Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, one of the longest-reigning monarchs in Europe, will step down from the throne on January 14th, marking the end of an impressive era for the Danish monarchy. With a reign spanning over five decades, Queen Margrethe has left an indelible mark on her country and its people.
Throughout her reign, Queen Margrethe has been a symbol of stability and unity for Denmark. She ascended to the throne in 1972 following the death of her father, King Frederick IX. Her reign has witnessed significant changes in Danish society, but she has always remained a steadfast figurehead, guiding her nation through both triumphs and challenges.
Frederik IX.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen paid tribute to the 83-year-old monarch, offering a "heartfelt thank you to Her Majesty the Queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom."
Margrethe revealed that she came to the decision after a period of reflection following surgery on her back in early 2023.
"The surgery naturally gave rise to thinking about the future - whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation," she said.
"I have decided that now is the right time," she added, and offered her thanks to the Danish public for their support over the years.
Prince Frederik will take over the throne as His Majesty King Frederik X in January, the Danish Prime Minister’s office said in a statement.
His wife, Australian-born Princess Mary, will become Queen Consort - the first Australian to ever ascend to the role.
The couple famously met in a Sydney bar during the 2000 Olympics and her admirers watched from afar as she joined the ranks of the Danish royals.
A keen skier, she was a member of a Danish women's air force unit as a princess, taking part in judo courses and endurance tests in the snow. Margrethe remained tough even as she grew older. In 2011, at age 70, she visited Danish troops in southern Afghanistan wearing a military jumpsuit.
As monarch, she crisscrossed the country and regularly visited Greenland and the Faeroe Islands, the two semi-independent territories that are part of the Danish Realm, and was met everywhere by cheering crowds.
 Read more
British Actor Tom Wilkinson Dies At 75 49ers vs. Washington Commanders 27-10
Sarah H
Also on site :