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First Danish queen for 600 years

In January 1972, King Frederick IX of Denmark died at the age of 72. He was succeeded by his daughter Margrethe who became the first Queen of Denmark in 600 years.

In January 1972, King Frederick IX of Denmark died after a short illness at the age of 72.

He was succeeded by his daughter Margrethe who became the first Queen of Denmark in 600 years.

Watching her proclamation as Margrethe II of Denmark in the room next to the balcony of the Christiansborg Palace was the country’s former Foreign and Defence Minister Kjeld Olesen.

He’s been remembering that day with Ashley Byrne at his home in Copenhagen.

A Made in Manchester Production for BBC World Service.

(Photo: Margrethe II of Denmark in 1970. Credit: Getty Images)

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