Danish queen says she tried to "be herself" during 40-year-rule

Jan 10, 2012, 16:54 GMT

Copenhagen - Denmark's Queen Margrethe said Tuesday she had tried to 'be herself' during her 40 years as monarch and had not tried to follow a designated plan.

'I have so much support from the people around me, my husband, my family and the people of Denmark... I am a very lucky woman indeed,' the queen said at a news conference a few days before she is due to celebrate 40 years on the throne.

The 71-year-old queen said she considered it her 'duty' to remain on the throne as long as she lives, 'just as my father and grandfather did.'

However due to age there were some duties she could no longer perform and which had been taken over by other members of the royal family, the queen said.

She ascended to the throne on January 14, 1972, following the death of her father King Frederik XI, who had reigned for 25 years.

It was 'exciting' to become queen, she said, adding that she felt she was young enough at the time - almost 32 - to enjoy 'the new challenges.'

A recent survey suggested there was strong support for keeping the Danish monarchy - with 82 per cent in favour of the institution.

'I am glad that people feel it is natural that we have a royal house in our country,' the queen said.

The queen said she had close ties with the royal families of Norway and Sweden, adding that 'each royal house reflects its respective country.'

During the news conference she confirmed she does not use a mobile phone and declined to offer advice - at least in public - to Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, the country's first female premier.