In a surprising turn of events at the close of the previous year, the world learned about the unexpected decision of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, a cousin to Queen Elizabeth II of England, to abdicate the throne.
This historic move marks the end of her remarkable 52-year reign, establishing her as the longest-reigning monarch in Europe. Queen Margrethe ascended to the throne in January 1972 following the passing of her father, Frederick IX.
As the sole female sovereign globally, succeeding her distant cousin Elizabeth II, Queen Margrethe's abdication took place at a momentous meeting last Sunday. Her successor, now the new sovereign, is her son, King Frederick X, with his queen consort, Mary. The royal couple is expected to host a brief reception for special guests to mark this significant transition.
Beyond her regal responsibilities, Queen Margrethe II held a unique passion for J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Demonstrating her artistic talents, she illustrated the Danish translation of the book under the pseudonym Ingahild Grathmer. The illustrations, strikingly similar to Tolkien's own, surprised the renowned author.
Despite stepping down, the Danish Queen retains her title of "Her Majesty" and could be called upon as an acting queen regent if circumstances demand. The streets of Copenhagen were adorned with red and white flags as around 100,000 people gathered to witness the new King Frederick X's procession through the city, greeting the crowd.
At 83 years old, Queen Margrethe II's decision to abdicate in early 2024 caught many by surprise, especially given the steadfast expectation that she would remain on the throne. The revelation of her health problems, stemming from a complicated back operation, shed light on the true reason behind her decision. Additionally, she expressed a genuine desire to make way for the new generation, emphasizing the importance of a seamless transition to secure the future of the Danish monarchy.
