Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II to step down on Jan. 14 after 50 years on the throne

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced her plans to step down on January 14th, allowing her son, Crown Prince Frederik, to ascend to the throne.

Passing the throne: The queen, who has ruled for 50 years, announced during her New Year’s speech the decision to abdicate on the 52nd anniversary of her own ascension, following the passing of her father, King Frederik IX.
* Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen paid homage to the 83-year-old queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless service for the Kingdom.

About the queen: Margrethe, known for her warmth and talents as a linguist and designer, has been a cherished public figure in Denmark, where the monarch’s role is largely ceremonial.
* She has regularly visited different parts of the country and territories of the Danish Realm, and has a sound understanding of law, reflected in her awareness of the legislations she was called upon to sign.

The successor: Crown Prince Frederik, the oldest son of Queen Margrethe and her late French-born husband Prince Henrik, has held regent duties from the age of 18 whenever his mother was outside Denmark.
* Crown Prince Frederik will be declared king in the new year, and Crown Princess Mary will become queen.

Historic context: Denmark’s monarchy is the oldest in Europe, tracing its line back to the Viking king Gorm the Old, who died in 958.
* Although Margrethe was the head of state, her involvement in party politics was strictly prohibited by the Danish Constitution.
View original article on NPR
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