Citizens of Denmark were left in shock after Queen Margrethe II unexpectedly announced she would be abdicating the throne during her New Year’s speech.
Her eldest son, Frederik Andre Henrik Christian, will become the new ruler and the first King of the Scandinavian nation in over 50 years.
Queens Decides to Abdicate Throne
The 83-year-old Queen decided that after serving as head of Denmark for five decades, it was time to pass the reigns to her son, Crown Prince Frederik.
Margrethe stood as the longest-serving monarch in Europe before the announcement.
Times Passes for Everyone
During the lengthy speech on New Year’s Day, Queen Margrethe alluded to the fact she has been struggling with a few health problems, which ultimately influenced her decision to step down.
“Such a long time does not pass unnoticed for anyone — not even me,” she said. “Time wears, and ailments increase.”
Five Decades as Ruler
The Queen of Denmark also mentioned a recent back surgery that made her “think about the future – whether it was time to hand over responsibility to the next generation.”
“I have decided that now is the right time,” she said in her speech. “Fifty-two years after I succeeded my beloved father, I will step down as queen of Denmark,” the Queen said in the speech.
Denmark’s New King
Frederik Andre Henrik Christian, who will soon take sit as King of Denmark, is the first son of Queen Margrethe and her husband, Prince Henrik.
Born in May 1968, Frederik became heir to the throne when he was just three, following after his mother became Denmark’s monarch in January 1972.
Life of a Danish Prince
Frederik is well-educated, having studied at prestigious schools in Denmark, France, and the United Kingdom.
The soon-to-be king spent time working at the Danish Embassy in Paris and even has a military background, training with the Danish Air Force, Army, and Navy.
First Australian Consort of Denmark
The crown prince married an Australian woman, Mary Donaldson, in 2004, and they have four children. Mary will become the first Australian consort of Denmark when Frederik is crowned king.
The couple’s eldest son, Christian, will become Crown Prince Christian when his father takes over the king’s duties this month.
Denmark Welcomes a New King
Now, at 55 years old, Frederik will officially become crowned king on January 14 and be given the title Frederik X.
The name touches on Denmark’s long history, which dates back to the Viking era over 1000 years ago. According to historians, the once-great seafarers formed the Kingdom of Denmark, which includes the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
Modern Royal Family
Like other nations worldwide, including the United Kingdom, the Danish Monarchy plays a ceremonial role in the modern era.
However, Margrethe was a popular figurehead of state and has been credited with increasing the popularity of the age-old concept of a royal family.
Beloved Queen of Denmark
The Danish queen’s popularity began during her school years. Her artistic flair and personality won over the Danish nation at a young age.
Even though she was next in line to become Queen at 13 years old, Margrethe earned a diploma in prehistoric archaeology and created art that would later be displayed in museums.
Prime Minister Thanks Queen in Speech
During a speech, Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, thanked the queen for her decades of service to the nation.
“Although the duty and role of the sovereign have been inherited for over 1,000 years, it is still difficult to comprehend that the time has come for a change of throne,” Ms. Frederiksen said.
Making History in the Nation
Frederiksen, who will be the first serving female prime minister in the nation’s history to welcome a new king, also shared a few words of sentiment for the Queen.
“Many of us have never known another monarch. Queen Margrethe is the epitome of Denmark, and, throughout the years, has articulated the words and emotions that define us as a people and a nation throughout the years,” she said.
