Abdication of Margrethe II facts for kids
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, King Frederik X, on 14 January 2024.
Upon the death of Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022, Margrethe II became Europe's longest-reigning monarch, the world's only queen regnant, and the longest-serving incumbent female head of state.
Contents
Background
I will remain on the throne until I fall off.
Queen Margrethe II had previously said she would never abdicate the throne. 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". 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". In another interview in 2016, she said that her son will become king "when I am no longer here".
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.
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 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".
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".
It is understood that, prior to the announcement, the only people aware of Margrethe's intention to abdicate were the Danish prime minister, her cousin King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, and a select few others. She informed her sons of her decision only three days before the announcement.
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 only other 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.
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.
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.
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. The moment the Queen signed a declaration of her abdication, Crown Prince Frederik acceded to the Danish throne as King Frederik X. Queen Margrethe then gave up her seat and offered it to the new King. At the same time, the new heir to the throne, Crown Prince Christian, took the seat to the right of the King. After this, visibly-moved Queen Margrethe said "Gud bevare kongen" (God save the king) and left the Council Chamber. 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.
At 15:00, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed the new king from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace. According to Danish state custom, the Prime Minister proclaimed three times: "Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II has abdicated. Long live His Majesty King Frederik X!" This was followed by the traditional ninefold cheer from the crowd of tens of thousands who turned out to witness the proclamation. The King then made a speech and presented his royal motto: "Forbundet, forpligtet, for Kongeriget Danmark" (United, committed, for the Kingdom of Denmark). After his speech, the King was joined on the balcony by his family, including the new Queen Mary and Crown Prince Christian.
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 in Amalienborg in the Golden Wedding Anniversary Coach, escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment's mounted squadron. After arriving at Amalienborg, the Royal Family appeared on the balcony of Frederik VIII's Palace.
At 17:00, royal colours were transferred from Christian IX's Palace to Frederik VIII's Palace to mark the change of monarch. 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.
To mark the change of monarch, flags were flown from all state buildings and state ships throughout the Danish Realm on 14 January 2024.
Changes in royal titles
Following his accession, Crown Prince Frederik has been styled as "HM The King", and Crown Princess Mary became "HM The Queen". The royal couple are henceforth known as the King and Queen of Denmark. Prince Christian, who became the heir apparent, is referred to as "HRH Crown Prince Christian".
Queen Margrethe II continues to be styled as "Her Majesty" and is known as "HM Queen Margrethe". She also became eligible to be installed as regent in the event of 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.
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.
On 21 January 2024, the royal family will participate in a celebratory church service at Aarhus Cathedral with representatives of Denmark and the City of Aarhus in attendance. The service will be led by Royal Chaplain-in-Ordinary and Bishop of the Diocese of Aarhus Henrik Wigh-Poulsen.
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. 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. 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.
Changes in the Royal House
Due to the change of monarch, several adjustments were made in the management of the Royal House.
Christian Schønau, chief of the court of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, succeeded Kim Kristensen as Lord Chamberlain of the Royal House of Denmark on 14 January 2024. On the same day, Cabinet Secretary Henning Fode resigned after 16 years in office. A new cabinet secretary was not appointed as the required duties are to be carried out by the Lord Chamberlain in the new reign.
In the newly established "Court of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe", Kim Kristensen took office as chief of court. Lasse Harkjær, the Master of Ceremonies will resign on 1 March 2024 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 2024.
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 decisions will be made regarding which patronages are to be continued or redistributed.
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.
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.
See also
In Spanish: Abdicación de la reina Margarita II de Dinamarcapara niños
