Denmark's Prince Frederik and Princess Mary Were Given Short Notice About Queen Margrethe's 'Shock' Abdication

Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark only learned of Queen Margrethe II's decision to abdicate the Danish throne three days before her announcement. This means that the Queen's decision to not die in her role, as is the typical custom in the Danish monarchy, was truly on a whim.

On January 14, the Queen will reach her 52nd year as Denmark's monarch and will also become the first Danish sovereign in nearly 900 years to relinquish their crown. Margrethe II's decision is also a shock, since the monarch has publicly said on multiple occasions that she will never step down. Until now, Denmark was one of only a handful of the world's monarchies to maintain the ancient tradition of a monarch serving in their role for life.

When Britain's Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022, Queen Margrethe praised her for fulfilling a vow of lifetime service to her people. But Denmark's sovereign will join Spain, the Netherlands, Japan, and other nations in establishing the normalcy of abdication for the next generation.

Once the Queen resigns, there will be no female reigning monarch left in the world — although several kingdoms have ladies as their current heirs to the throne.

It is reported that the Queen kept her intention to resign a "secret" from her heir, Crown Prince Frederik, who will soon become His Majesty King Frederik X.

"In 14 days, I will have been Queen of Denmark for 52 years. Such [a] long time does not pass without a trace for any human being — not even me. Time goes on, and the 'diseases' increase. You no longer cope with the same things as you once could," Her Majesty stated in her annual New Year's Eve Speech.

It is believed the monarch's ongoing spinal issues played a large role in her intention to hand the throne to her son. "In February this year, I underwent extensive back surgery. It went well, thanks to the skilled healthcare staff who took care of me. Of course, the operation also gave rise to thinking about the future - whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation," Margrethe II shared.

She continued: "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."

"I leave the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik. Tonight, first of all, I want to say thank you. Thank you for the overwhelming warmth and support that I have received over the years. A thank you to the changing governments, with whom it has always been rewarding to work together, and to the Danish Parliament, which has always met me with confidence," Her Majesty observed.

"My thanks must go to all the many, many people who, at special events, as well as in everyday life, have surrounded me and my family with loving words and thoughts," she concluded.

King Frederik X and Queen Mary will become the King and Queen of Denmark on Sunday, January 14.

GBN reported on Margrethe II's shock abdication.