Denmark's Longest-Reigning Monarch Queen Announces Abdication After 52 Years

Margrethe II Reveals Resolutions in New Year's Address
Plans to Abdicate Throne to Eldest Son on the 14th of This Month

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who has reigned for the longest period among current monarchs worldwide, 52 years, has announced her abdication.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who reigned for the longest period of 52 years among the world's current monarchs and announced her abdication.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Queen Margrethe II stated in her New Year's address, broadcast live on TV on the night of the 31st of last month (local time), that she will abdicate the throne on January 14, 2024, the 52nd anniversary of her reign.

In the New Year's address, which drew the attention of Danish citizens, she mentioned a spinal surgery she underwent the previous year, saying, "Thanks to the medical staff, the recovery is going well, but it has given me an opportunity to think about the future as queen," and announced that she would pass the throne to her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik (55).

In her New Year's address, Queen Margrethe II referred to the wars in Israel and Ukraine, the climate crisis, and AI, before suddenly announcing her historic abdication. After the queen's announcement, applause broke out among the citizens gathered around Amalienborg Palace.

Queen Margrethe II had previously declared that she would remain on the throne until her death. At 82 years old, Queen Margrethe II ascended the throne on January 14, 1972, following the death of her father, Frederick IX, and will mark her 52nd anniversary on the 14th of this month. After the death of Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom in September 2022, she became the longest-reigning monarch in Europe. She has been regarded as extremely creative, interested in the arts, practical, and not bound by tradition.

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