Abdication of Margrethe II facts for kids
Margrethe II stepped down as Queen of Denmark on January 14, 2024. This date was special because it was exactly 52 years since she became Queen. Her decision to give up the throne was the first time a Danish monarch had done so willingly since King Eric III in 1146.
Queen Margrethe announced her abdication during her New Year's Eve speech on December 31, 2023. On January 14, she signed a special paper during a meeting called the Council of State. After she signed, her oldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, became the new King of Denmark, known as King Frederik X. In Denmark, it's a tradition for the Prime Minister to announce the new monarch from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace.
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Why Queen Margrethe Stepped Down
Queen Margrethe had often said she would never give up the throne. In 2012, she mentioned she would "remain on the throne until [she fell] off." She believed that being a monarch was a job you kept for life, just like her father and grandfather did. She repeated this idea in 2016, saying that in Denmark, monarchs stay until they pass away.
On September 8, 2022, after Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom passed away, Margrethe became Europe's longest-reigning living monarch. She was also the only queen regnant (a queen who rules in her own right) in the world at that time. She had said that Queen Elizabeth II greatly inspired her, showing her that being a monarch was a lifelong commitment.
The Big Announcement
On December 31, 2023, Queen Margrethe surprised everyone by announcing her abdication during her yearly New Year's Eve speech. She explained that time had "taken its toll," meaning she was getting older and had more health issues. She couldn't do as many duties as before. She mentioned a major back surgery she had in February 2023. This operation made her think about whether it was the right time to pass on her responsibilities to the next generation.
Margrethe thanked the public for their "overwhelming warmth and support." She also thanked the different governments she worked with and the parliament for trusting her. She hoped that the new King and Queen would receive the "same trust and devotion" she had enjoyed.
Only a few people knew about her decision before the announcement. These included the Danish Prime Minister and her cousin, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. She told her sons about her choice just three days before she announced it publicly.
The Abdication Ceremony
Giving up the throne is not a common tradition in Denmark. Margrethe's abdication was the first time in 878 years that a Danish monarch had willingly stepped down. The only other time was King Eric III in 1146. However, the Act of Succession of 1953 does allow for a monarch to abdicate.
Ceremony at Christiansborg Palace
Queen Margrethe II's abdication happened at Christiansborg Palace on January 14, 2024. This was the 52nd anniversary of her becoming Queen.
At 1:35 PM (CET), Crown Prince Frederik, his wife Crown Princess Mary, and their children left Frederik VIII's Palace for Christiansborg Palace. A few minutes later, the Queen traveled from her home to Christiansborg Palace in a special coach.
At 2:00 PM, the Queen, Crown Prince Frederik, and Prince Christian attended a meeting of the Council of State. Government ministers were also there. The Queen signed the paper to abdicate, and at that moment, Frederik became King Frederik X. Margrethe then gave up her seat and offered it to the new King. The new heir, Crown Prince Christian, took the seat next to the King. A visibly emotional Margrethe said, "Gud bevare kongen" (God save the king) and left the room. After the meeting, she returned to her palace. At 2:30 PM, the new King and Queen hosted a party for special guests. The Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, later said that every detail was planned, except for those three words from the Queen.
At 3:00 PM, Prime Minister Frederiksen announced the new King from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace. She said three times: "Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II has abdicated. Long live His Majesty King Frederik X!" A crowd of 174,000 people cheered nine times. The King then gave a speech and shared his royal motto: "Forbundne, forpligtet, for Kongeriget Danmark" (United, committed, for the Kingdom of Denmark). After his speech, his family, including Queen Mary and Crown Prince Christian, joined him on the balcony.
After the announcement, gun salutes were fired in Copenhagen. At Amalienborg, the royal flag was lowered at Queen Margrethe's palace and raised at King Frederik's palace to show the change. The King and Queen then returned to their home in a special coach, escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment. They appeared on the balcony of their palace.
At 5:00 PM, royal flags were moved from Queen Margrethe's palace to King Frederik's palace. At the Yellow Palace, a book was set up for the public to write messages to the King. People could also send greetings online.
To mark the change, flags were flown from all state buildings and ships across the Danish Realm on January 14, 2024.
New Royal Titles
After becoming King, Crown Prince Frederik is now called "HM The King." Crown Princess Mary is now "HM The Queen." They are known as the King and Queen of Denmark. Their son Christian, who is now next in line to the throne, is called "HRH Crown Prince Christian."
Queen Margrethe II still uses the title "Her Majesty" and is known as "HM Queen Margrethe." She can also act as a regent if the King and Crown Prince Christian are unable to perform their duties, for example, when they are traveling abroad.
Special Events to Mark the Change
On January 15, 2024, the King and Queen, along with other royal family members, attended a celebration at the Danish Parliament. Speeches were given, and a reception was held.
On January 21, 2024, the royal family attended a church service at Aarhus Cathedral. The service was led by the Bishop of the Diocese of Aarhus.
To mark the abdication, Frederiksborg Castle held an exhibition of Queen Margrethe II's portraits. This included a famous portrait by Andy Warhol. The Danish Broadcasting Corporation and TV 2 also organized a tribute show for Queen Margrethe called "Danmarks dronning – den største tak" (Denmark's Queen – the greatest thanks). This show was broadcast live on January 12, 2024. A documentary called "Dronningen og statsministrene – i al fortrolighed" (The Queen and the Prime Ministers – in complete confidence) was also made, featuring interviews about the Queen's relationships with her prime ministers.
