In a heartfelt New Year’s speech on Sunday, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, a towering and chain-smoking figure, revealed her decision to abdicate the throne, paving the way for her son, Crown Prince Frederik. The announcement comes on the 52nd anniversary of her own accession to the throne at the age of 31, succeeding her father, King Frederik IX.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging the 83-year-old monarch’s lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom. Frederiksen described Margrethe as the “epitome of Denmark,” attributing to her the articulation of the nation’s identity and values over the years.
Standing at 6 feet tall, Queen Margrethe, known for her warmth, manners, and talents as a linguist and designer, has been a beloved public figure in Denmark. Despite her ceremonial role, she often walked the streets of Copenhagen unescorted, endearing herself to the public. Her popularity extended beyond her regal duties, with her active participation in various activities such as skiing and serving in a Danish women’s air force unit as a princess.
Margrethe’s toughness was evident in her later years when, at the age of 70 in 2011, she visited Danish troops in Afghanistan clad in a military jumpsuit. As monarch, she traversed the country, regularly visiting Greenland and the Faeroe Islands, territories integral to the Danish Realm, always greeted by cheering crowds.
Denmark boasts Europe’s oldest ruling monarchy, tracing its lineage back to Viking king Gorm the Old, who passed away in 958. While Margrethe served as head of state, the Danish Constitution strictly kept her away from party politics. Nevertheless, she demonstrated a profound understanding of the law and legislation she was called upon to endorse.
Margrethe’s early education included training in French and English, along with Swedish from her mother. She pursued diverse academic interests, studying archaeology, philosophy, political science, and economics at universities in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Cambridge, the London School of Economics, and the Sorbonne in Paris.
Crown Prince Frederik André Henrik Christian, born on May 26, 1968, has been the heir to the Danish throne from the outset. The 55-year-old, eldest son of Queen Margrethe and the late Prince Henrik, has been actively involved in official duties since the age of 18, serving as regent during his mother’s absences.
Denmark's Queen Margrethe II will abdicate on Jan. 14 after 52 years on the throne and will be succeeded by her eldest son Crown Prince Frederik, she announced https://t.co/Y2Hmz5gGbe pic.twitter.com/tr5NZj7k65
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 1, 2024
“In the new year, Crown Prince Frederik will be proclaimed king. Crown Princess Mary will become queen. The kingdom will have a new regent and a new royal couple. We can look forward to all of this in the knowledge that they are ready for the responsibility and the task,” stated Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
As Denmark anticipates this historic transition, the nation reflects on the legacy of Queen Margrethe II and looks ahead to a new chapter under the leadership of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary.
Photo Credit: GettyImages
