Queen Margrethe II of Denmark abdicates after 52 years, passing throne to son Crown Prince Frederik

Queen Margrethe of Denmark surprised the nation on Monday by announcing her abdication after 52 years on the throne, in favor of her son. The announcement came during her annual New Year's Eve speech, leaving many Danes in shock and describing it as canceling New Year's Eve.

The hugely popular, chain-smoking monarch had insisted over the years that she would never step down, repeatedly saying she would "stay on the throne until I drop".


Here is all you want to know about Queen Margrethe.

• Queen Margrethe II, a highly popular and chain-smoking monarch, had previously insisted on staying on the throne until her passing.
• Crown Prince Frederik, 55, will succeed his mother as King Frederik X without a formal coronation.
• Born in Copenhagen in 1940, Margrethe ascended to the throne in 1972, succeeding her father, King Frederik IX, at the age of 31.
• Despite undergoing major back surgery in February 2023, the 83-year-old queen, nicknamed "Daisy," has been a cultural icon and artist, contributing to Denmark's cultural scene.
• Margrethe, who took the name Margrethe II, modernized the monarchy, increasing its popularity from 45% to over 80% among Danes during her 52-year reign.
• Her reign was not without challenges, including her husband Prince Consort Henrik's flamboyant style and public outbursts. After his death in 2018, Margrethe faced public disputes, including stripping titles from her youngest son's children in 2022.
• Denmark's most recent poll indicated strong support for the queen, with over 80 percent of Danes backing the monarchy.
• Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen praised Queen Margrethe as "the epitome of Denmark" and acknowledged the significant role she played in shaping the nation's identity.