Queen Margrethe of Denmark will give her traditional New Year’s Speech with a difference due to the covid pandemic.

The New Year’s Speech is usually broadcasted live at 6.00 pm from the Queen’s Drawing Room at Christian IX’s Palace, Amalienborg, on television, radio and the Internet on 31 December.

According to a media statement from the Royal Court of Denmark, the Queen’s New Year Speech will become available on their website, kongehuset.dk, as soon as possible, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Royal Lifeguards’ traditional Guard of Honour ceremony takes place outside, in the Inner Courtyard, just before the Queen’s Speech when they stand to attention with rifles, colours and two drummers.

When Queen Margrethe’s Speech finishes, King Christian stood by the lofty mast is played as the Royal Lifeguards present arms and the flag is lowered.

No TV screen will be set up in the Amalienborg Palace Square this year.