In her annual speech for the New Year, Queen Margrethe II speaks about the developments in Eastern Europe, comparing the new time to spring after a long winter, and about the new conflicts that seem to emerge each time others end, including the Gulf War. She also reminds the Danes that their country is free of most such pains and urges all to use that fact to spread a little more warmth in everyday life. Finally, she looks back on a few royal events, including two birthday celebrations, and sends her traditional greetings.—Peter Brandt Nielsen