Queen Margrethe II of Denmark unexpectedly announces her abdication Property

“I have decided that this is the right time,” the Queen said. “On 14 January 2024 – 52 years after succeeding my beloved father – I will step down as Queen of Denmark.” Margaret succeeded her father, Frederick IX, in 1972. Margaret's husband, Prince Henrik, died in 2018. She will remain Queen Margrethe II after her abdication. More than fifty years later, the Queen and the rest of the royal family remain very popular in Denmark – with four out of five Danes supporting the Queen.

The reason for the resignation is, among other things, the back operation that Margaret underwent in February. “Everything went well, thanks to the skilled healthcare staff who took care of me. Naturally, the operation also led to thinking about the future: whether it was time to pass the responsibility on to the next generation.”

The Queen thanks everyone for the “overwhelming warmth and support” she has received in recent years. “Thank you to the different governments, which have always been helpful to work together, and the Danish Parliament, which has always welcomed me with confidence.”

She also thanks the people who received the Queen and her family on occasions. “The support and assistance I have received over the years has been crucial to my ability to carry out my mission. I hope the new royal couple will be received with the same trust and affection as I am.”

Margaret is currently the longest-reigning monarch in Europe. After January 14, this title will pass to King Carl Gustaf of Sweden, who has been on the throne for 50 years. Margaret was also one of the most eccentric royals in Europe. The Queen has stripped her princely titles from four grandchildren, unleashing a “royal riot” at the Danish court.

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