Denmark’s prime minister has spoken of the shock felt by some in the country at the announcement of Queen Margrethe’s abdication.
The Queen of Denmark stepped aside from her traditional New Year’s Eve speech and said she would set the day of her abdication on January 14, 2024, when her eldest son will succeed as King Frederick X.
The Danish Prime Minister’s New Year’s speech was dominated by news, with Mette Frederiksen pointing out that many people in Denmark are still not coming to terms with the news that the monarch, who ruled for 52 years, is about to abdicate. He said one of the main reactions to the announcement was: Did the Queen really say that? ”
The prime minister said the moment his abdication was announced was “like time stood still”, adding: “Some people were probably in complete shock.” He said he was feeling “feelings of sadness” as 2024 begins and the realization that Margarete will abdicate becomes more prevalent.
Denmark’s prime minister also admitted that Queen Margrethe turned her into a royalist. Mette Frederiksen said in her moving New Year’s address that she was not a natural supporter of the monarchy, but she became one “thanks to the Queen”. .
It was one of many tributes the last chancellor paid to Margrethe in a speech that Frederiksen himself admitted was quite different from what he had planned.
She also touched on the issues that she said were her main focus before Margrethe II’s sudden announcement that she would step down after a 52-year reign. But the bulk of her speech was a tribute to the Queen, who she will abdicate on January 14th.th 2024.
Denmark’s prime minister said Queen Margrethe had overseen a period of change for the country that was unprecedented in modern times. And she praised the king’s calm leadership, which has made Denmark a richer and better place.
Mette Frederiksen thanked the Queen for everything she has done, describing her work as the country’s “linchpin” and the king as a “rallying point” who “was able to speak to us as a people”. expressed his intentions. It was something he did for his country.
She also had warm words of praise for Crown Prince Frederik, who will become Denmark’s first king in more than half a century just days later.
The prime minister described him as “a very special person”, noting that for young Danes he was “always there” and someone they grew up with.
Crown Princess Mary, who is about to become Queen of Denmark, has been described by the Prime Minister as “talented, inspiring and deeply loved”.
The 18-year-old teenager Prince Christian, who is in line to become heir to the throne, was also chosen to take part in the celebrations, saying he was “impressed” by the prime minister’s “candor”.
However, it was Queen Margrethe who prevailed, with the prime minister saying, “We will miss our beloved Queen Margrethe.”
She concluded with a simple sentiment: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart, our queen.”