Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced in her New Year's address on Sunday that she will abdicate on January 14 after 52 years on the throne and will be succeeded by her eldest son Crown Prince Frederik.
The 83-year-old queen, who ascended the throne in 1972, is the longest-serving monarch in Europe after the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
The Queen had a successful back surgery in February. "The operation naturally led to thinking about the future, about whether it was time to leave responsibility to the next generation," she said in her speech.
"I have decided that now is the right time. On January 14, 2024, 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father, I will step down as Queen of Denmark," Margrethe said, adding, "I leave my throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik."
In Denmark, the royal role is symbolic and the country is run entirely by an elected parliament and government. The monarch is expected to stay above partisan politics and represent the country with traditional duties ranging from state visits to national day celebrations.
Born in 1940, Margrethe has enjoyed widespread support from Danes throughout her life for her nuanced and creative personality.