Celebrations in Australia

There were special celebrations in Australia because Crown Princess Mary was born in Tasmania. She became the first Australian-born queen consort (the wife of a ruling king) of a European country. Public buildings in Tasmania, like the Tasman Bridge, were lit up in the colors of the Danish flag on January 14, 2024. The Tasmanian Government donated A$10,000 to a charity in honor of Queen Mary. The Australian Prime Minister also donated A$10,000 to help conserve the Tasmanian devil.
The Tasmanian Government also gave the King and Queen a special table made from Huon Pine wood. The Lord Mayor of Hobart planted a blue gum tree, and the Lord Mayor of Copenhagen planted a similar tree in Denmark to celebrate the connection between the two cities. The Premier of Tasmania invited Mary and Frederik to visit Tasmania. Books were set up in Hobart for people to write congratulatory messages to the royal couple.
Celebrations also took place at Taroona Beach and the Shot Tower in Taroona, Tasmania. The Danish flag was flown at Parliament House in Hobart. Danish people living in Australia also gathered in places like Wollongong and Melbourne to celebrate.
Changes in the Royal Household
With the new King, some changes were made in how the Royal House is managed. Christian Schønau became the new Court Marshal, overseeing the Royal House. The private secretary, Henning Fode, stepped down after 16 years. Kim Kristensen became the chief of court for Queen Margrethe's new office.
Other Changes
All royal patronages (when a royal supports a charity or organization) and honorary positions held by Queen Margrethe II, Crown Prince Frederik, and Crown Princess Mary ended on January 14, 2024. Decisions were made later about which ones would continue. In May 2024, it was announced that the number of royal patronages was reduced from 258 to 140. This was to match the royal family's focus areas and interests. New patronages will now last five years, and organizations can apply for extensions.
All royal warrants (special titles given to businesses that supply goods to the royal family) also ended. Businesses could continue using the title "Purveyor to the Royal House of Denmark" for a year. In November 2024, it was announced that the royal warrant system would be phased out because it was "no longer in keeping with the times." Existing holders can use the title until December 31, 2029.
However, honorary titles like lady-in-waiting or chamberlain, and already awarded orders and medals, were not affected by the change.
Reactions to the Abdication
In Denmark

The news of Margrethe's abdication was a "surprise" and a "shock" to many. Most people expected her to remain Queen for life. Danish newspapers praised the Queen for her 52 years of service. One newspaper described her speech as "personal and perfectly balanced," with "no drama, no unnecessary pathos."
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen thanked the Queen for her "lifelong dedication and tireless efforts." She called Margrethe the "epitome of Denmark." In her New Year's address, Frederiksen said Danes felt shock and disbelief when the Queen announced her abdication. She added:
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, and 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.
Other Danish politicians also praised the Queen, including Troels Lund Poulsen, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, and Søren Gade. Leaders from the Faroe Islands and Greenland also thanked Queen Margrethe for her work and dedication to their regions.
From Other Countries
Many foreign leaders congratulated the new King and Queen after they took the throne on January 14, 2024.
Armenia – President Vahagn Khachaturyan congratulated King Frederik X, hoping Denmark would continue to progress.
Australia – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed pride that "Hobart born Mary Donaldson, has become the Queen of Denmark." The Premier of Tasmania also shared pride in Queen Mary, calling her "humble, hard-working and quietly pursuing the extraordinary."
Bahrain – King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa wished King Frederik X success in leading Denmark.
Belgium – The Belgian royal palace praised Margrethe for always putting Denmark's interests first.
Cambodia – King Norodom Sihamoni thanked Denmark for its help in Cambodia's development.
China – President Xi Jinping sent congratulations to King Frederik X and good wishes to Queen Margrethe II.
Finland – President Sauli Niinistö sent a congratulatory letter to King Frederik X and Queen Mary.
Iceland – President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson thanked Queen Margrethe for strengthening friendship between Iceland and Denmark.
Ireland – President Michael D. Higgins congratulated King Frederik X.
Japan – Emperor Naruhito sent congratulations to King Frederik X and thanks to Queen Margrethe II.
Kazakhstan – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanked Queen Margrethe II for her contribution to cooperation.
Kuwait – Emir Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah congratulated King Frederik X, noting the strong relationship between Kuwait and Denmark.
Malaysia – The King and Queen of Malaysia hoped for continued friendly relations between their countries.
Morocco – King Mohammed VI wished King Frederik X and Queen Mary success.
Netherlands – King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Princess Beatrix honored Queen Margrethe for her dedication.
Norway – King Harald V praised his cousin Queen Margrethe for being a "present monarch" with "infectious mood and vast knowledge."
Oman – Sultan Haitham bin Tariq wished King Frederik X success.
Qatar – The Emir and Deputy Emir sent congratulations to King Frederik X.
Romania – Custodian of the Crown Margareta and Prince Radu sent congratulatory letters.
Saudi Arabia – King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent congratulations.
Spain – King Felipe VI congratulated King Frederik X with "greatest personal affection."
Sweden – King Carl XVI Gustaf thanked his cousin Margrethe for strengthening ties between their countries.
Thailand – King Maha Vajiralongkorn wished for Denmark's continued peace and prosperity.
Turkmenistan – President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence in Denmark's progress under King Frederik X.
United Arab Emirates – Leaders sent messages of congratulations to King Frederik X.
United Kingdom – King Charles III paid tribute to Margrethe's many years of service and remembered royal visits.
United States – President Joe Biden thanked Queen Margrethe for her commitment to strengthening the partnership between the two nations.
Vietnam – President Võ Văn Thưởng and Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân sent congratulations.
See also
In Spanish: Abdicación de Margarita II de Dinamarca para niños