Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II surprised everyone by deciding to step down from her role as queen after a reign of 52 years. She made this announcement during a live TV address on Sunday.
In her New Year’s message, Queen Margrethe II shared that she would no longer be the queen and that her son, Crown Prince Frederik, would take over the responsibilities. She started her reign in 1972 and, at 83 years old, mentioned her health as a reason for this decision. She said, “I have decided that the time is right. On January 14, 2024, I will step down as Queen of Denmark after 52 years as my father’s successor and hand over the kingdom to my son, Crown Prince Frederik.”
After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, Queen Margrethe II became the longest-reigning monarch in Europe. By July 2023, she also held the record for being the longest-reigning monarch in Denmark’s history.
It’s important to note that in Denmark, executive powers are with the elected parliament and government. The monarch, like Queen Margrethe II, traditionally stays away from politics and symbolically represents the entire nation during state visits and national celebrations.