Today, we celebrate a remarkable milestone in the life of a remarkable individual: Princess Marie of Denmark’s 80th birthday. Born on February 5, 1940, Princess Marie has lived a life marked by dedication to her family, her country, and her philanthropic pursuits. As we reflect on her remarkable journey, we are reminded of the significant impact she has had on the lives of those around her.
Princess Marie, the wife of Prince Joachim of Denmark, has been a constant presence in the Danish royal family for decades. Her tireless efforts to support various charitable causes have earned her widespread admiration and respect. From her work with organizations focused on children’s welfare to her advocacy for environmental conservation, Princess Marie has consistently demonstrated her commitment to making a positive difference in the world. As she celebrates this significant birthday, we honor her remarkable life and legacy.
what are some key milestones in Princess Marie’s life
- Birth and Early Life: Princess Marie was born on February 6, 1976, in Paris, France. She grew up speaking French and English, and later added Danish to her language repertoire after her engagement to Prince Joachim.
- Education and Career: Marie studied economics in Geneva and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marymount Manhattan College in New York. She worked in international business before marrying Prince Joachim.
- Marriage and Family: Princess Marie married Prince Joachim on May 24, 2008. The couple has four children: Nikolai, Felix, Henrik, and Athena. She has also become a stepmother to Nikolai and Felix from Prince Joachim’s previous marriage.
- Philanthropy and Public Life: Princess Marie has been actively involved in various charitable causes, including supporting children’s welfare and environmental conservation. She has also been a constant presence in the Danish royal family, attending numerous events and engagements.
- 80th Birthday: Princess Marie celebrated her 80th birthday on February 6, 2024, marking a significant milestone in her life. Her dedication to her family, her country, and her philanthropic pursuits have earned her widespread admiration and respect.
how did Princess Marie adapt to life in Denmark
what were some of Princess Marie’s favorite places to visit in Denmark
- The Hermitage Palace: Located in Dyrehaven, or the Deer Park, in Klampenborg, this royal hunting lodge dates back to the reign of Christian VI in 1736. The palace is mainly used for lunches hosted by the Queen and is surrounded by a UNESCO World Heritage parkland where visitors can see around 2000 free-range deer roaming freely.
- Copenhagen Cathedral: Also known as the Church of Our Lady, this historic cathedral is located in the heart of Copenhagen and was the site of Crown Princess Mary’s wedding to Crown Prince Frederik in 2004.
- Amalienborg Palace: This grand site in the center of Copenhagen is the official home of the Danish royal family during the wintertime. The four identical palaces were once the home of prominent nobles until they were taken over by the royal family in 1794. The palace is where the royals appear on the balconies for important events such as the Queen’s birthday and other major occasions.
- Christiansborg Palace: This palace is the center of power for the Kingdom of Denmark and contains Denmark’s parliament, the Prime Minister’s office, and the royal reception rooms. It is where the new monarch is announced upon the beginning of a new reign, and it is also where the royal family holds official events and receptions.
- Fredensborg Palace: Located about an hour north of Copenhagen, this palace is often described as Denmark’s Versailles. It is a must-see location, with its beautiful gardens and historic architecture. The palace is open to the public for just one month, but its grounds are free to explore all year round.
These locations are significant not only for their historical and cultural importance but also for their connection to the Danish royal family and their various events and activities.
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| Princess Marie-Cécile, 1992. |
Today Princess Marie-Cécile of Prussia celebrates her eightieth birthday!
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| Prince Louis Ferdinand and Princess Kira of Prussia with their children. |
Born on 28 May 1942 at Cadinen, Germany, Princess Marie-Cécile Kira Viktoria Luise of Prussia was the first daughter and third child of Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia (1907-1994) and Grand Duchess Kira Kirillovna of Russia (1909-1967). Marie-Cécile had six siblings: Prince Friedrich Wilhelm (1939-2015), Prince Michael (1940-2014), Princess Kira (1943-2004), Prince Louis Ferdinand (1944-1977; married Countess Donata zu Castell-Rüdenhausen), Prince Christian-Sigismund (b.1946; married Countess Nina zu Reventlow), and Princess Xenia (1949-1992).
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| Crown Prince Wilhelm. |
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| Crown Princess Cecilie. |
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| Grand Duke Kirill. |
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| Grand Duchess Victoria. |
The paternal grandparents of Princess Marie-Cécile were Crown Prince Wilhelm of Prussia (1882-1951) and Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1886-1956). Her maternal grandparents were Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia (1876-1938) and Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1876-1936).
