Queen Margrethe II was a Danish monarch who reigned from 1972 to 2024. She was the first female monarch in the country's history known for her intelligence, creativity and strong sense of duty. She was born on April 16, 1940, the eldest daughter of King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid.
As a child, Margrethe showed great interest in art and literature, which she pursued throughout her education. She studied at the University of Copenhagen and later at the University of Cambridge in England. She also spent some time studying at the Sorbonne in Paris.
In 1967 Margrethe married French diplomat Henri de Laborde de Monpezat, who became Prince Henrik of Denmark. Together they fathered two sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim.
As queen, Margrethe played an active role in Danish society and politics. She used her deep knowledge of history and culture and her position to promote Danish art and design both domestically and internationally. Her artwork ranges from illustrations for books to set design for theatrical performances.
Margrethe's reign was characterized by a desire to modernize the monarchy while preserving traditional values.
