Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II has surprised the nation by announcing her abdication after 52 years on the throne, paving the way for her son, Crown Prince Frederik. The queen, in her New Year’s speech, declared her intention to step down on January 14, the 52nd anniversary of her own accession to the throne at the age of 31, following the death of her father, King Frederik IX.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen released a statement confirming the queen’s decision, expressing gratitude for her “lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom.” The prime minister described Margrethe as the “epitome of Denmark” and acknowledged her role in shaping the identity of the Danish people and the nation.
At 83 years old, Queen Margrethe II has been a beloved public figure in Denmark, where the monarchy’s role is largely ceremonial. Standing at 6 feet tall and known for her chain-smoking habit, she has endeared herself to the Danish people with her warm manners, linguistic abilities, and talents as a designer. Despite her royal status, she often walked the streets of Copenhagen without heavy security, earning admiration for her approachability.
Queen Margrethe’s diverse interests and activities have contributed to her popularity. A keen skier, she was a member of a Danish women’s air force unit during her time as a princess, participating in judo courses and endurance tests in the snow. In 2011, at the age of 70, she visited Danish troops in southern Afghanistan dressed in a military jumpsuit.
Throughout her reign, Queen Margrethe crisscrossed the country and regularly visited Greenland and the Faeroe Islands, semi-independent territories within the Danish Realm. Denmark boasts Europe’s oldest ruling monarchy, tracing its lineage back to Viking king Gorm the Old, who died in 958.
While the queen’s role is largely ceremonial, she displayed a deep understanding of the law and the legislation she was required to sign. Trained in French and English from an early age, along with Swedish from her mother, she pursued studies in archaeology, philosophy, political science, and economics at various universities.
Crown Prince Frederik, born on May 26, 1968, has been the heir to the Danish throne since his birth. The eldest son of Queen Margrethe and the late Prince Henrik, Frederik has a younger brother, Prince Joachim. Since turning 18, Frederik has served as regent whenever the queen was outside the kingdom, undertaking official duties and interacting with thousands of people, including foreign dignitaries.
In the wake of Queen Margrethe’s abdication, Crown Prince Frederik is set to be proclaimed king in the new year, with Crown Princess Mary becoming queen. The prime minister expressed confidence in the new royal couple, emphasizing their readiness for the responsibilities that lie ahead. Denmark anticipates a new chapter in its monarchy with the transition from Queen Margrethe II to Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary.