The Amalienborg Museum

Margrethe II. 70 years

Special exhibition
April 8 - September 19 2010

Sunshine Princess, successor to the throne, the loveliest flower in the garden, wife, mother, monarch, grandmother. These are just a few of the many additions to the official name and title of the Monarch, which over 70 years have been used by the Danish people about Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.

It has been said that an ordinary girl grew up in unusual circumstances and with an unusual destiny. The life and works of the Her Majesty have been followed with great interest right from the beginning by the public. A little girl was born in Denmark on a Spring day in 1940 and she became a ray of light during dark times.

The Monarch is now 70 years old and each of us have our own memories, both about the Queen's life story, which the Danish people have followed closely since the first-born of the then Crown Prince and Crown Princess arrived, and about what has happened since through those seven decades.

Much has happened in the world, in Denmark and for the Queen - about whom it can be said that the girl was not so ordinary after all and took on a life's mission that was to unfold itself in many ways. The modern Monarch in Denmark contributes her personal touch to her office.

The contribution of the Amalienborg Museum on the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen's 70th birthday in 2010 is this exhibition and the richly illustrated book that accompanies it. The emphasis is on Her Majesty's life and work, with special focus on special days and highpoints during her life. Some special days are common to many of us, whereas others are special for a person like Margrethe II. For example, how many of us need approval from the Sovereign in Council in order to marry? And who among us experiences the international press present at everything from official journeys to family celebrations?

The exhibition includes various dresses and other items on loan from the Queen, whose kind and engaged contributions regarding loans and information has been of crucial importance. The beautiful wedding dress of the then successor to the throne is on display with gala dresses designed for special events in the Royal family.

Kjøbenhavns Manufakturhandelforenings Almene Fond has contributed to the realization of the exhibition.