Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II, Europe’s longest-serving monarch, has announced her abdication on January 14 after an illustrious 52-year reign. The 83-year-old queen made the surprise declaration during her traditional New Year’s Eve speech, a widely viewed event in the country of 5.9 million people.
Referencing a successful back operation in February, Queen Margrethe shared, “The surgery naturally gave rise to thinking about the future – whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation. I have decided that now is the right time. On 14 January 2024 – 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father – I will step down as queen of Denmark.”
The queen, who became Europe’s longest-serving monarch after the passing of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and the longest-sitting monarch in Denmark’s history in July, will be succeeded by her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik.
In Denmark, the monarch holds a symbolic role with formal power vested in the elected parliament and government. The monarch is expected to remain apolitical, representing the nation in traditional duties such as state visits and national day celebrations.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed gratitude for Queen Margrethe’s lifelong dedication to duty, stating, “Queen Margrethe is the epitome of Denmark and throughout the years has put words and feelings into who we are as a people and as a nation.”
Born in 1940 to King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid, Queen Margrethe became heir in 1953 following a constitutional amendment allowing women to inherit the throne. Married to French diplomat Henri de Laborde de Monpezat in 1967, she is also known for her passion for archaeology.
Crown Prince Frederik, who will ascend to the throne as King Frederik X, is set to continue the royal legacy. The queen’s decision marks a historic transition, prompting gratitude and reflection on her impactful reign.
