In shadow of pandemic, Danish queen marks 50 years on throne

Denmark’s popular monarch Queen Margrethe is marking 50 years on the throne with low-key events

COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- Denmark’s 81-year-old Queen Margrethe has so far escaped contracting COVID-19 and is fully vaccinated. But the pandemic is once again spoiling an important party for the popular monarch.

In 2020, it killed public celebrations for her 80th birthday. Now, two days of major celebrations for her 50th anniversary on the throne of Europe’s oldest ruling monarchy, scheduled to start Friday, have been postponed until September.

Margrethe will, however, lay flowers at the grave of her parents at Roskilde cathedral, west of Copenhagen, where Danish royals have been buried since 1559. Earlier, she is to meet with the government and attend a reception at Parliament.

Postponed jubilee events include being cheered by thousands from the balcony of the Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, a ride through the capital in a horse-drawn carriage, a gala performance at the Royal Theater and a festive banquet.