Margrethe II abdicates - her son Frederik becomes the new Danish king
The 55-year-old had already stood in for the popular monarch when she underwent a serious back operation in February, which prevented her from appearing in public until April. "The operation has led to thoughts about the future, whether it is time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation," said the Queen. "You can't do as much as you've managed in the past."
Since the death of her distant cousin Elizabeth II, Margrethe is the last queen to reign in Europe. More than 80 percent of Danes describe themselves as monarchists. They came in their thousands to celebrate Margrethe ' s 50th anniversary on the throne last year.
"Many of us have never experienced another monarch," explained Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. "Queen Margrethe is the embodiment of Denmark and over the years has put words and feelings into words for what we are as a people and as a nation."
Margrethe was 31 years old when she ascended the throne of Europe's oldest monarchy on January 14, 1972, still in mourning for her father King Frederik IX. At the time, she was already married to the French Count Henri de Laborde de Monpezat and had two sons with him - four-year-old Frederik and three-year-old Joachim. In 2018, her husband, who suffered from dementia and lung disease, died at the age of 83 after 50 years of marriage.
Always dressed in colorful outfits, the monarch is known for her optimism and social commitment. Her speeches to her people are more direct and less formal than those of other European monarchs. A heavy smoker, she paints, travels and for a long time never thought of abdicating: "I'll stay on the throne until I drop," she used to say.
Read also:
- This will change in December
- Fireworks and parties ring in 2024 - turn of the year overshadowed by conflicts
- Attacks on ships in the Red Sea: shipping companies avoid important trade route
- Houthi rebels want to launch further attacks despite international coalition
- Despite being only 55, Margrethe considered the future and the responsibility of passing on the monarchy to her Son, Frederik.
- As Danish monarch, Margrethe is the last queen to reign in Europe, a title she inherited since the death of her distant cousin, Elizabeth II.
- More than 80% of Danes identify as monarchists, and they celebrated Margrethe's 50th anniversary on the throne with great fervor.
- Mette Frederiksen, the Danish Prime Minister, described Queen Margrethe as the embodiment of the nation and Denmark.
- Margrethe ascended the throne of Europe's oldest monarchy when she was 31, still mourning her father King Frederik IX.
- At the time of her coronation, Margrether was already married and had two sons, four-year-old Frederik and three-year-old Joachim.
- The crown prince Frederik has been actively involved in public life and is a prominent figure on Danish Television.
- After undergoing a serious back operation, the Queen's newer aversion to physical activities prompted her to consider passing on the responsibility to her son.
- Danish monarchy fans outside Europe will likely watch the events unfold on their televisions, as they have done for several years now.
- The abdication of Queen Margrethe II and the ascension of Crown Prince Frederik marks an important turning point in the European monarchies.
- Looking towards the Future, Margrethe's departure will leave a lasting impact on Denmark, and maybe her son's reign will shape the nation even more.
Source: www.stern.de
