Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark on Jan. 3, 2024.Photo:IDA MARIE ODGAARD/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images
IDA MARIE ODGAARD/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images
Queen Margrethe, 83, sat for most of the event, with Crown Prince Frederik, 55, and Crown Princess Mary, 51, standing to her side. Last year, sheunderwent an “extensive back surgery"following longstanding issues, with Crown Prince Frederik acting as regent for his mother for most of her recovery period.
“This will be the last time that I am your host,” the Queen said at the palace reception. “I wish you all a good year, even though there are dark clouds over many parts of the world.”
Queen Margrethe of Denmark on Jan. 3, 2024.IDA MARIE ODGAARD/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images
The event was part of a number of 2024 celebrations in Denmark, which included a white-tie reception (complete with tiaras!) at Amalienborg Palace on Monday evening.
Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary all attended the event, along with the Queen’s younger son, Prince Joachim, and his wife, Princess Marie.
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Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark on Jan. 1, 2024.Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
In ashocking announcementmade during her annual New Year’s speech on Sunday, Queen Margrethe revealed that she would step down as monarch this month.
“In February this year, I underwent extensive back surgery. Everything went well, thanks to the competent health personnel, who took care of me. Inevitably, the operation gave cause to thoughts about the future – whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation,” she said, per an Englishtranslation of the official speechtranscription.
“I have decided that now is the right time. On 14 January 2024, 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father, I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I leave the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik,” Queen Margrethe continued.
Queen Margrethe of Denmark gives 2023 New Year’s speech.Keld Navntoft / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP via Getty
Keld Navntoft / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP via Getty
Queen Margrethe will become the first Danish monarch to step down in over 500 years, after previously stating that she intended to reign for life, like her third cousinQueen Elizabeth, who reigned in the U.K. for over 70 years until her death in Sept. 2022.
“It’s possible that the Queen took this action because she would have been terrified of the marriage breaking up and the royal family losing Mary. It would have caused major problems. The Queen has always seen Mary as a tremendous asset,” Dampier said.
Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark on Jan. 3, 2024.IDA MARIE ODGAARD/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images
“It just seems an extraordinary coincidence that she should make this unexpected announcement just a couple of months after stories emerged of the Crown Prince supposedly having an affair,” the author added. “In two weeks’ time, the Prince and Princess will be pitched together as King and Queen and they will have to get on with it. The Queen may be thinking that they will patch up their differences and it will save their marriage.”
source: people.com
