Queen Margaret II of Denmark will abdicate after 52 years

Queen Margaret II of DenmarkThe 83-year-old announced during his traditional New Year's address this Sunday that he would abdicate on January 14 after 52 years in power.

“On January 14, 2024, 52 years after my beloved father, I will abdicate as Queen of Denmark. “I leave the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederick.”He said in that TV news.

In her traditional New Year's Eve speech, Margarita II, the only female head of the monarchy, explained that the surgery she underwent last February had made her think about the future and “if it's not time to leave the responsibility to the next person”. generation.”

The popular 83-year-old monarch, widowed since 2018, A back surgery in February It kept her out of public life until April.

“The move led to reflections on the future, on the question of whether it is time to shift responsibilities to the next generation,” Rani said.

Since the death of his distant relative, Elizabeth II of EnglandMargaret II was the last monarch of Europe.

More than 80% of Danes say they support the monarchy and the bloc celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.

“Many of us have never known another king. “Queen Margaret is the embodiment of Denmark, and over the years, she has put words and feelings into who we are as a people and a nation,” the prime minister replied. Mette Frederiksen It is a statement.

January 14, 1972 coincides with the year of his father's death. King Frederick IXand his heir to the throne.

Like other Nordic monarchies, Denmark does not have a tradition of abdication, and it is common for monarchs to end their mandate until they die. Indeed, Margaret always reiterated publicly that she had no plans to abdicate. The Queen's position is “duty for life”.

The first-born, 55, ascends the throne on the same day as the abdication, after the Council of State. With the name Federico X.

“Tonight, above all, I want to say thank you, thank you for the overwhelming support and warmth I have received over the years,” the king said in his speech, asking for “the same trust and affection” for the future king. and his wife, Princess Mary.

Margaret Alexandrine Thorhildur IngridThe Queen's full name, which has gained widespread popularity, has managed to stay away from major scandals and hers have been resolved naturally, including the severe backlash that her husband Prince Henry died in 2018 when she refused to be buried. The Royal Pantheon at Roskilde Cathedral.

Enrique, who has never hidden his dissatisfaction with his role, has engaged in several public insults, accusing his wife of being an “idiot” in an interview in August 2017 and causing a stir by declaring his love for her. As a sign of protest, he expressed his wish to be cremated.

Within a month, the royal family announced that the prince had dementia and was retiring from public life in February of the following year. Enrique died a few weeks after being admitted for a lung infection.

“It was his decision. He was a free man. I respect that.”Margarita said months later.

To her status as a discreet and intimate queen, Margarita added another point in her favor: her artistic interests included ballet, sets and costumes for plays and films; The design of the monograms of the members of the Royal House or his love of painting.

Although renowned art critics questioned the artistic quality of her paintings and did not prevent prestigious museums from dedicating exhibitions to her, this prolific and sustained activity was appreciated in Denmark, especially for her status as a woman.

The Danish king dared to illustrate JRR Tolkien's “The Lord of the Rings,” Simone de Beauvoir's “All Men Are Mortal,” and Stig Strømholm's trilogy about the fall of the Roman Empire. To design scenery and costumes for a film on the Netflix platform.

Margaret II has Two sons, Federico and Joaquín, 54 years old, and eight grandchildren.

(With information from AFP and EFE)