Queen Margrethe II greeting the public from the balcony at Amalienborg during her 83rd birthday celebrations, 2023

Margrethe II announced her abdication as Queen of Denmark during her New Year's Eve address to the nation on 31 December 2023. She was succeeded by her elder son Crown Prince Frederik as King Frederik X on 14 January 2024.[1][2]

Since the death of Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022, Margrethe II had been Europe's longest-reigning monarch, the world's only queen regnant, and the longest-serving incumbent female head of state.[3]

Background

I will remain on the throne until I fall off.[4]

Margrethe II, 2012

Queen Margrethe II had previously said she would never abdicate the throne.[5] In an interview in 2012 to mark her Ruby Jubilee, she said: "In my eyes, it's part of the position that you have when you inherit a monarchy: It is a task you have handed down to you, and that you keep as long as you live, the way my father did and my grandfather before him".[6] The Queen rejected the possibility of abdication in an interview in 2016, and said: "In this country we haven't gone in for that way of handing over. It's always been: you stay as long as you live. That's what my father did and my predecessors. And the way I see it too".[7][8] In another interview in 2016, she said that her son will become king "when I am no longer here".[9]

Announcement

I have decided that now is the right time. On 14th January, 2024 – 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father – I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I will hand over the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik.[10]

Margrethe II, 2023

Queen Margrethe II made the surprise announcement of her abdication on live television in her New Year's Eve address on 31 December 2023. She said that time had taken its "toll", and her number of "ailments" had increased, and that she cannot undertake as many duties as she managed in the past. The Queen cited her extensive back surgery in February 2023, and said that the operation made her reassess her position and consider "whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation".[10]

The Queen thanked the public for their "overwhelming warmth and support" over the years; the changing governments for their "rewarding collaboration"; and the parliament for "always vesting their confidence in me". She expressed her hope that the new king and queen will be met with the "same trust and devotion which have fallen to my lot".[10]

It is understood that nobody was aware of the Queen's plan beforehand, except for the Danish prime minister, her cousin King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, and a select few others.[11][12][13] She only informed her sons of her decision three days before the announcement.[14][15]

Abdication

Crown Prince Frederik ascended the Danish throne as King Frederik X following his mother's abdication.

There is no tradition of abdication in Denmark, and Margrethe II's abdication was the first time in 878 years that a Danish monarch has voluntarily relinquished the throne; the first to do so was King Eric III Lamb in 1146. Nevertheless, the Act of Succession envisages that an abdication can take place, as section 6 of the Act stipulates that specific provisions which are based on the monarch's death also apply when the monarch abdicates the throne.[16][17]

Ceremony at Christiansborg Palace

The abdication of Margrethe II as Queen of Denmark took place at Christiansborg Palace on 14 January 2024, the 52nd anniversary of her accession to the throne.[18]

At 13:35 CET, Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary and their children left Frederik VIII's Palace for Christiansborg Palace. Two minutes later, the Queen made the journey from her residence in Christian IX's Palace to Christiansborg Palace in the Golden Wedding Anniversary Coach.[19][20]

At 14:00, the Queen, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Christian participated in a meeting of the Council of State, with the cabinet ministers and the council of state secretary in attendance.[19] The moment the Queen signed a declaration of her abdication, Crown Prince Frederik acceded to the Danish throne as King Frederik X.[21][22] After the meeting, the former monarch returned to Christian IX's Palace in a motor car. At 14:30, the new King and Queen hosted a reception for specially invited people.[19]

At 15:00, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed the new king from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace.[23][24] This was followed by the traditional 9 cheers from the crowd below. The King then made a speech and presented his royal motto.[19] After the speech he was joined on the balcony by his family including the new queen and crown prince.

After the proclamation, gun salutes were fired from the Sixtus Battery on Holmen, Copenhagen. At Amalienborg, the royal standard was lowered at Christian IX's Palace and raised at Frederik VIII's Palace to mark the King's accession. The King and Queen then returned from Christiansborg Palace to their residence at Frederik VIII's Palace in the Golden Wedding Anniversary Coach, escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment's mounted squadron.[19][20] At 17:00, royal colours were transferred from Christian IX's Palace to Frederik VIII's Palace to mark the change of monarch.[24][25]

At the Yellow Palace, a book of congratulations was set up from 15:00 to 19:00, to allow the public to send greetings to the King. A congratulation list was also opened on the website of the Danish royal house.[26]

