Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden
Loving message to Queen Margrethe
Queen Margrethe II and King Carl XVI Gustaf at a state banquet in Sweden.
© imago/TT
A change of throne is imminent in Denmark this Sunday. Shortly beforehand, Sweden’s king addressed Queen Margrethe with loving words.
All of Europe is looking forward to Denmark: Queen Margrethe II (83) is handing over the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik (55), this Sunday (January 14th). His reign ushers in a new era of monarchy. A few hours before the historic step, the Swedish King Carl Gustaf (77) now has personal lines for the monarch.
“Friendship between us remains”
“As you leave your high office as Queen of Denmark today, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to you for the good cooperation over the years,” says a written statement from the Swedish royal family. In the statement, Carl Gustaf affectionately calls Margrethe “Your Majesty” and “Dear Cousin Daisy” – Margrethe’s nickname among close friends and family since she was a child.
The Swedish monarch continues: “You are now taking on a different role, but the friendship between us remains – deep and constant.” Carl Gustaf also thanks “the closeness and affection that exists between our countries and houses today.” “On this historic day, my family and I wish you good luck and prosperity for the future.” The Swedish royal family’s Instagram account also shared a moving montage of imageswhich Margrethe and Carl Gustaf show over the years.
Margrethe and Carl Gustaf are cousins
The Danish queen and the Swedish king have a close relationship: not only have they been “colleagues” for more than 50 years – Margrethe came to the throne in 1972 and Carl Gustaf in 1973 – the two are also first cousins. Margrethe’s mother, Swedish-born Queen Ingrid (1910-2000), was the sister of Carl Gustaf’s father, Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf (1906-1947).
To this day, the two royal families maintain a family relationship with each other. Carl Gustaf’s daughter and Sweden’s heir to the throne, Crown Princess Victoria (46), is the godmother of Crown Prince Frederik’s son and the future heir to the Danish throne, Prince Christian (18).