Although the negative effect of the Queen's behaviour could be expected to impact on both sexes, it is plausible to assume a greater impact on women. The question arises as to whether Queen Margrethe's behaviour could be a risk factor for population health in Denmark. This would be the first time that the involuntary influence of a single person on population health could be shown. Such a finding would provide confirmatory evidence of the importance of psycho social factors on population health. Further proof of this could be provided if the queen decided to quit smoking.
Many prominent women avoid smoking in public for fear of such a backlash.
The Prince of Wales's companion, Camilla Parker Bowles, a heavy smoker who is trying to quit, is rarely seen with a cigarette. Princess Margaret, who like Queen Margrethe defied public opinion to smoke openly, gave up following a lung operation. Queen Margrethe was dubbed the Ashtray Queen by a Swedish newspaper columnist when she smoked during a visit to asthmatic residents in an old people's home. She smokes everywhere.