In a surprising announcement during her New Year's Eve address, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark revealed her decision to abdicate the throne after more than 50 years of reign. The 83-year-old monarch cited her age and health as contributing factors to her decision, mentioning a recent back surgery that made her contemplate passing on the responsibility to the next generation. She expressed her gratitude to the Danish people, successive governments, and the Danish Parliament for their support throughout her reign.
Queen Margrethe, the longest-serving monarch in Europe, will officially step down on January 14, coinciding with the 52nd anniversary of her own accession to the throne in 1972. Following her abdication, her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, will succeed her and become the new king. Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, acknowledged the historic moment, as she will be the first female prime minister to proclaim a new monarch. Frederiksen thanked Queen Margrethe for her significant contributions to Denmark, describing her as the epitome of the nation.
The queen's popularity stems not only from her role as a monarch but also from her artistic talents and personality. Throughout her reign, she pursued her passion for art, earning a diploma in prehistoric archaeology and showcasing her artwork in museums. She even collaborated on a book adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" under a pseudonym. More recently, she served as the costume and production designer for a Netflix film, incorporating her own drawings and artworks into the project.
While Queen Margrethe has managed to avoid tabloid controversies, her family members have occasionally made headlines. Her late husband, Prince Henrik, expressed dissatisfaction with not being called king and relying on Margrethe for funds. He eventually received a salary but requested not to be buried alongside the queen after his death. Additionally, the queen faced criticism in 2022 when she removed the royal titles of four of her grandchildren. The decision was made to allow her youngest son's children to have more normal lives and aligns with similar moves made by other European royal families to streamline their monarchies.
Despite these occasional challenges, Queen Margrethe has been praised for modernizing the Danish monarchy and restoring its popularity. Known for her warm manners, linguistic abilities, and design skills, she has won the admiration of the Danish people. Her frequent visits to different regions of Denmark and the Danish Realm, including Greenland and the Faeroe Islands, have been met with enthusiastic crowds.
As Denmark prepares for the transition of power, the nation eagerly anticipates Crown Prince Frederik's ascension to the throne and the future reign of Crown Princess Mary as queen. The Danish people can rest assured that the new monarch and royal couple are ready to embrace their responsibilities and continue the legacy of Queen Margrethe II.
