Denmark's Potential Commonwealth Membership: Would Queen Margrethe Rank Under Queen Elizabeth?

Frequently, the discussion around the potential Denmark Commonwealth membership inevitably turns to the question of hierarchy and precedence among reigning monarchs. Specifically, many wonder if Queen Margrethe II of Denmark would rank under Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, given the unique position of both as reigning queens within their respective realms.

The Rank is the Same: Equality of Queens

When comparing the peerage of any two queens, the basic fact remains that both hold the title of Queen. Therefore, from a purely ceremonial and constitutional standpoint, Queen Margrethe II and Queen Elizabeth II are on par, sharing the same high rank without any inherent subordination.

This equality is established by the fundamental principles of monarchy, where queenship carries supreme authority within their respective realms, irrespective of external alliances or organizations like the Commonwealth.

Precedence and the Commonwealth

However, the question of precedence between these two queens takes on a different dimension when we consider their roles within the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth is a unique political association of countries that share a historical and cultural bond, but it does not establish a formal pecking order among its member realms or their monarchs.

According to the official Commonwealth guidelines, precedence between Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Margrethe II, or any other monarch, is determined by the length of time they have held office. This is a pragmatic approach that ensures a measured and balanced representation of the various Commonwealth nations in official capacities.

Given that Queen Elizabeth II is today's longest-serving head of state in the world, she would indeed often be accorded a position of precedence in international contexts involving the Commonwealth. This is not necessarily a matter of real or implied subordination but rather a recognition of her long-standing service.

Commonwealth Membership and Royal Standing

The notion of whether Denmark would join the Commonwealth and, if so, how this might affect the standing of Queen Margrethe is an intriguing one. Historically, the Commonwealth is primarily an organization of independent nations, each with their own head of state. Therefore, the addition of a monarchy like Denmark is viewed as an enhancement to the organization, not a challenge to existing hierarchies.

Officially, the Commonwealth recognizes the presence of multiple reigning monarchies without establishing a formal hierarchy among them. Membership entails the shared values of democracy, human rights, and the promotion of peace and sustainable development, rather than a principle of royal hierarchy.

Concerning the question of whether Denmark could join the Commonwealth and still maintain her status as an independent and equal partner, the answer is yes. The precedent for multiple reigning monarchies within the Commonwealth is well-established, and no constitutional obstacle to Danish membership exists.

Why Would Denmark Join the British Commonwealth?

The question of why Denmark might consider joining the Commonwealth is less about hierarchy and more about political and cultural ties. The British Commonwealth represents a shared history and a network of cultural and economic exchanges. Denmark has already established warm diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom due to their shared history and the enduring influence of the British Empire in shaping Danish culture and values.

Moreover, joining the Commonwealth would provide Denmark with various benefits such as enhanced diplomatic visibility, improved economic cooperation, and increased access to like-minded nations. However, it would not imply any change in the status of her royal family as it operates within its own constitutional framework.

The core principle is that the Commonwealth membership does not provide a precedent for establishing a formal hierarchal structure among its member monarchs. Therefore, even if Denmark were to join the Commonwealth, Queen Margrethe II would remain an independent and equal monarch within the organization.

Conclusion

In summary, Queen Margrethe II would retain her independent status and equality with other reigning monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, in any future Commonwealth membership for Denmark. The Commonwealth is designed to celebrate the diversity and equality of its member nations, reinforcing the idea that all participating realms operate as equal partners within the organization.

For more information on the Commonwealth, its member states, and the intricate dynamics among its monarchs, please visit the official website ().