Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II has called on her people to help refugees "feel at home" in their country.
The 74-year-old royal has commented on the Danish government’s decision to introduce a new temporary resident permit for Syrian refugees by calling on Danish citizens during her New Year’s address to help them "feel at ease".
She said: "Recently, thousands of refugees have come to Denmark, very many from the horrifying and protracted civil war in Syria. Everywhere throughout this country, a major effort is being made to help the refugees.
"The task may seem daunting – to receive so many people from foreign countries and different cultures."
The Danish monarch continued: "It is not enough to take care of them, we must also help them to feel at home in society so that they can gain a foothold and manage on their own.
"We must also encourage newly arrived persons to build a new existence where they can take responsibility for themselves and do their best to feel at ease in the foreign country, be it for a long or short period of time."
The Queen also extended a special welcome to those refugees who had recently made their way into Denmark.
She added: "I wish those who have arrived here a happy new year and a good start here."
Queen Margrethe calls on Danes to help refugees
