It was a day of celebration for Denmark on Wednesday, as the royal family began festivities for the 75th birthday of Queen Margrethe. Crown Princess Mary arrived with her husband, Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark, at Aarhus City Hall, before later being joined by Princess Marie and her husband Prince Joachim.
But it was the Queen who arrived in style, arriving with Prince Consort Henrik at the town hall following a parade through the streets of Aarhus, in a carriage pulled by horses from the army’s Gardehusarregimentets Hesteskorte.
© Photo: RexQueen Margrethe is driven through the adoring crowds
The Queen fought off the chill with a coat and a white hat, grey gloves and a blanket covering her legs, to greet the 5000 locals who turned out to watch the parade, including schoolchildren, who were given the day off.
The royal family later waved from the balcony of the town hall with the lady of the hour, Queen Margrethe, standing alongside the Mayor of Aarhus, Jacob Bundsgaard.
The two princesses were dressed to impress, with Australian-born Mary wearing a cream, knee-length pleated dress, which nipped in at the waist with a black belt.
© Photo: RexCrown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederick
She arrived at the town hall with an on-trend collarless coat keeping the April chill away, and a fabulous black hat atop her head, while her sister-in-law Princess Marie wore a buttoned-up white and navy coat, with a stylish brooch, and a low chignon keeping her hair swept off her face.
As the Danish royals waved from the balcony, their faces beamed with happiness - and Mayor Bundsgaard gave a triumphant fist pump towards the sky.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrincess Marie and Prince Joachim
Queen Margrethe does not turn 75 until 16 April, but the party began early - and on Wednesday evening, Margrethe will be the guest of honour at a show behind held especially for her birthday.
Danish actor Nikolaj Lie Kaas will be hosting the show, while singer Josh Groban as well as Rasmus Seeback and Anne Linnet are all set to be performing.