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| Princess Marie-Cécile of Prussia, Duke Friedrich August of Oldenburg, and Princess Kira of Prussia. |
On 3 December 1965 at Berlin, Princess Marie-Cécile of Prussia civilly married Duke Friedrich August of Oldenburg (1936-2017), the sixth child and fourth son of Hereditary Grand Duke Nikolaus of Oldenburg and Princess Helena of Waldeck and Pyrmont. The couple celebrated their religious marriage the following day on 4 December. Marie-Cécile and Friedrich August had three children: Duke Paul-Wladimir (b.1969), Duchess Rixa (b.1970), and Duchess Bibiane (b.1974). Marie-Cécile and Friedrich August divorced on 23 November 1989. In 1991, Friedrich August married Marie-Cécile’s widowed sister-in-law Princess Donata.
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| Princess Marie-Cécile and her nephew Prince Georg Friedrich attend the funeral of their brother/uncle Prince Friedrich Wilhelm, 2015. Photo (c) AGE Fotostock. |
Our best wishes to the Princess on her birthday!
princess marie’s travel style
- Birth and Early Life: Princess Marie was born on February 6, 1976, in Paris, France. She grew up speaking French and English, and later added Danish to her language repertoire after her engagement to Prince Joachim.
- Education and Career: Marie studied economics in Geneva and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marymount Manhattan College in New York. She worked in international business before marrying Prince Joachim.
- Marriage and Family: Princess Marie married Prince Joachim on May 24, 2008. The couple has four children: Nikolai, Felix, Henrik, and Athena. She has also become a stepmother to Nikolai and Felix from Prince Joachim’s previous marriage.
- Philanthropy and Public Life: Princess Marie has been actively involved in various charitable causes, including supporting children’s welfare and environmental conservation. She has also been a constant presence in the Danish royal family, attending numerous events and engagements.
- 80th Birthday: Princess Marie celebrated her 80th birthday on February 6, 2024, marking a significant milestone in her life. Her dedication to her family, her country, and her philanthropic pursuits have earned her widespread admiration and respect.
As we conclude our celebration of Princess Marie’s 80th birthday, we are reminded of the remarkable life she has led. From her early days in Paris to her current role as a Danish princess, Marie has consistently demonstrated her dedication to her family, her country, and her philanthropic pursuits. Her tireless efforts to support various charitable causes have earned her widespread admiration and respect, making her a true royal role model. As we reflect on her remarkable journey, we are grateful for the opportunity to learn more about this remarkable individual and the significant impact she has had on the lives of those around her.
Princess Marie’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself. Throughout her life, she has faced numerous challenges and overcome them with grace and poise. Her ability to adapt to new situations and her willingness to learn have been key factors in her success. As we look to the future, we can only hope that Princess Marie will continue to inspire and motivate others to follow in her footsteps. Her legacy is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can achieve great things with determination and hard work. We wish Princess Marie a happy 80th birthday and look forward to seeing what the future holds for this remarkable woman.
what are some of Princess Marie’s most significant contributions to Danish society
- DanChurchAid: Princess Marie has been a patron of DanChurchAid, an organization working to combat global poverty. She has completed ten years of working with the organization, supporting various projects and initiatives to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions for underprivileged communities.
- Humanitarian Trips: Princess Marie has undertaken several humanitarian trips to countries such as Cambodia, Uganda, and Myanmar, where she has visited projects and initiatives supported by DanChurchAid. These trips have helped raise awareness about global poverty and the organization’s efforts to combat it.
- Wefood and Food Waste Reduction: Princess Marie has worked with DanChurchAid to promote sustainability and accessibility through initiatives like Wefood, a supermarket that collects surplus produce and sells it to reduce food waste. She has also supported FoedevareBanken, a Danish food bank, to provide sustainable food to those affected by poverty.
- Patronages: Princess Marie has taken on various patronages, including the Danish National Commission for UNESCO, the Danish Epilepsy Association, Kattegatcentret, the AIDS Foundation, and Autism Denmark. These patronages demonstrate her commitment to supporting various causes and organizations in Denmark.
- Public Appearances and Engagements: Princess Marie has undertaken numerous public engagements and appearances, including official visits abroad, charity events, and cultural activities. These engagements help promote Denmark and its culture, as well as support various causes and organizations.
These contributions highlight Princess Marie’s dedication to philanthropy, sustainability, and public service, making her a significant figure in Danish society.
