After 52 years on the throne, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has announced her intention to abdicate. Therefore, her son will take over as head of her country’s monarchy. The Queen made this announcement in her annual New Year’s Eve speech on December 31, reassuring the Danish public that it was her right choice.
In an address to the nation on Sunday, the 83-year-old queen explained that her deteriorating health had led to her decision. She also said that she will formally resign on January 14th.
Additionally, Queen Margrethe of Denmark, 83, said that after undergoing back surgery in early 2023, she began “thinking about the future” and when she would hand over royal duties to her son. In her speech, she further declared that she recognized that it was the right time to take the step.
Queen of Denmark steps down from the throne due to health problems
After 52 years on the throne, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced on Sunday that she would abdicate and hand over the kingdom to her son, Crown Prince Frederik.
The Queen, who holds the title of Europe’s longest-serving monarch, announced in her New Year’s speech that she would abdicate on January 14. This day marks the anniversary of the day she ascended the throne after her father, the King, at the age of 31. Frederick IX passes away.
According to the Guardian, she said:
“I have decided that now is the right time. On January 14, 2024, 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father, I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I entrust you with the throne.”
The Queen of Denmark used her own experience from back surgery she underwent in February 2023 to explain her future outlook. In the wake of that, she decided it was the perfect time to re-evaluate her situation, make plans for her future and pass the baton to her next generation.
According to sources including NBC News and Times Now, she said:
“After undergoing surgery, I naturally started thinking about the future. Is it time to hand over responsibility to the next generation? Time is running out, diseases are increasing, and we can no longer overcome them as we once did. ”.
According to the Guardian, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed her gratitude to the Queen of Denmark for her work. she said:
“On behalf of all my people, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Her Majesty the Queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts to the Kingdom.”
She further added:
“Queen Margrethe is the epitome of Denmark, and for many years she has given words and emotions to us as a people and a nation.”
Frederic Andre Henrik Christian has been the heir apparent to the Danish monarchy since his birth on May 26, 1968. Upon his coronation, he becomes Frederick X. However, the 55-year-old will not be crowned, unlike the British royal family. . This is because Sweden and Denmark do not have coronation ceremonies.
Meanwhile, following the death of her father Frederick IX on January 14, 1972, the Queen assumed the title of Her Majesty Queen.