Margrethe II, former Queen of Denmark's birthday

 

Margrethe II, born April 16, 1940, in Copenhagen, Denmark, was the queen of Denmark who ascended to the throne upon the death of her father, King Frederik IX, and occupied the Danish throne for exactly 52 years. On January 14, 2024, she abdicated in favour of her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, who became King Frederik X. Margrethe had become Europe’s longest-serving monarch in 2022 after the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, Margrethe’s third cousin.

Born a week after the German Invasion of Denmark during World War II, Margrethe spent the war years in Denmark and then attended school in Copenhagen. She continued her studies at the Universities of Copenhagen and Cambridge, Aarhus University in Jutland, the London School of Economics, and Sorbonne. In 1953, following a change in the Danish constitution to permit female succession to the throne, Margrethe, the king’s eldest daughter, assumed the title of “throne heiress”—i.e., crown princess, although that title in Denmark had denoted the wife of a male heir to the throne. As such, from her 18th birthday she regularly took part in meetings of the Council of State in preparation for her future regal duties.

On June 10, 1967, she married the count Henri de Laborde de Monpezat, a French diplomat, who afterward took the title of Prince Henrik. Their first child, Crown Prince Frederik, was born on May 26, 1968, and a second son, Prince Joachim, on June 7, 1969. Among the dozens of state visits Margrethe has made as queen were trips to her Scandinavian neighbours as well as to countries such as Argentina, China, France, Japan, and the Netherlands. Throughout her reign she has been known for her passion for archaeology and the arts. Having studied archaeology at Cambridge, she participated in excavations both in Denmark and abroad. She has been even more celebrated for her artistic pursuits, which include painting, costume and scenic design, textiles, embroidery, and decoupage. Her artwork is displayed in the National Gallery of Denmark, and costumes that she designed have appeared in theatrical Margrethe’s personal popularity has contributed greatly to an improved perception of the monarchy by the Danish people. When she became queen in 1972, only some 42 percent of Danes surveyed were in favour of retaining the monarchy. As she prepared to step down from the throne, more than 85 percent Danes polled indicated that they supported the royal family to at least some degree.

Tensions arose within the royal family in 2022 when Margrethe stripped Prince Joachim’s four children of their royal titles to free them of their royal obligations so that they might experience more normal lives. After a schism developed within the family, she apologized for but did not rescind her   action, and by the next year there had been a rapprochement.

In 2023 Margrethe underwent major back surgery that required a long period of convalescence and rehabilitation. In her New Year’s Eve speech on December 31, 2023, she surprised observers when she announced that she would abdicate in favour of Crown Prince Frederik on the 52nd anniversary of her ascent to the throne.

 

 

 

Save the Elephant Day

Save the Elephant Day is celebrated annually on April 16. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges elephants face in their daily lives, particularly due to human interference such as hunting and poaching. Elephants play a crucial role in the ecosystem, yet their population has been declining. This day serves to emphasize the importance of these magnificent creatures and the urgent need to tackle issues like habitat loss.

Significance of Save the Elephant Day

Elephants are crucial to wildlife ecosystems, and they act as ecosystem engineers that shape habitats and create pathways for other species. They modify landscapes by creating pathways for other species. They also disperse seeds through their dung. Their presence is vital for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the health of natural ecosystems. Sometimes, creatures in the forest cannot get sunlight due to the dense forest, but elephant foraging and movement create openings in forests, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor, which helps promote a healthy life for plants and animals.

About Save the Elephant Day

You may know that elephants, although both adorable and powerful, are victims of poaching. 'Save the Elephant Day' serves as a reminder to honour these gentle giants and protect them from harm and cruelty.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists African bush elephants and Asian elephants as endangered species, while African forest elephants are classified as critically endangered. Elephant populations have reportedly been declining due to various threats. This initiative aims to change this alarming trend by educating people about these magnificent animals and the challenges they face.

Organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Fauna & Flora International (FFI), and the Elephant Crisis Fund (ECF) are dedicated to protecting these creatures and ensuring their well-being.