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Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester

Born Odense, 20 Jun 1946

5 facts1 source

Living person. The family sees only the name, dates and photo; everything else stays private unless they choose to share it.

Facts and their sources

A life in time

  1. 20 Jun 1946

    Born in Odense

  2. 1974–1980

    3 children are born

Family

See the tree

Parents

Partner

Children · 3

During her lifetime

She has lived through 9 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Odense.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1940s · Birgitte, is born in Odense

What people wore

Handmade dress during World War II

Due to wartime shortages, a dress for a 10-year-old girl was hand-sewn in 1943-44 for 35 kr using home-spun yarn from the family's rabbits and sheep.

Getting around

Bicycles were the most common transport

While cars became more accessible due to mass production, the bicycle remained the most common mode of transport for ordinary people.

Work

Earnings in the early 20th century

A 14-year-old girl working on a farm in the 1930s earned 20 kroner a month plus room and board, while a truck driver in the 1920s might be paid 60-70 kroner per week.

The Second World War. The deadliest war in history, from 1939 to 1945: some 70 million people died. Brazil sent 25,000 soldiers to fight in Italy.Around the world · 1939–1945

The Second World War. The deadliest war in history, from 1939 to 1945: some 70 million people died. Brazil sent 25,000 soldiers to fight in Italy.

Chief Photographer's Mate (CPHoM) Robert F. Sargent · public domain

Music

The Fanø dance tradition in Denmark

On the island of Fanø, a distinct tradition known as Fanø music and dance, including dances like sønderhoning and fannikedans, was performed throughout the 20th century using a set repertoire of about 120 melodies.

At the table

Wartime Rationing of Alcohol and Tobacco

During the occupation, wartime aquavit made from potatoes was limited to one bottle per month for home use and cost about 20 kroner for a fifth. To cope with cigarette shortages, Danish women often turned to smoking cigars.

News and letters

War Caused Significant Mail Delays

Due to war conditions and censorship, a letter sent from China in 1941 did not reach its recipient in Denmark until over two years later in 1943.