To mark the change of monarch, flags were flown from all state buildings and state ships throughout the Danish Realm on 14 January 2024.[27]

Changes in royal titles

Crown Princess Mary became the first Australian-born queen consort upon her husband's accession as king.[28]

Following his accession, Crown Prince Frederik has been styled as "HM King Frederik X", and Crown Princess Mary became "HM Queen Mary". The royal couple are henceforth known as King and Queen of Denmark.[29] Prince Christian, who became the heir apparent, is referred to as "HRH Crown Prince Christian".[29]

Queen Margrethe II continues to be styled as "Her Majesty" and is known as "HM Queen Margrethe".[23][29] She also became eligible to be installed as regent in the incapacity of the King and Crown Prince Christian. As regent, Margrethe can perform the duties of the head of state on certain occasions, for example during Frederik and Christian's stays abroad.[30]

Commemorative events

On 15 January 2024, the King and Queen, and members of the royal family, will attend the Danish Parliament's celebration of the King's accession. During a meeting in the Chamber, the Speaker and the Prime Minister will deliver speeches, and later, the Prime Minister will convey the message from the King to parliament. Afterwards, a reception will be held in the former Landstinget Chamber.[19][31]

On 21 January, the royal family will participate in a celebratory church service at Aarhus Cathedral with representatives of Denmark and the City of Aarhus in attendence. The service will be led by Royal Chaplain-in-Ordinary and Bishop of the Diocese of Aarhus Henrik Wigh-Poulsen.[19]

To mark the abdication, Frederiksborg Castle will host an exhibition of Queen Margrethe II's portraits, including the famous silkscreen portrait by Andy Warhol as part of his Reigning Queens series.[32] The Danish Broadcasting Corporation and TV 2 teamed up to organise a tribute show for Queen Margrethe titled "Danmarks dronning – den største tak" (Denmark's Queen – the greatest thanks), which was broadcast live from Kongens Nytorv on 12 January 2024.[33][34] The Danish Broadcasting Corporation also produced the documentary "Dronningen og statsministrene - i al fortrolighed" (The Queen and the Prime Ministers - in complete confidence), which features interviews and archive material about the Queen's relationship with her nine Danish prime ministers.[35][36]

Changes in the Royal House

Due to the change of monarch, a number of adjustments will be made in the management of the Royal House.[37]

Christian Schønau, chief of court of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, will succeed Kim Kristensen as Lord Chamberlain of the Royal House of Denmark on 14 January 2024. On the same day, Cabinet Secretary Henning Fode will resign after 16 years in office. A new cabinet secretary will not be appointed as the required duties will be carried out by the Lord Chamberlain in the new reign.[37]

In the newly established "Court of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe", Kim Kristensen will take office as chief of court. Lasse Harkjær, the Master of Ceremonies will resign on 1 March to take up the position of Chief of Staff in Queen Margrethe's Court. Harkjær will be succeeded as the Master of Ceremonies by Anders Friis on 1 March.[37]

Other changes

All royal patronages and honorary positions held by Queen Margrethe II, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary ended upon the change of monarch on 14 January 2024. They will later be reviewed and decision will be made regarding which patronages are to be continued or redistributed.[38]

All royal warrants ended upon the abdication, as they are given by the reigning monarch. Current holders of royal warrants will be able to continue to use the title "Purveyor to the Royal House of Denmark" until the warrant ends or one year after the abdication (14 January 2025). A decision will be made later on the future arrangement regarding royal warrants.[38][39]

Honorary titles such as lady-in-waiting, chamberlain and master huntsman were not affected by the change of monarch, and the same applied to already awarded orders and medals.[38]

Reactions

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described Margrethe as the "epitome of Denmark".

The news of Queen Margrethe's abdication was described as a "surprise" and a "shock", as many people had expected her to remain on the throne until her death.[40][41][3] Danish newspapers hailed the Queen for her 52 years of service, with the broadsheet Weekendavisen describing her speech as "personal and perfectly balance" with "no drama, no unnecessary pathos … an abdication that can only take place in Denmark".[11]

In a statement, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen thanked the Queen for "her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom" and described her as the "epitome of Denmark".[41][42] In her New Year's address on 1 January 2024, Frederiksen spoke of the shock and disbelief felt by Danes the moment the Queen announced her abdication, and said it was "as if time came to a standstill". She thanked the Queen for her years of service and said:[43]

For generations, the Queen has been our rallying mark. A holding point when everything else was in motion. Part of what we come from. And who we are. The Queen has managed to speak to us as a people. Both for new and old Danes. Both for young and old people. And to the whole kingdom – Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Through great changes, the Queen has held on to the art, the culture, the virtues, the ancient wisdom. And an international outlook. To preserve the tradition. Our traditions. And at the same time being a modern head of state for a modern country – it is an art of balance that commands both devotion and respect. It is exactly that renewal that the Queen is continuing with the decision to step down and let a new generation make room. Now we are embarking on a new chapter for Denmark. We will miss Queen Margrethe, whom we love so much. But the fact that the Royal House lives on as an institution is largely the merit of Margrethe the person.

