In her first interview since stepping down from the throne after 52 years, Queen Margrethe of Denmark has commented on the controversy surrounding a book alleging close ties between the Danish royal family and Nazi Germany during the 1930s.
The book, ”Ridser in Lakken – Kongehusets forbindelser til Hitlers Tyskland” (“Scars in the Enamel: The Royal House’s Ties to Hitler’s Germany”), has sparked debate about the monarchy’s connections to the Nazi regime.
Queen Margrethe states she finds the book’s claims to be sensationalized and unconvincing. She recounted an event when her parents attended a hunting exhibition in Berlin in 1937, where they met Hermann Göring, a high-ranking Nazi official. While acknowledging the meeting, the Queen emphasizes that her mother found Göring to be quite intimidating and deeply disliked him.
The Queen also revealed that her father, King Frederik IX, made several private trips to Bayreuth, Germany, between 1935 and 1939. Bayreuth was known for its annual Wagner festival, which Hitler was a strong supporter of, and where Wagner’s operas were performed. While the King often visited Bayreuth, Queen Margrethe states he never met Hitler and was pleased to avoid doing so.
The book claims that King Christian X, Queen Margrethe’s grandfather, had three private meetings with Hitler. However, no records of these meetings exist.
Some historians have criticized the book’s author, Peter Kramer, calling it “smusslitteratur” or “trashy literature.” They argue that Kramer misunderstands how a constitutional monarchy functions in a diplomatic context.
Others, however, suggest that the royal family open their private archives to allow fact-checking of the claims made in the book.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Queen Margrethe of Denmark
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, Your Majesty. Thank you for joining us for this exclusive interview.
Queen Margrethe (QM): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to chat about my experiences and the recent events.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. After 52 years on the throne, stepping down must have been quite a profound moment for you. What emotions did you experience during that transition?
QM: It was an incredibly bittersweet moment. Serving my country has been a privilege, filled with both joy and challenges. As I stepped down, I felt relief but also nostalgia for the years and memories I created while serving.
TNE: Speaking of challenges, your recent decision to retire was not without controversy. There’s been considerable attention surrounding a book that suggests close ties and some history that might not align with public perceptions. How do you respond to these allegations?
QM: It is always difficult when personal matters are put under scrutiny. I understand people’s curiosity, but the book has presented a narrative that is not entirely accurate. I have always strived to maintain a line between my public duty and private life, and that balance should be respected.
TNE: Critics argue that this book raises questions about transparency and trust. How important is it to you to maintain your reputation in the face of such claims?
QM: My integrity has been my guiding principle throughout my reign. I believe that actions speak louder than words, and I have always aimed to serve truthfully and genuinely. However, I also understand that public figures can be scrutinized more than anyone else, and it’s important to handle that with grace.
TNE: Many of your subjects have expressed concern about how this controversy might affect the monarchy’s standing. What would you say to them?
QM: I appreciate the loyalty and support of the people. The monarchy is an evolving institution, and while it faces challenges, I have faith in its resilience. I urge my subjects to focus on the work the crown does in service and community rather than sensational narratives.
TNE: Moving forward, what are your hopes for the royal family and the monarchy’s role in Denmark as you transition into this new chapter?
QM: I hope to see the royal family continue to connect with the community, be it through cultural engagements, humanitarian efforts, or just being a source of inspiration. The monarchy has a unique capability to unite and support the people, and I truly believe it can thrive in modern society.
TNE: Thank you, Your Majesty, for this candid conversation. It’s heartening to hear your thoughts on these pressing issues. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors post-monarchy.
QM: Thank you. It has been a delight to share my thoughts, and I look forward to the future with optimism.
TNE: We appreciate your time, Your Majesty.