Danish Royal Family release rare portraits featuring Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Christian

The Danish Royal Family has released three rare portraits to mark Queen Margrethe's upcoming 80th birthday.

Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Christian, the next two heirs to the throne, feature alongside Her Majesty.

The photos were taken by Danish photographer Per Morten Abrahamsen inside Christian IX's Mansion at Amalienborg as well as at Fredensborg Castle late last year.

"Today, the first three images are published in a new art portrait series on the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen's impending 80th birthday," the royals announced on social media.

Adding: "The series includes both generational portraits of the Queen along with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness Prince Christian as well as individual portraits of the Queen."

The images are reminiscent of recent portraits released by the British Royal Family also showing the line of succession.

Queen Elizabeth posed with Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince George just before Christmas for the photos released to mark the start of the new year and new decade.

The large-scale celebration for Queen Margrethe's milestone birthday have been cancelled amid the coronavirus lockdowns.

Her Majesty is requesting people who would like to honour her, donate a bunch of flowers to a senior citizen in their local area instead.