 In her first-ever annual New Years speech to the Danish people, Queen Margrethe II speaks of the death of her father in early 1972 and expresses gratitude for the warmth she was shown throughout the year. She goes on to discuss current world affairs, especially Denmark s entrance into the EC. She wishes for peaceful times in the world and speaks of challenges for the Danish society. Finally, she sends her best wishes to the Faroe Islands, Greenland and a number of special groups like police, defense and Danes who are abroad.