Queen Margrethe of Denmark Makes Last Public Appearance Before Controversial Abdication

Denmark’s Queen Margrethe rode in storybook style for her last public event before her historic abdication in 10 days.

On Thursday, the 83-year-old queen traveled through the snowy streets of Copenhagen from Amalienborg Palace to Christiansborg Palace for a New Year’s reception in the Danish royal house’s golden carriage. Queen Margrethe waved through the window of the 1840 horse-drawn carriage, described by the court as “the finest carriage in the royal household”. The monarch traditionally uses a gilded carriage to travel to New Year’s celebrations for military officers and other officials, the Associated Press said, and was escorted by members of the Hussar Regiment.

Despite freezing temperatures, thousands lined the streets to cheer Queen Margrethe along the route.

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On New Year’s Eve, Queen Margrethe used her annual New Year’s speech to announce that she would abdicate on January 14, her 52nd anniversary on the throne. Her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, will become monarch, and the Danish royal house later confirmed that his wife, Crown Princess Mary, will be known as Queen Mary after the change of rule.

Royal commentator Phil Dampier said The Telegraph that the news came as a shock to most Danes, as Margrethe had previously said she intended to rule for life. Dampier speculated that the decision was made to strengthen the bond between Frederik and Mary after rumors emerged in November 2023 that the heir to the throne was having an affair after he was photographed with socialite Geneveva Casanova during a private trip to Madrid. Casanova dismissed allegations of a romantic relationship, and the heir to the throne couple continued to present a united front in the months since.

Queen Margrethe enters the New Year reception at Christiansborg Palace on January 4.

Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP/Getty

On Thursday, Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary stepped out together for the third time since the sudden announcement of the abdication. Queen Margrethe walked alone through Christiansborg Palace, while Crown Prince Frederik (55) and Crown Princess Mary (51) entered together.

The trio attended a New Year’s banquet at Amalienborg Palace on Monday and reunited for a New Year’s reception for the diplomatic corps at Christiansborg Palace on Wednesday.

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Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik enter the New Year reception at Christiansborg Palace on January 4.

Martin Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP/Getty

Queen Margrethe sat for most of Wednesday’s New Year’s reception, with her son and daughter-in-law standing by her side. She underwent “extensive back surgery” last year after long-term problems, and Crown Prince Frederik has been his mother’s regent for much of her recovery.

“This will be the last time I host you,” the Queen said at the event. “I wish you all a good year, even though there are dark clouds over many parts of the world.”

As she introduced the abdication in her New Year’s address, Queen Margrethe cited back surgery she had last February as what prompted her to consider a change of reign.

Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary greet the diplomatic corps during a New Year’s reception at Christiansborg Palace on January 3.

IDA MARIE ODGAARD/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images

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“I have decided that now is the right time,” she said in a speech broadcast by Danish television and shared her wishes for the public to support the “new king and queen.”

Queen Margrethe will make history when she formally abdicates at a meeting of the State Council on January 14 and becomes the first Danish monarch to step down from the throne in nearly 900 years, according to a statement from the Danish royal house.

Queen Margrethe’s New Year’s speech on December 31, 2023.

Keld Navntoft / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP via Getty

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Source: HIS Education