Denmark’s Queen Margrethe has raised eyebrows by smoking a cigarette while walking hand-in-hand with Princess Mary’s children.
The 75-year-old monarch – known as the “ashtray queen” because of her long-term smoking habit – happily puffed on a cigarette throughout a photo call at Grasten Palace last week, while clutching granddaughter Princess Isabella’s hand.
Neither Isabella nor Mary seemed shocked by this display of passive smoking, possibly because Margrethe smokes so often.
Mary’s husband Crown Prince Frederik is also reported to be a smoker, but has gone to great lengths to keep his habit private.
Margrethe has always been a proud smoker, but has cut down on her public smoking in recent years after facing significant backlash from people both in Denmark and internationally.
In 2011, her smoking habit was even blamed for an increase in female smoking-related deaths in Denmark.
Margrethe had no qualms about smoking next to her grandchildren.
Margrethe has smoked for many years.
Mary’s youngest daughter Princess Josephine’s arm is still in a cast after a riding accident.
Mary looked gorgeous with her twins.
The Danish royal family.
The photo call took place at the family’s summer residence Grasten Palace.
Mary with Isabella and Christian.