Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, the longest-serving queen in Europe, has made a momentous announcement. She revealed that she will step down from her role after 52 years on the throne. On a typical New Year’s Eve, the seasoned queen declared that on January 14, 2024, she would relinquish her title, with her oldest son Frederik set to succeed her.
The unexpected news surfaced when Queen Margrethe discussed her successful surgery in February. Reflecting on the future and pondering whether the time had come for the task to be passed to younger hands, she declared, “I am giving the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik.”
Queen Margrethe II, who ascended to the throne in 1972, holds the distinction of being Europe’s longest-serving queen, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of Britain in September 2022. In July of the same year, she also became the longest-reigning monarch in Denmark’s history.
The official power in Denmark comes from the elected parliament and government, and traditionally the king stays away from political parties. The queen’s job is to stand for the country in different ways, like during important events and holidays.
Denmark’s leader Mette Frederiksen said thank you for the queen’s work of a lifetime. He talked about how hard it is to get used to the new boss on the throne. She recognized Queen Margrethe as a symbol of Denmark, saying that she influenced the country’s sense of self over time.
Queen Margrethe, born in 1940 to ex-kings Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid was loved by many Danes during her whole life. She is known for being clever and imaginative. Also, she likes digging up ancient relics and takes part actively in that work.
In 1953, Queen Margrethe became the heir to her dad after a rule change allowed women to take over the crown. In 1967, she got married to a French diplomat called Henri de Laborde de Monpezat. He was her royal partner until he died in 2018. The couple had two boys, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim. In 2004, Crown Prince Frederik married Australian Mary Elizabeth Donaldson. He will become King Frederik X when he takes the throne.
As Denmark looks forward to this big change, the country honours Queen Margrethe II’s long lasting history and work for Danish culture. Prince Frederik is getting ready to take charge of royal tasks.
