Queen Margrethe of Denmark has announced on New Year’s Eve that she will abdicate on the 14th of January 2024, exactly 52 years after she became Queen. With the death of Queen Elizabeth II last year, she currently is the only reignant Queen. But who is she?
Youth
Margrethe II was born on the 16th of April 1940. She is the eldest child of King Frederick IX and Queen Ingrid. Margrethe succeeded her father upon his death on 14 January 1972.
Margrethe has two sisters: Benedikte (1944) and Anne-Marie (1946). The three girls grew up at the Frederick VIII’s Palace at Amalienborg in Copenhagen. On 20 April 1947, King Christian X died and Margrethe’s father ascended the throne as King Frederick IX. She only became heir presumptive to her father in 1953, after a constitutional amendment had been created to allow women to inherit the throne.
Marriage and family
During her studies, Margrethe met the French diplomat, Henri de Laborde de Monpezat, who worked at the French Embassy in London. They were married on 10 June 1967 in Copenhagen. Henri received the title His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark.
The couple was blessed with two children: Frederick (26 May 1968) and Joachim (7 June 1969).
To honour her husband, Margrethe announced in 2008 that her male-line descendants would bear the additional title of Count or Countess of Monpezat.
Accession
Margrethe’s father King Frederick IX died on 14 January 1972. Margrethe succeeded him to the throne at the age of 31. She was the first female ruler of Denmark. She became Margrethe II.
As a constitutional sovereign, the Queen takes no part in party politics and does not express any political opinions.
Artist
Margrethe is an accomplished painter and has exhibited many of her works over the years. From illustrating Prince Henrik’s poetry collection Cantabile to some works inspired by nature, together with Queen Sonja of Norway.
Under the pseudonym Ingahild Grathmer (an anagram of her name), she illustrated the Danish editions of The Lord of the Rings. J. R. R. Tolkien was impressed.
Abdication
On 31 December 2023, Margrethe announced her abdication. After 52 years, she confessed that her health no longer allowed her to perform many official duties.
Her son Crown Prince Frederik will succeed her as King Frederik X. After her abdication, she will be referred to as “Her Majesty Queen Margrethe”.
I’m looking forward to see how the abdication will take place. Are you?
Do you want to see more pictures of Queen Margrethe II? Have a look at my Pinterest Board:
Bax of Things 