Copenhagen, Denmark: Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II has declared her intention to abdicate the throne in early 2024, concluding a reign that spanned over five decades. The announcement, made during her traditional New Year’s Eve speech, marks a significant moment in the nation’s history.
Queen Margrethe, at the age of 83, will pass the crown to her son, Crown Prince Frederik. This decision follows a period of reflection prompted by a major back surgery she underwent in February 2023. The Queen, acknowledging the toll that time and age have taken, expressed her belief that the moment was right to transition the responsibilities to the next generation.
January 14, 2024, will mark 52 years since Queen Margrethe ascended the throne, succeeding her father, King Frederik IX. Her tenure as queen began on the same date in 1972, following her father’s death. With the passing of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II last year, Margrethe became Europe’s longest-serving monarch.
Crown Prince Frederik is set to ascend the throne as His Majesty King Frederik X. The formal change of throne will be announced by the Prime Minister at Christiansborg Castle, following a meeting in the Council of State. Despite stepping down, Queen Margrethe will retain the title of Her Majesty.
The Danish monarchy, under the country’s constitution, plays a limited yet significant role. While political power rests with the parliament, the monarchs serve an important ambassadorial function and are involved in the ratification of new legislation. Throughout her reign, Queen Margrethe has enjoyed widespread support among the Danish people, as reported by Reuters.
