Abdication of Margrethe II facts for kids
Margrethe II announced that she would step down as Queen of Denmark. This big news came during her New Year's Eve speech on December 31, 2023. Her older son, King Frederik X, took over the throne on January 14, 2024.
After Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022, Queen Margrethe II became Europe's longest-serving monarch. She was also the world's only queen regnant (a queen who rules in her own right). She was also the longest-serving female head of state at that time.
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Why the Queen Stepped Down
Queen Margrethe II had often said she would never give up the throne. In 2012, she said that being a monarch was a job you keep for life. She felt it was a duty passed down through her family. She repeated this idea in 2016, saying Danish monarchs usually stay on the throne until they die. She believed her son would become king only "when I am no longer here." This is why her decision to step down was a big surprise to many.
The Big 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 shared her surprising news on live television. This happened during her New Year's Eve speech on December 31, 2023. She explained that time had taken its "toll" on her. She also mentioned that she had more "ailments" now. This meant she could not do as many duties as she used to.
The Queen said her major back surgery in February 2023 made her think differently. The operation made her wonder if it was time to pass on her duties. She wanted the next generation to take over.
She thanked the public for their "overwhelming warmth and support." She also thanked the governments for their "rewarding collaboration." The Queen hoped the new King and Queen would get the "same trust and devotion" she had received.
Only a few people knew about her plan before the announcement. This included the Danish Prime Minister and her cousin, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. She told her sons about her decision just three days before she announced it to the public.
The Abdication Day
Giving up the throne is not a common tradition in Denmark. Queen Margrethe II's abdication was the first time in 878 years that a Danish monarch willingly stepped down. The only other king to do this was King Eric III Lamb in 1146. Even though it's rare, Danish law allows for a monarch to abdicate.
Ceremony at Christiansborg Palace
The abdication ceremony took place at Christiansborg Palace on January 14, 2024. This date was special because it was the 52nd anniversary of Queen Margrethe's own start as Queen.
At 1:35 PM, Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary, and their children arrived at Christiansborg Palace. Two minutes later, the Queen arrived in the Golden Wedding Anniversary Coach.
At 2:00 PM, the Queen, Crown Prince Frederik, and Prince Christian attended a meeting. This meeting was with the Council of State and government ministers. The moment the Queen signed a paper to give up her throne, Crown Prince Frederik became King Frederik X. Queen Margrethe then gave her seat to the new King. Prince Christian, who is now the heir, took the seat next to the King.
A visibly moved Queen Margrethe said, "Gud bevare kongen" (God save the king). Then she left the room. After the meeting, she returned to her palace by car. At 2:30 PM, the new King and Queen hosted a small party for special guests.
At 3:00 PM, Prime Minister Mette 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 huge crowd of tens of thousands cheered loudly nine times. The King then gave a speech and shared his royal motto: "Forbundet, 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, cannons fired salutes in Copenhagen. At Amalienborg Palace, the royal flag was lowered at the old Queen's palace. It was then raised at the new King's palace to show the change. The King and Queen rode back to their palace in the Golden Wedding Anniversary Coach. They were escorted by soldiers on horses. When they arrived, the Royal Family appeared on their balcony.
At 5:00 PM, royal flags were moved from the old Queen's palace to the new King's palace. At the Yellow Palace, people could sign a book to congratulate the King. This was open from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. An online list was also set up on the royal family's website. On January 14, 2024, flags flew from all state buildings and ships across Denmark to mark the special day.
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. Prince Christian is now the next in line to the throne. He is called "HRH Crown Prince Christian."
Queen Margrethe II is still called "Her Majesty." She is known as "HM Queen Margrethe." She can also act as regent if the King or Crown Prince Christian cannot perform their duties. For example, she can step in when they are traveling abroad.
Special Events to Celebrate
On January 15, 2024, the King and Queen, along with other royal family members, attended a special event at the Danish Parliament. The Speaker and Prime Minister gave speeches. A party was held afterward.
On January 21, 2024, the royal family attended a church service at Aarhus Cathedral. This service was for the public and special guests.
To celebrate the abdication, Frederiksborg Castle will show an exhibition of Queen Margrethe II's portraits. This includes a famous silkscreen portrait by Andy Warhol. Danish TV channels also worked together to create a tribute show for Queen Margrethe. It was called "Danmarks dronning – den største tak" (Denmark's Queen – the greatest thanks). This show was broadcast live on January 12, 2024. Another TV show called "Dronningen og statsministrene – i al fortrolighed" (The Queen and the Prime Ministers – in complete confidence) was also made. It showed interviews and old videos about the Queen's relationships with her prime ministers.
Other Changes
All special titles and positions held by Queen Margrethe II, Crown Prince Frederik, and Crown Princess Mary ended when the King took the throne. These will be looked at later to decide which ones will continue.
Special royal warrants, which are like official approvals for businesses, also ended. These warrants are given by the ruling monarch. Businesses that had them can still use the title "Purveyor to the Royal House of Denmark" until January 14, 2025. A decision will be made later about how these warrants will work in the future.
However, honorary titles like lady-in-waiting or chamberlain were not affected. Awards and medals that were already given also stayed the same.
See also
In Spanish: Abdicación de la reina Margarita II de Dinamarcapara niños
