Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced this Sunday that she will abdicate the throne in favor of her son and Crown Prince Frederick with effect from January 14, after 52 years as head of state.
The announcement was made in the queen’s customary end-of-year televised speech, who at 83 is the longest-reigning living monarch.
Margaret II, who after the death of the Queen of England, Elizabeth II, became the only woman to head a ruling royal house in Europe, explained in her speech that the back operation she underwent in February made her think about the future. and whether the time has come to hand over responsibility to the next generation.
“I have decided that now is the right time. On January 14, 2024, 52 years after succeeding my dear father, I will cease to be queen of Denmark,” said Margaret II, referring to the “loss” of time.
Whether in Denmark or other Nordic monarchies, there is no tradition of abdicating and it is customary for monarchs to hold office until their death.
Margaret II had already publicly declared that she had no intention of abandoning the throne and that the status of queen “was a lifelong duty.”
The eldest son, 55 years old, will assume the throne on the same day as his mother’s abdication, after a Council of State, and will reign under the name of Frederick X.
“Tonight, above all, I want to thank you for the enormous support and affection that I have received throughout these years,” said the monarch, who asked for “the same trust and affection” for the future king and his wife. , Princess Mary.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen thanked the queen in a statement for “her lifelong dedication and tireless work for Denmark.”
Source: TSF
