Royal Central - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark is celebrating her first birthday since her abdication.
The former monarch, who abdicated on January 14th 2024 after a reign of 52 years, is spending the day privately at Fredensborg Palace.
However, she made a brief appearance to greet wellwishers as well as media as she was joined at her home by family for a lunch to mark her big day.
The queen smiled and waved before her elder son, King Frederik X, stepped out to accompany her, followed by his wife, Queen Mary, who had to tiptoe around her mother in law’s pet dog who took centre stage during the press call..
Margrethe’s sister, Princess Benedikte, also joined the family gathering.
There were also two new portraits of the queen to mark her 84th birthday.
The photos showed her at home, looking relaxed and well.
Since her surprise abdication, Margrethe has had a relatively low public profile but she has acted as regent for her son and successor several times as he makes trips overseas.