It was a celebration fit for a queen!
And on Sunday, April 16 the Danish Royal Family made sure their beloved ruler, Queen Margrethe, felt the love as they opened the gates of Marselisborg Palace in Aarhus, Denmark to well-wishers.
In a special touch, the milestone also fell on Easter Sunday giving the family double the reason to celebrate.
Gathering on the balcony of their summer residence, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary were joined by their four children Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine for a very lively outing.
Also in attendance was Fred’s younger brother, Prince Joachim, his wife, Princess Marie, and their kids Princess Athena, and Prince Henrik Junior.
The woman of the hour, Queen Margrethe, looked elegant in an eye-catching aqua-coloured coat as she waved to the adoring crowd.
But it was the hilarious antics of the younger royals that stole the show!
Princess Mary, Prince Fred and their four kids make their way to Marselisborg Palace.
April 16, 2017, marks The Queen’s 77th birthday.
Prince Joachim watches on as his niece Princess Josephine and daughter Princess Athena joke about.
Princess Josephine, six, and her cousin Princess Athena, five, showed off their playful friendship while their amused parents watched on.
The adorable duo were the centre of attention as they danced and giggled their way through the official outing.
Meanwhile doting grandfather Prince Henrik of Denmark, 82, clearly has a soft spot for his grandson, Prince Vincent.
The retired royal, who stepped down from his duties in 2016, made sure his grandson could see over the balcony and lifted him up before planting a tender kiss on his cheek.
Double trouble! These cousins know how to delight the crowds.
Josephine led the way as little Athena copied her older relative.
The milestone birthday happened to fall on Easter Sunday.
While Prince Henrik no longer works in an official capacity for the Danish Royal Family, Queen Margrethe II is showing no signs of slowing down.
Looking back on her 45-year reign, Margrethe has previously admitted it hasn’t come without it’s challenges.
“I believe that it is indeed easier for a woman [to lead] who follows a male monarch, as it was in my case. There was no role model I had to measure up to,” she reflected of taking to the throne following her father’s death in 1972.
“It was clear from the beginning that many things would be different, and that helped. And I hope that the same thing will help my son, Crown Prince Frederik, when he becomes king one day,” she added.
Prince Henrik made sure Vincent could see over the balcony.
Mary looked stunning in a stylish winter overcoat.
Prince Christian and Princess Isabella share a cuddle with their dad.
Happy birthday, Your Majesty!
