess Isabella, Princess Josephine, Queen Anne-Marie, Princess Benedikte, Crown Prince Christian and Queen Mary

The Queen, dressed in a bright tartan ensemble, was helped up and down the steps by her grandson, 19-year-old Crown Prince Christian

Previously, Margrethe’s birthday events were held at Amalienborg Palace Square, but have in recent years become a more intimate celebration – though huge crowds were still present. 

Born in 1940, Margrethe stepped down from the Danish throne in a shock abdication on January 14 last year. 

After taking over the throne in 1972, she was the longest-serving monarch in Europe following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. 

‘The surgery naturally gave rise to thinking about the future – whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation,’ she said in her New Years’ speech, referencing an operation the previous February. 

‘I have decided that now is the right time. On January 14, 2024, 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father, I will step down as Queen of Denmark.

‘I leave the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik.’

The monarch had previously hit the headlines in 2023 when she removed royal titles from the four children of her younger son Prince Joachim.

In September, Margrethe was hospitalised following a fall at Fredensborg Castle. 

Also present were Counts Nikolai and Felix – after Margrethe stripped them of their titles in 2023

Later, the Royal House provided a chair for Margrethe while the royals attended a concert by the Royal Life Guards Band in the Inner Palace Courtyard

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark (C) is surrounded by family members Princess Josephine, Princess Isabella, King Frederik X of Denmark, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, Princess Benedikte, Crown Prince Christian, and Queen Mary of Denmark

She waved from the steps of Fredensborg Palace, while accompanied by her beloved dachshund, Tillia

Queen Mary (pictured with Christian) looked stunning in a flowing top and tailored trousers

Princess Josephine (left) and Princess Isabella were smartly turned out to celebrate their grandmother’s birthday

She was discharged after one day but had sustained injuries to her neck and left hand. 

She returned to work in November after recovering in private and taking time away from royal duties. 

‘If you feel good enough, then you feel good enough. Even though I have now fallen down a flight of stairs and am not quite as mobile as I used to be, I feel well enough,’ she told Danish paper Kristeligt Dagblad after the fall.

King Frederik spoke publicly on the news that his mother had been hopsitalised shortly after news broke.

Speaking to reporters, he revealed he had spoken to his mother and was confident she was ‘in good hands’.

He added: ‘We take it day by day. The doctors are the ones who decide.’

It’s been a week of celebrations for the Danish royal family, as Princess Isabella is set to turn 18 on April 21. 

Last night, she looked as stunning as ever in a sparkling navy gown and matching clutch, with her locks pulled back into a sleek bun, as she arrived at the Royal Danish Theatre’s Old Stage in Copenhagen. 

Despite the ‘toned down’ celebrations, huge crowds turned out to see the family

The Crown Prince was also on hand to help Margrethe up the stairs in touching photographs

19-year-old Crown Prince Christian is the eldest child of Fredrik and Mary, and is heir to the Danish throne

Queen Margrethe attends a concert by the Royal Life Guards Band in the Inner Palace at Fredensborg Palace

She was accompanied by her mother Queen Mary, 53, and twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent, 14.

Mary was elegant as ever in an off-the-shoulder black and silver ensemble, with a glittering skirt and brooch catching the eye.  

Meanwhile Isabella’s very dashing cousins, Count Nikolai, 25, and Count Felix of Monzepat, 22, the sons of Prince Joachim, were also in attendance, wearing velvet suit jackets with smart bow-ties. 

King Frederik meanwhile appeared very dapper in a royal blue suit. 

Tensions had risen between the family in 2023, after Queen Margrethe stripped Prince Joachim’s four children – Nikolai, Felix, Henrik and Athena, of their titles – but, as they beamed on arrival, any feelings of resentment appeared long gone. 

At the time, Margrethe insisted the move would be ‘good for them in their future’ and allow the children – who have maintained their positions in the line of succession – to ‘shape their own lives without being limited by the special considerations and duties’ that a formal affiliation with the Danish Royal Family involves. 

But Prince Joachim publicly spoke out against his mother’s decision in the days that followed – claiming that his children had been ‘harmed’ in the process. 

Nikolai has since launched his own Instagram account to promote his modelling career – and has seldom been seen with his cousins and aunt since the announcement.