Hofjægermesteren’s Room

Hofjægermester Birgitte Dinesen (b. 1958) is a significant figure in the history of Kragerup Estate. Here, she shares her own story and reflections:

"I was born in 1958 at Gl. Wiffertsholm in Jutland, which my father leased from my grandfather. In 1960, we moved to Kragerup, where I grew up and was groomed to take over the estate from my father."

"After completing my education and working both domestically and abroad, I returned home in 1986. I worked alongside my father for 12 years until 1998, when he retired, and I took over the management of Kragerup Estate. At that time, it was primarily a large agricultural operation. While Kragerup still includes extensive farming, I, along with my partner Olav Ditlevsen, have breathed new life into the estate by establishing a hotel, conference venue, and large activity park, employing 70 people."

"In 2008, I received a call from the Royal Court asking if I would accept the honor of being appointed hofjægermester (Master of the Royal Hunt). In 2016, I was honored again when the Royal Court called to ask if I would accept the position of Kammerdame (Lady-in-Waiting). The court employs chamberlains and ladies-in-waiting to escort newly appointed ambassadors to their first audience with the Queen, as well as during significant royal celebrations."

"A lady-in-waiting does not wear a uniform but has an insignia in the form of a brooch. The first lady-in-waiting in Denmark was appointed in connection with H.M. The Queen's 25th anniversary of reign in 1997. Every January, there is a court reception at Christiansborg, where one has the opportunity to wish the Queen a Happy New Year. I attended the Queen's 75th birthday celebration in April 2015 at the Aarhus Concert Hall and, in November of the same year, the Queen invited the tourism industry to a concert in Fredensborg Palace Chapel, followed by a dinner in the Dome Hall. It was a memorable and unforgettable evening."