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In a surprise move, Denmark's Queen Margrethe II has announced she will abdicate her role early in 2024, after a reign lasting more than five decades.
Margrethe, 83, will hand over the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik, she said in her traditional New Year's Eve speech broadcast on Danish television.
She cited back surgery in February 2023 as giving her thoughts about the future.
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The queen leaves the thrown to Crown Prince Frederick, paving the way for Princess Mary to become the new queen.
What this means for Mary, is that her life is about to change dramatically.
More than 20 years since first meeting Prince Frederick at a Sydney pub during the Olympic Games in 2000, the couple, who have four children, are about to become the new King and Queen of Denmark.
At 83 years old, Margrethe is the longest serving current monarch in Europe after the death of Queen Elizabeth last year
"In two weeks time I have been Queen of Denmark for 52 years," Margrethe said.
"Such an amount will leave its mark on anybody – also on me! The time takes its toll, and the number of 'ailments' increases. One cannot undertake as much as one managed in the past," she added.
"In February this year I underwent extensive back surgery," she said. "Everything went well, thanks to the competent health personnel, who took care of me. Inevitably, the operation gave cause to thoughts about the future – whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation.
"I have decided that now is the right time," she said.
"On 14th January, 2024 – 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father – I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I will hand over the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik.
Queen Margrethe II took over the throne on January 14, 1972, following the death of King Frederik IX.
The 1.82 metre, chain-smoking Margrethe has been one of the most popular public figures in Denmark, where the monarch's role is largely ceremonial.
She often walked the streets of Copenhagen virtually unescorted and won the admiration of Danes for her warm manners and for her talents as a linguist and designer.
Prince Frederik will take over the throne as His Majesty King Frederik X in January, the Danish Prime Minister's office said in a statement.
After a meeting in the Council of State, the prime minister will proclaim the change of throne at Christiansborg Castle.
The Queen will continue to be titled as Her Majesty following the handover.
Denmark's royals have a limited role under the country's constitution, with power resting with parliament.
Monarchs play an important ambassadorial role as well as signing off on new legislation.
With agencies