Deputy Prime Minister Troels Lund Poulsen noted that the Queen's decision to abdicate shows both her "wisdom" and the monarchy's "strength and durability for Denmark", and said that the new King "will be able to lead the Danish monarchy safely into a new era, where tradition and renewal will be able to follow each other".[44]

Speaker of the Folketing Søren Gade thanked the Queen for "being a thoughtful and unifying person for the entire Danish kingdom", and said that "by adapting the royal house step by step", Margrethe "managed to renew the royal house as an institution".[45]

Other Danish politicians also paid tribute to the Queen, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Leader of Liberal Alliance Alex Vanopslagh, Leader of the Social Liberal Party Martin Lidegaard, Leader of the Danish People's Party Morten Messerschmidt, Leader of the Conservative People's Party Søren Pape Poulsen, Leader of the Green Left Pia Olsen Dyhr, Leader of New Right Pernille Vermund, Political spokesperson of the Red–Green Alliance Pelle Dragsted, Lord Mayor of Copenhagen Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, and Mayor of Aarhus Municipality Jacob Bundsgaard.[46][47]

Aksel V. Johannesen, prime minister of the Faroe Islands, hailed Margrethe as the "epitome of stability and majesty", and thanked the Queen for her "great work and faithfulness".[48]

Múte Bourup Egede, prime minister of Greenland, said that the Queen has been "liked and respected by many Greenlanders", and he thanked Margrethe "for her 52-year reign, dedication and commitment to Greenland".[49]

The Premier of Tasmania Jeremy Rockliff said that Margrethe's "fifty-two years at the helm is an amazing feat", and that Tasmania "could not be prouder of Crown Princess Mary", who was born and raised in Hobart. He said he looks forward to watch "Tasmania's own born Queen lead Denmark's future".[50][51]

