83-year-old Margaret II has been Queen of Denmark since 1972.
Roni Kuronen,
Laura Kangas
Queen of Denmark Margaret II has decided to give up its crown, the Danish public broadcaster DR tells. The Queen told about it in her traditional New Year’s speech.
Margaret is handed over her crown by the crown prince to Frederik In Copenhagen’s Amalienborg on January 14.
There is symbolism in the timing of the abdication: 83-year-old Margaret II became Queen of Denmark on January 14, 1972. The length of her reign will therefore be exactly 52 years.
When Margaret II came to power, she became Denmark’s first female monarch since the Kalmar Union ruled from 1388–1412 of Margaret I.
In her speech, Margareeta said that she underwent extensive back surgery earlier this year. It went well, but it made me think about the future and whether it’s time to leave the responsibility to the next generation, Margareeta said.
– I have decided that now is the right moment. I leave the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik.
Prime Minister: The Queen is “the embodiment of Denmark”
Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen thanks the queen in the announcement for her “tireless efforts for Denmark”.
– Many of us have never known another regent. Queen Margaret is the embodiment of Denmark, and for years she has given words and feelings to who we are as a people and as a nation, writes Frederiksen.
Frederiksen also states that Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary are ready to become king and queen and accept the responsibility that comes with the task.