Lego executive and close friend of Queen Mary, Michael Halbye, dies in skiing accident
Australia’s Mary Queen of Denmark is mourning the death of her close friend, who was a top executive at Lego, after he died in a freak skiing accident.
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Tributes are pouring in for top Lego executive and close friend of Denmark’s Queen Mary, Michael Halbye, after he died in a skiing accident.
The Deputy Chairman of Kirkbi, the investment firm that manages the Lego family’s multi-billion-euro fortune and controls the global toy empire, fell while skiing in the Verbier region of the Swiss alps on Saturday.
The 64-year-old was airlifted to a hospital but died from internal bleeding, according to Kirkbi.
The queen also released a statement paying tribute to her friend, who she described as someone always willing to put others before himself.
“I have received with great sadness the news of Michael Halbye’s sudden death,” the Queen said in a statement posted on her foundation’s website.
“Michael Halbye was a man who possessed a rare positive energy, extensive knowledge and a strong commitment to making a difference for those outside the community.
“He was also my friend, and he will be missed by many. My thoughts go out to his family and close friends.”
Their friendship started when King Frederik, as Crown Prince, was to be introduced to the large Danish business community, where the royal house called for Michael Halbye, Danish media has previously reported.
Halbye had been a member of Kirkbi’s board of directors since 2020 and was elected vice chairman in 2022.
He quickly became a trusted partner of chairman Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, whose family owns a majority of the Lego Group.
“Our thoughts and care go to Michael’s family and loved ones, who are now faced with having to process the unexpected loss of a man who in all facets of life has left a great and positive impression on those around him,” Kristiansen said.
“We will miss Michael as Vice Chairman but first and foremost as a person. May his memory be honoured.”
Halbye was on the queen’s Mary Foundation’s board of directors since its founding in 2007.
The organisation, which promotes anti-bullying and mental health, said Halbye played a “central role” in making the Mary Foundation into what it is today.
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Originally published as Lego executive and close friend of Queen Mary, Michael Halbye, dies in skiing accident
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