Queen Margrethe
She abdicates! Surprise in the New Year’s speech
Queen Margethe
© PPE / imago images
Her New Year’s speech will go down in history: Queen Margrethe announced on December 31, 2023 that she would abdicate.
Queen Margrethe announces her abdication on New Year’s Eve
In her New Year’s speech, which is traditionally broadcast on Danish television and watched by her people, Queen Margrethe discussed her back operation. Although the procedure went well, thanks to the medical staff, it also made her think about her future, according to “Focus”. Margrethe actually wanted to remain the Danish monarch until her death – now she will abdicate in around two weeks and hand over the title to her son.
When Queen Margrethe abdicates on January 14, 2024, her eldest son Prince Frederik, 55, will become king. This timing comes as quite a surprise for the Danish royal family, especially since Prince Frederik has received one negative headline after another over the past two months because of an alleged affair with actress Genoveva Casanova.
Back surgery is the reason for Margrethe’s decision
Queen Margrethe has been having problems with her health for several months. The monarch only had to undergo back surgery at the beginning of 2023. During this time she was represented by her sister Princess Benedikte and Prince Frederik. The 55-year-old now has around two weeks left to prepare for the office of monarch.
Since the death of Queen Elizabeth, †96, Queen Margrethe has been considered the longest-serving monarch in the world.
Sources used: bild.de, tagesspiegel.de, focus.de