Denmarks Queen Margrethe II announces abdication in New Years Eve speech

Published: 31 December 2023 at 18:08

In her traditional New Years Eve speech, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced her unexpected abdication from the throne on January 14, exactly 52 years after her ascension in 1972. The 83-year-old monarch will be succeeded by her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, who will become Frederik X. Margrethe cited her recent back surgery as a factor in her decision and expressed confidence in passing on the responsibility to the next generation. She currently holds the titles of Europes longest-serving monarch and the worlds only queen regnant.

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