The Danish royal family gathered to celebrate Queen Margrethe's 73rd birthday on Tuesday. Although the monarch – dressed in a fetching tartan skirt and bright red jacket – was on fine form, it was her young grandchildren who stole the show.
The balcony at Copenhagen's Amalienborg Palace was transformed into a stage for the youngsters, who were applauded by thrilled crowds who had gathered.
Taking centre stage was little Athena, below, whose parents are Prince Joachim and his French-born wife Princess Marie. The toddler, 15 months, looked every inch the little lady in her pretty pastel dress.
Her elder brothers, Henrik and Felix lingered inside the palace while Nikolai posed alongside the Queen and her husband, Prince Henrik, shown in the first picture. The family scene was completed by Joachim's brother Crown Prince Frederik and his wife Princess Mary, seen below. Their two eldest children Christian and Isabella seemed to be in awe of the crowds, and twins Josephine and Vincent, who are two, were cradled in their parents' arms. Little Josephine even managed a wave. She was later seen peeking through the railings to catch a glimpse of the action.
Margrethe's birthday on 16 April always unites the Danish royal family with the Danish public who turn out in their thousands to celebrate the date.