Queen Margrethe II of Denmark made a surprise announcement during her television address Sunday, marking the New Year, telling citizens she would be abdicating the throne.
She said she will be abdicating the throne officially on Jan. 14. Crown Prince Frederik, who is her oldest son, will be her successor.
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“I will leave the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik,” she said during the live television broadcast.
BREAKING: Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II has announced she will abdicate on January 14th after 52 years on the throne. The Queen delivered the surprise decision during a live TV new year address.pic.twitter.com/s2E8iZ8lau
— Cameron Walker (@CameronDLWalker) December 31, 2023
After the death of Queen Elizabeth II of England, Margrethe II became the longest-reigning monarch in Europe. Elizabeth had ruled for 70 years.
Jan. 14 will notably be the 52nd anniversary of Margrethe II’s coronation.
Born in 1940, the queen is 83 years old. Her son Frederik is 55 years old.
In addition to being the longest-serving monarch in Europe, Margrethe is also the longest-serving monarch in Denmark’s history. She initially took the throne in 1972, succeeding her father, King Frederik IX, after his death.
The queen underwent major back surgery in February that necessitated an extensive recovery that kept her out of public view for about two months.
Citizens and journalists in Denmark and across the globe were taken by surprise by the announcement, with many calling the move unexpected.
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Journalist and royal commentator Alistair Bruce acknowledged to Sky News that it has “taken many people by surprise.”
But, Bruce added, “She has not been very well recently. She’s had trouble with back pain. She’s had some surgeries.”
