Queen Margrethe of Denmark to Step Down After Reigning for 52 Years
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark will gracefully step down from her throne on January 14, 2024, marking the end of her exceptional reign that has spanned over fifty years
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has declared that she will step down from her position in early 2024 after ruling for over fifty years. In her customary New Year's Eve address broadcast on Danish television, she announced that she will pass on the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik.
She cited a back surgery in February 2023 as giving her thoughts about the future.
"In two weeks time I have been Queen of Denmark for 52 years," she said.
"The toll of such an immense amount affects everyone, including myself. As time passes, the number of ailments just keeps growing. I cannot handle as much as I used to in the past," she mentioned.
"I had major back surgery in February of this year," she explained. "Thanks to the skilled medical professionals who cared for me, everything went smoothly. Naturally, the surgery made me contemplate the future - if now is the right time to pass on responsibilities to the next generation."
"Today is the day," she declared.
"On January 14, 2024, 52 years after I took over from my dear father, I will abdicate as the Queen of Denmark and pass the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik.
Queen Margrethe II ascended to the throne on January 14, 1972 after the passing of her father, King Frederik IX.
The Danish Prime Minister's office announced in a statement that Prince Frederik will ascend to the throne as His Majesty King Frederik X in January.
After a meeting in the Council of State, the Prime Minister will proclaim the change of throne at Christiansborg Castle.
The Queen will continue to be titled as Her Majesty following the handover.
