Queen Margrethe of Denmark Officially Abdicates, Making Her Son King Frederik

Mar. 15, 2025

King Frederik and Queen Margrethe of Denmark as she signs abdication declaration on Jan. 14, 2024.Photo:MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty

MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty

Queen Margrethe of Denmarkhas abdicated the throne.

During a Council of State at Christiansborg Palace on Sunday, Queen Margrethe, 83, signed a declaration of her abdication, making her decision to step down as monarch official.

Queen Margrethe became monarch on Jan. 14, 1972, following the death of her father, King Frederik IX. Her abdication comes on the 52nd anniversary of her accession.

Her eldest son is nowKing Frederik, while his wife becomes his queen consort and known asQueen Mary.

King Frederik and Queen Margrethe after she abdicated the throne on Jan. 14, 2024.MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty

Queen Margrethe signed the document with her two immediate heirs beside her. The now-King Frederik sat directly next to his mother as she made her abdication official, and beside him was his 18-year-old son, now heir to the throne,Crown Prince Christian. Queen Mary did not attend because she is not a member of the Council of State.

After the signing, Queen Margrethe stepped aside and allowed King Frederik to take her spot at the head of the table, then exited the room.

King Frederik and Queen Margrethe after her abdication on Jan. 14, 2024.MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty

The event was a low-key affair for a change of reign, with Queen Margrethe opting to recycle a pink ensemble that she previously wore to a Golden Jubilee event in 2022 and to Crown Prince Christian’s 18th birthday event last year.

Queen Margrethe arrived in a horse-drawn carriage and left in a car, smiling and waving to the crowds gathered outside and waving flags.

Then, the transfer of the royal colors from Christian IX’s Palace (Queen Margrethe’s residence) to Frederik VIII’s Palace in Amalienborg (King Frederik’s residence) will take place.

King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark make first appearance of reign with children on Jan. 14, 2024.BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty

BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty

During the events on Sunday, the royal family’s website was down. A message said, “The official website of the Royal House of Denmark is temporarily unavailable while appropriate changes are made following the succession of the throne. In the meantime, please visit the Royal House of Denmark’s official pages onFacebookandInstagram.”

Queen Margrethe’s decision to abdicatecame as a shock, as she previously said she would rule for her entire life and the last Danish monarch’s abdication was in 1146, according toThe Guardian.

Queen Margrethe on her abdication day on Jan. 14, 2024.IDA MARIE ODGAARD/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty

IDA MARIE ODGAARD/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty

Queen Margrethe cited health concerns in her annual New Year’s speech where she firstannounced her abdication.

“In February this year, I underwent extensive back surgery. Everything went well, thanks to the competent health personnel, who took care of me. Inevitably, the operation gave cause to thoughts about the future – whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation,” she said, per an Englishtranslation of the official speechtranscription. “I have decided that now is the right time. On 14 January 2024, 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father, I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I leave the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik.”

Queen Margrethe, King Frederik and Queen Mary on Jan. 3, 2024.IDA MARIE ODGAARD/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images

IDA MARIE ODGAARD/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images

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There is speculation that the unexpected move came tobolster Frederik and Mary’s bond amid gossip of an affair. In November 2023, reports swirled that Frederik was having an affair with Mexican-born socialite Geneveva Casanova after they were photographed together in Madrid. Casanovadenied allegationsof a romantic relationship with Frederik, and the royal couple continued to display a united front in recent months.

Queen Mary, 51, is making history, becoming thefirst queen consort born in Australia.

Sunday’s proclamation will mark the official change of reign — and King Frederik and Queen Marywill not be crowned in a coronation service.

King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark make first appearance of reign on Jan. 14, 2024.JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty

JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty

source: people.com