There is something good in Denmark, where Queen Margaret of Denmark will abdicate in favor of her son Frederick on January 14 after 52 years of rule. This was announced by 82-year-old Margrethe II during the New Year's greeting and on the other side of the North Sea the ears of another younger crowned head, only 75 years old, may have rung, but he has only been in power since last year and has had to wait a very long time. Yes, King Charles III, who doesn't seem to be at all of the opinion that abdications – in favor of his children, of course – strengthen rather than weaken the institution of the monarchy.
Margaret II of Denmark alongside her eldest son Frederik. The photo by Per Morten Abrahamsen, taken in the Great Hall of Amalienborg Palace, shows the heir to the throne's wife, Mary, the Queen's favorite Australian, and the Queen's second son, Joachim, with his wife Marie
Now the benefits of this handover, brought about by the ruler rather than his death, are being recalled by The Guardian newspaper, which has published a commentary by columnist Simon Jenkins, former editor of the Times and the Evening Standard. The Guardian is certainly not pro-monarchist, but Jenkins' arguments seem capable of reaching a wider readership, since even before Queen Elizabeth's departure there was no shortage of those who supported William's encouragement by giving a generation of the royal family skipped. A circumstance that in truth was never thought possible, but rather that of Charles III's abdication. could be within a few years, who would thus follow in the royal footsteps not only of Margaret of Denmark, but also of colleagues from the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain and perhaps also King Carl Gustaf of Sweden, 77, who may soon take the throne gives away.
Jenkins writes: “Heredity is an untenable basis for appointment to high office. It survives only in the strictest dictatorships and in the most liberal democracies. But in democracies it is powerless because it is limited to embodying in one person the ceremonial functions of a head.” of the state monarchist. Its mystique survives and remains popular. At the time of Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in 2022, there was open talk of her abdication in favor of Charles. The memory was that of the long difficult period that marked the last years of The Queen's Victory. For the radicals, however, an elderly European monarchy housed in supposedly wealthy nursing homes might be welcome. “It reduces the risk of accidents and scandals like those that hit Spain under Juan Carlos, or of interference in democratic politics.”
And again: “After a long apprenticeship, King Charles of England proved himself to be an active and popular personality in this first part of his term of office. He has shown no signs of aging, except perhaps for his lackluster Christmas message. He certainly has every right to do so.” a remarkable reign after waiting so long. But not until death. Charles has a successor, William, well trained and certainly suitable for the job.”
Recall that the abdication of Beatrix of the Netherlands in favor of her son Willem-Alexander in 2013 caused a wave of gratitude for the kingdom and the new king, that is, gave birth to a stronger monarchy.
“The abdication – writes Jenkins – also represents a nation capable of maintaining its institutions adequate to this purpose.”
And then how can we not point out that “the Anglican coronation is antediluvian in a country now largely devoid of religious practitioners, and the service of the monarch in a democracy is not even mentioned?” The royal estate in London is over the top. The Gardens of Buckingham.” The palace was intended to be a public park. Compared to other “bicycle monarchies,” Britain’s is disproportionately hostage to future misfortune and unpopular forces. This is a conversation that the next British government should have with the King, although unfortunately it does not appear to be current. There is no sign of reform in the air and so we can only say: Thank you, Denmark.”
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on Il Messaggero