Danish Queen Margrethe Announces Surprise Abdication After 52 Years On The Throne

Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II has declared that she will surrender early in 2024, ending a reign of more than five decades.

Margrethe, 83, stated in her traditional New Year’s Eve statement broadcast on Danish television that she would hand over the kingdom to her son, Crown Prince Frederik.

She highlighted a back operation in February 2023 as prompting her to consider the future.

“In two weeks’ time, I have been Queen of Denmark for 52 years,” she said.

Danish Queen Margrethe Announces Surprise Abdication After 52 Years On The Throne

“Such a sum will leave an impression on anyone – including me!” The passage of time takes its toll, and the number of ‘ailments’ grows. “One cannot take on as much as one has in the past,” she added.

“In February this year I underwent extensive back surgery,” she went on to say. “Everything went well, thanks to the skilled medical personnel who looked after me.” Inevitably, the operation prompted questions about the future, specifically if now was the appropriate time to pass on responsibilities to the next generation.

“I have decided that now is the right time,” she said.

“I will step down as Queen of Denmark on January 14, 2024, 52 years after succeeding my beloved father.” I will abdicate in favour of my son, Crown Prince Frederik.

Following the death of King Frederik IX, Queen Margrethe II ascended to the throne on January 14 1972.

Danish Queen Margrethe Announces Surprise Abdication After 52 Years On The Throne

Margrethe became Europe’s longest-serving monarch after the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II last year.

The Danish Prime Minister’s office confirmed that Prince Frederik would become His Majesty King Frederik X in January.

The Prime Minister will proclaim the throne change at Christiansborg Castle following a meeting of the Council of State.

Following the handover, the Queen will be referred to as Her Majesty.

Under the country’s constitution, the royals have a restricted role, with authority resting with parliament. Monarchs serve as crucial ambassadors and sign off on new legislation.

According to Reuters, Margrethe has received widespread support from Danes.

Danish Queen Margrethe Announces Surprise Abdication After 52 Years On The Throne

Danish Queen Margrethe II, born on April 16, 1940, has been the reigning monarch of Denmark since January 14, 1972, following the death of her father, King Frederick IX.

She is known for her artistic talents, having studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. Queen Margrethe is the first female monarch of Denmark since the reign of Queen Margrethe I in the 14th century.

he is also recognized for her strong commitment to her role as a constitutional monarch and her efforts to modernize the Danish monarchy while maintaining its historical traditions.

SOURCE – CNN