References

  1. ↑ Einarsdóttir, Silja Björklund (31 December 2023). "Dronning Margrethe av Danmark går av" [Queen Margrethe of Denmark abdicates]. NRK.
  2. ↑ "Missede du det store øjeblik? Se hele dronning Margrethes tale her" [Did you miss the big moment? See Queen Margrethe's entire speech here]. DR (in Danish). 31 December 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  3. 1 2 "Queen of Denmark announces surprise abdication live on TV". The Telegraph. 31 December 2023.
  4. ↑ "Danish queen celebrates milestone". news.com.au. 13 January 2012.
  5. ↑ "Denmark's Queen Margrethe marks 40 years". BBC News. 13 January 2012.
  6. ↑ "Queen Margrethe plays down abdication talk on eve of 40th jubilee". The world. 11 January 2012.
  7. ↑ "[Wim Dehandschutter] on X". 31 December 2023 – via X.
  8. ↑ "Onze royalty-expert interviewde koningin Margrethe: "Ik ben bijlange niet perfect, maar tenminste niet hypocriet"". Het Laatste Nieuws. 1 January 2024.
  9. ↑ "'I Would Not Say We Are a Multicultural Country'". SPIEGEL. 30 September 2016.
  10. 1 2 3 "Read HM The Queen's New Year Address 2023". kongehuset.dk. 31 December 2023.
  11. 1 2 "'All of Denmark is crying': Danes react to Margrethe II's abdication". The Guardian. 1 January 2024.
  12. ↑ "Danmarks drottning Margrethe abdikerar – efter 52 år på tronen". SVT Nyheter. 31 December 2023.
  13. ↑ "Danmarks drottning abdikerar: "Det är rätt tidpunkt nu"". TV4. 31 December 2023.
  14. ↑ Westermann Kühn, Signe (10 January 2024). "Kongehuset bekræfter datoen over for Berlingske: Kronprins Frederik fik først besked om Dronningens plan til allersidst". Berlingske. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  15. ↑ "Kronprins Frederik fik tronskifte-besked meget sent: Tidligere chok-nyhed kom også med kort varsel". Billed Bladet. 11 January 2024.
  16. ↑ "Abdication". kongehuset.dk. 1 January 2024.
  17. ↑ "The Act of Succession of March 27, 1953, amended on June 12th, 2009" (PDF). The Prime Minister's Office. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  18. ↑ Gronholt-pedersen, Jacob (31 December 2023). "Denmark's Queen Margrethe II announces surprise abdication on live TV". Reuters. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Programme for the succession of the throne". kongehuset.dk. 8 January 2024.
  20. 1 2 "The Golden Wedding Anniversary Coach". kongehuset.dk. 9 January 2024.
  21. ↑ "Background on succession to the throne". kongehuset.dk. 3 January 2024.
  22. ↑ "Statsråd". kongehuset.dk. 12 January 2024.
  23. 1 2 "Hendes Majestæt Dronningen abdicerer". Statsministeriet. 31 December 2023.
  24. 1 2 "Schedule for the throne succession on 14 January 2024". kongehuset.dk. 4 January 2024.
  25. ↑ "Overførslen af de kongelige faner". kongehuset.dk. 12 January 2024.
  26. ↑ "Congratulation lists". kongehuset.dk. 12 January 2024.
  27. ↑ "Flying of flags on 14 January 2024". kongehuset.dk. 10 January 2024.
  28. ↑ "Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark: Australia celebrates an unexpected queen". BBC News. 3 January 2024.
  29. 1 2 3 "Changes in the titles of The Royal Family". kongehuset.dk. 2 January 2024. Archived from the original on 3 January 2024. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  30. ↑ "HM The Queen will be able to be installed as acting regent". kongehuset.dk. 10 January 2024.
  31. ↑ "Danmarks nye kongepar og medlemmer af kongefamilien besøger Folketinget". Folketinget. 8 January 2024.
  32. ↑ "Markering af tronskiftet: Billeder af en Dronning". Frederiksborg Nationalhistorisk Museum. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  33. ↑ "DR og TV 2 samler danskerne til ære for dronning Margrethe med stort show direkte fra Kongens Nytorv". Via Ritzau. 5 January 2024.
  34. ↑ "Dronningens yndlingssang skal spilles til koncert: Denne sanger skal synge den". Billed Bladet. 12 January 2024.
  35. ↑ "Dronningen og statsministrene - i al fortrolighed". DR. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  36. ↑ "'Der lugter lidt af røg på det kontor': 5 statsministre deler deres bedste anekdoter om dronningen". DR. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  37. 1 2 3 "Press release: Changes in The Royal House of Denmark's leadership". kongehuset.dk. 2 January 2024.
  38. 1 2 3 "Tronskiftets betydning for kongelige protektioner og æreshverv, kongelige hofleverandører, ærestitler og dekorationer". kongehuset.dk. 3 January 2024.
  39. ↑ "The Royal Warrant and copyright". kongehuset.dk. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  40. ↑ "Denmark's Queen Margrethe II announces shock abdication in New Year's Eve speech". The Independent. 31 December 2023.
  41. 1 2 "Queen of Denmark announces abdication live on TV". BBC News. BBC. 31 December 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  42. ↑ "Udtalelse fra statsministeren" [Statement from the Prime Minister]. Statsministeriet. 31 December 2023.
  43. ↑ "Statsminister Mette Frederiksens nytårstale den 1. januar 2024". Statsministeriet. 1 January 2024.
  44. ↑ "Troels Lund Poulsen on Facebook". 31 December 2023 – via Facebook.
  45. ↑ "Folketingets formand Søren Gade bringer udtalelse om H.M. Dronning Margrethe". Folketinget. 31 December 2023.
  46. ↑ ""En dronning af vor tid" og med "format til det sidste": Sådan lyder reaktionerne på dronning Margrethes overraskende beslutning". Altinget. 1 January 2024.
  47. ↑ "Jacob Bundsgaard: Tak til en helt fantastisk Dronning". Aarhus Kommune. 31 December 2023.
  48. ↑ "Tøkk til H.H. Margretu Drotning". Løgmansskrivstovan. 31 December 2023.
  49. ↑ "Múte: Dronning Margrethemut qujanaq". Naalakkersuisut. 2 January 2024.
  50. ↑ "Tasmanian-born royalty shines on world stage". Tasmanian Government. 1 January 2024.
  51. ↑ "How Mary Donaldson rose from Tasmanian girl to soon-to-be queen of Denmark and 'took the hearts of the Danes'". ABC News. 1 January 2024.
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