Queen Margrethe II to Abdicate Throne After 50 Years

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II has declared her intention to step down from the throne, making way for her son, Crown Prince Frederik. The announcement came during her New Year’s speech, revealing her abdication on January 14th, coinciding with the 52nd anniversary of her ascension to the throne at the age of 31, following her father’s passing, Frederik IX of Denmark.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed gratitude to the 83-year-old monarch, acknowledging her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom. Frederiksen‘s statement hailed Margrethe as the “epitome of Denmark” and emphasized her significant impact on the nation’s identity.

Standing 6 feet tall and known for her chain-smoking habits, Queen Margrethe has been a beloved public figure in Denmark, where the monarchy’s role is largely ceremonial. Her approachability, warm manners, linguistic skills, and design talents have endeared her to the Danish people.

A skilled skier and former member of a Danish women’s air force unit, Margrethe maintained her toughness even in later years, making headlines in 2011 when, at the age of 70, she visited Danish troops in Afghanistan in a military jumpsuit.

As monarch, she traversed the country and regularly visited Greenland and the Faeroe Islands, receiving cheers from crowds wherever she went. Denmark boasts Europe’s oldest ruling monarchy, with a lineage tracing back to Viking king Gorm the Old.

Despite her ceremonial role, Queen Margrethe demonstrated a deep understanding of the law, and her knowledge of legislation was apparent when she signed it into effect. Fluent in French and English, she also studied philosophy, political science, and economics at various universities.

Crown Prince Frederik André Henrik Christian, born on May 26, 1968, has been the heir to the Danish throne since birth. As regent since 18, he has carried out official duties in his mother’s absence, interacting with thousands and hosting foreign dignitaries.

“In the new year, Crown Prince Frederik will be proclaimed king. Crown Princess Mary will become queen. The kingdom will have a new regent and a new royal couple. We can look forward to all of this in the knowledge that they are ready for the responsibility and task,” the prime minister said.