Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II abdicates throne on national TV after 52-year reign, passing crown to eldest son

Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II abdicates throne on national TV after 52-year reign, passing crown to eldest son

The crown of Denmark, Queen Margrethe II, surprised the nation as she announced her abdication on New Year’s Eve. The 83-year-old handed over the crown to her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, after holding the throne for 52 years.

During her address, the queen cited her experiences of back surgery that she underwent in February 2023. “In two weeks, I have been Queen of Denmark for 52 years. Such an amount will leave its mark on anybody and me! The time takes its toll, and the number of ‘ailments’ increases. According to CNN, “One cannot undertake as much as one managed in the past,” the queen said.

She took over the throne in 1972, and is the longest-serving monarch in Europe, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed the decision in a release.

Queen Margrethe II is a beloved figure in the history of Denmark for her warm manners and the admiration of the Danes for her. She is also known for her chain-smoking habits and skiing. She was also a part of the Danish Women’s Air Force as a princess.

Who is Crown Prince Frederik?

Frederik Andre Henrik Christian is set to be the monarch of Denmark, replacing his mother Queen Margrethe II. He is the son of Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik. Born in Copenhagen on May 26, 1968, He studied at Harvard University in the United States and later completed his education with a Master’s degree in Political Science from Aarhus University.

He served as a staff officer at Defense Command Denmark from 2002 to 2003. He also took the role of professor at the Institute of Strategy within the Royal Danish Defense College. He is married to Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, an Australian marketing consultant.

Power in Denmark

In Denmark, the formal power lies with the elected parliament and the government, while the duties of the monarch are representative and ceremonial.