Queen Margrethe II, the longest-serving monarch in Europe, has announced that she will abdicate the throne on January 14, 2024, after an impressive 52-year reign. The queen made the decision following a successful back surgery in February, which led her to contemplate her future and the possibility of abdication.
The 81-year-old queen declared her intentions during her traditional New Year’s Eve speech, revealing that her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, will succeed her as the new monarch. Queen Margrethe II’s abdication comes after the demise of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in September 2022, making her the longest-serving monarch in Europe.
The Danish royal family has been in the spotlight lately due to rumors of an alleged affair involving Crown Prince Frederik and Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova. However, the crown prince appeared beside his wife, Crown Princess Mary, at a Christmas Eve church service, showing solidarity despite the swirling rumors.
Queen Margrethe II is known for her chain-smoking habit and flamboyant sense of style. She enjoyed a close relationship with her third cousin, Queen Elizabeth II, with both monarchs being descendants of Queen Victoria. The Danish queen, often spotted walking the streets of Copenhagen unescorted, is seen as a popular figure in Denmark.
During her reign, Queen Margrethe II made a significant impact with her warm manners, linguistic abilities, and talents as an illustrator and designer. She became queen in 1972, following the death of her father, King Frederik IX, and became the first queen of Denmark since the 15th century.
The queen has a deep love for dogs, particularly Dachshunds, and shares a familial connection with Queen Elizabeth II through their shared ancestry. Queen Margrethe II is a committed anglophile, having studied at five universities and visiting the United Kingdom multiple times to build a close bond with Queen Elizabeth II.
The Danish monarchy boasts a rich history, dating back to the Viking era, and Queen Margrethe II became a symbol of hope during the Nazi occupation of Denmark. Married to Prince Henrik for 50 years until his passing in 2018, the queen has earned the title of the “people’s monarch” for her down-to-earth nature and approachability.
As Queen Margrethe II prepares to pass on the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik, she leaves behind a legacy filled with dedication, smiles, and a deep commitment to her role as monarch. Her reign has garnered broad support from the Danish people, who admire her for both her accomplishments and her human touch.
