Queen Margrethe has taken a break from ruling Denmark, spending an idyllic summer at her Calyx Palace in the South of France, surrounded by rolling, sun-kissed vineyards.
The 81-year-old monarch, who has been troubled by health problems and the loss of her husband in recent years, was spotted blending in with the locals as she strolled through a nearby market, sampling produce and picking up fresh groceries.
Sources say that she’s enjoyed her time in France so much, she’s considering moving to the historic chateau permanently –meaning a change of the guard at Amalienborg Palace back in Copenhagen is firmly on the cards.
And insiders say Margrethe has felt “for some time now” that her beloved daughter-in-law Princess Mary, 49, is ready to step up and take the throne.
PREPARING MARY
“Queen Margrethe has spent countless hours with Princess Mary, preparing her to step into her shoes,” says a source. “The plan was originally for Mary to take over once Margrethe had either passed or was too unwell to perform her duties. But her summer in Cayx has seen Margrethe reconsider her position.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ANNA SAMSON 'MURDER'S ALWAYS INTRIGUED ME'
We hit the set of the sunny spin-off to Death In Paradise and meet the cast!
5 minutes With...ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH
His No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series has a new instalment
Rolling the DICE
Hobart's iconic Wrest Point Hotel Casino is looking better than ever
UNDERSTANDING PALLIATIVE CARE
Quality of life is at the forefront of this approach
OUR TOWN'S A MOVIE STAR!
When Runt arrived in town, locals couldn't wait to play a part!
ANNA HEINRICH 'I LOVE BEING A GIRL MUM!'
The mum-of-two speaks with affection about her daughters
KEITH TELLS NICOLE I WANT TO BE YOUR NEXT LEADING MAN!'
He's sick of playing second fiddle to a string of hunky co-stars
GUY TAKES A STAND 'I WANT JESS BACK!
The Voice Australia gets an ultimatum from its number-one coach Guy Sebastian
THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!
Their lovable bromance is stealing the spotlight in Venice!
ED SHEERAN'S SHOCK FAMILY FEUD
He's often seen as one of the nicest guys in music, but Ed Sheeran's cousin has exposed their secret feud - and claimed that Ed has even made legal threats against him!