Places in Georgia Visited by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark in 1975 🇩🇰 🇬🇪
In 1975, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark visited the Soviet Union on an eight-day state visit, accompanied by her husband, Prince Henrik. During their journey, the royal couple visited several destinations, including Moscow, Leningrad (today’s St. Petersburg) and Tbilisi, (Georgia was only county out of 16 scout union countries she visited outside Russia)
Their visit to Georgia was particularly interesting. At that time, Georgia was already well known throughout the Soviet Union for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, delicious food and hospitality. For the Danish royal couple, it was an opportunity to discover a country with a long history and a distinctive cultural identity.
Where Did the Danish Royal Couple Stay in Tbilisi?
It is believed that Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik stayed at Hotel Iveria, one of the most recognisable hotels in Soviet-era Tbilisi. Today, the building operates as the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel.
Although I haven’t found definitive confirmation of their accommodation, we know that the royal couple visited several interesting places in Tbilisi and its surroundings.
One of the places on their itinerary was the house of Barbara Baratashvili at 9 Mazniashvili Street.
That very beautiful palace stands even today left bank of river Mtkvari, They also travelled to Mtskheta, where they visited two of Georgia’s most important historical and religious monuments: Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
Meeting with Lado Gudiashvili
Perhaps one of the most interesting moments of the Queen’s visit was her meeting with the famous Georgian painter Lado Gudiashvili.
During her stay in Tbilisi, Queen Margrethe II expressed a personal wish to meet the artist. Gudiashvili was already an established and internationally recognised figure in Georgian art, and the royal couple visited him at his home and studio at 11 Gudauri Street. Modern building of national library of Georgia.
This was more than an ordinary formal visit. According to accounts of the meeting, the Queen showed genuine interest in the artist’s work, spending time looking at his paintings and graphic illustrations and discussing art with him.
It was a remarkable encounter between two people who shared a passion for artistic expression.
The Queen as an Artist and Illustrator of
The Lord of the Rings
There is another fascinating detail that makes this meeting particularly interesting.
Margrethe II was not simply a monarch with an interest in art. She is an accomplished artist who has worked in several creative fields, including painting, illustration, graphic art, embroidery and theatrical set design.
One of her most remarkable artistic projects is connected with J. R. R. Tolkien’s famous fantasy trilogy, The Lord of the Rings.
In 1977, illustrations for the Danish edition of Tolkien’s work were published under the pseudonym Ingahild Grathmer. The artist behind this name was none other than Queen Margrethe II herself.
It is fascinating to think that the Danish Queen who visited Georgia in 1975 was also the artist behind illustrations for one of the world’s most famous fantasy novels.
A Queen Who Left Her Mark on History
Queen Margrethe II ruled Denmark for 52 years, from 1972 until 2024. On 31 December 2023, she announced her decision to abdicate, officially stepping down on 14 January 2024 in favour of her son, King Frederik X.
Looking back, her visit to Georgia in 1975 remains an interesting chapter in the country’s international history. From the ancient churches of Mtskheta to the home and studio of one of Georgia’s greatest painters, her journey offers another perspective on the cultural connections between Georgia and Denmark.
For visitors exploring Tbilisi today, these stories add another layer to the city’s history. Sometimes, the most interesting places are not just those with beautiful architecture or impressive views, but those connected to remarkable people and the events that brought them here.
Mukhran guliashvili
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