Queen of Denmark: 'I Would Not Say We Are a Multicultural Country'

SPIEGEL: The King of Norway recently gave a speech that describes a modern country. He said: "Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and girls and boys who love each other. Norwegians believe in God, in Allah, in the universe or in nothing at all." Do you see Denmark taking a similar path?

Margrethe II: I would not say we are a multicultural country, but more people live here now who have different roots, backgrounds and religions, more than 30 years ago. This also applies to religions. Under the constitution, as the Danish queen I am bound to the Lutheran faith, but that does not exclude people of other faiths. On the contrary, I believe that the fact that I am religious brings me closer to anyone with a different faith. Besides, I represent all people who are citizens of the Danish nation.

SPIEGEL: You have been queen for more than 44 years, years in which the world, and Europe, have changed significantly. What can the monarchy do to counteract growing skepticism over Europe?

Margrethe II: I believe that all the euphoria about Europe has led many of us to forget that Europe is a conglomerate of different entities and countries. But if you don't love your own entity, if you don't know your roots and can no longer relate to them, you will also have problems with the rest of Europe. A tree without roots will fall over, whereas a tree with roots eventually becomes part of a forest. I believe that many people have forgotten what their roots are. This is one of the advantages of countries with a monarchy. The monarch offers identity across generations, and is a part of these roots and this native country.

SPIEGEL: The queen as a stabilizing factor?

Margrethe II: We, the monarchs, are undoubtedly constants in a constantly changing world. Because we have always been there, but also because we do not get involved in everyday politics. We are aware of the political changes in our societies, but we don't comment on them. This is where we assume a unique position. None of my counterparts in Europe interferes in politics.

SPIEGEL: What do you do when you do want to take a political position?

Margrethe II: We have a wonderful tradition for that: the queen's New Year's address. I prepare this address together with the office of the prime minister. It is not a harmless event, nor is it an announcement of trifling matters. It is about values, as well as positions. There are indeed ways for a queen to say what she thinks.