Danish Queen Margrethe's special day ruined by huge fire

Queen Margrethe, who celebrated her 84th birthday on Tuesday (April 17) by releasing new portraits, has been in shock as huge fire engulfed Denmark's historic building.

The country's historic stock exchange building in Copenhagen caught fire on the same day when the Queen was celebrating her birthday.

King Frederik released a statement about the devastating fire which saw one of the city’s oldest buildings lose its iconic spire, saying it was a "sad sight" for an important part of the country's culture.

The Queen, who recently abdicated the throne, shared two new royal portraits to mark her milestone. In one picture, Margrethe stands by a window at Fredensborg castle in a mauve dress and large, gold earrings.

In the second image, the Queen is seen with her adorable dog named Tillia. She celebrated the occasion "privately in the company of family and friends."

Margrethe’s birthday is significant this year as it marks her first since abdicating the throne to her eldest son Frederik and his wife Mary in January. She was the first Danish monarch to voluntarily step down from the throne in almost 900 years.