Queen Margrethe II Of Denmark Abdicates Throne

Following a 52 year reign, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark is abdicating the throne. She has officially stepped down, handing over duties to her eldest son Crown Prince Frederik, now King Frederik the 10th. 

This abdication is the first for Denmark in almost 900 years. The last was in 1146, when King Erik relinquished his role, to enter a monastery. 

Traditionally, the succession to the Danish throne occurs after the death of a sovereign, however, this time, Queen Margrethe (who will still be referred to as Queen), signed a declaration of her abdication during a council meeting. 

The king became the new sovereign, and his wife became Queen Mary. The new Crown Prince is their 18 year old son Prince Christian. He is also the heir to the throne. Next in line is his sister, Princess Isabella (16), and their twin siblings, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine (13). 

Queen Margrethe's announced her abdication plans during her New Year's address, and reflecting on her back surgery last February, she noted the operation went well, however, "gave cause to thoughts about the future – whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation." 

"Thank you to the many, many people who on special occasions and in everyday life have embraced me and my family with kind words and thoughts, turning the years into a string of pearls. It is my hope that the new King and Queen will be met with the same trust and devotion which have fallen to my lot. They deserve it! Denmark deserves it!"

Some believe though that her decision was made in part to save her son's marriage. 

In November, photos surfaced of King Frederik X in Spain with Genoveva Casanova, sparking romance and affair rumours. 

The socialite denied said allegations, whereas the Danish royal family said they don't discuss such rumours. 

"It's possible that the Queen took this action because she would have been terrified of the marriage breaking up. It just seems an extraordinary coincidence that she should make this unexpected announcement just a couple of months after stories emerged of the Crown Prince supposedly having an affair."

As the King and Queen step into their new roles, "they will have to get on with it. The Queen may be thinking that they will patch up their differences and it will save their marriage."

King Frederik X has also not been the only family member drawing in attention. In September 2022, Queen Margrethe announced her son Prince Joachim's four children, Count Nikolai (24), Count Felix (21), Count Henrik (14), and Countess Athena (11), would no longer be allowed to use the titles of prince and princess starting in 2023. 

Following Prince Joachim's disappointment, Queen Margrethe apologised but stuck to her decision. 

"I have underestimated the extent to which much my younger son and his family feel affected. No one should be in doubt that my children, daughters-in-law and grandchildren are my great joy and pride. I now hope that we as a family can find the peace to find our way through this situation."