She is the longest-reigning monarch on Earth – and now, surprisingly, she no longer wants to. The Danish Queen Margaret II wants to abdicate this year. The 83-year-old said in her televised New Year's address that she wanted to step down as regent on January 14, 2024. The resignation coincides with her 52nd anniversary on the throne. In February, she had to undergo major back surgery. Because of rehabilitation, she canceled several appointments or was warned by her son Crown Prince Frederick (55) and its Mrs. (51) represented. The eldest son already attends appointments that the Queen herself used to do. Frederik's eldest son was also recently allowed to go Christian prince (18) officially represent the Queen.
Margrethe II abdicates: titles are reassigned
In Denmark, titles are being reassigned following the surprise abdication of Queen Margrethe II. On the official website of the Danish royal family, the palace announced who would hold which title in the future. Crown Prince Frederik's title as the new monarch will be King Frederik X. Crown Princess Mary becomes Her Majesty Queen Mary. “The royal couple will now have the title of King and Queen of Denmark,” says the press release on kongehuset.dk. The new heir to the throne will be Prince Christian; he will henceforth be referred to as His Royal Highness Crown Prince Christian.
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Frederik and Mary with sour faces in New York
The timing of Queen Margrethe's abdication announcement is causing speculation in the tabloid press. Frederik has been confronted with affair rumors for weeks. There are even rumors that the upheavals in the royal family are aimed at distracting attention from the unpleasant headlines surrounding the 55-year-old's marriage. In any case, the heir to the throne and his wife didn't look particularly happy when they appeared side by side at a reception in New York. Sources told Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet that “the couple did not appear to be having fun.”
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Future King Frederick of Denmark and his wife Mary in New York
© Image: via Portal/RITZAU SCANPIX
“Words were exchanged between the two and it did not appear that they wished each other good luck,” the newspaper said.
After the future king dated a former model named Genoveva Casanova together in Madrid was spotted, Casanova denied rumors of a close relationship with Frederik. The Danish royal court remains silent, while Mary and Frederick demonstrate solidarity with the outside world.