Denmark was slowly coming to terms on Monday with the unexpected abdication of their extremely popular Queen, Margrethe II, set for 14 January, after a 52-year reign.
“It was certainly a shock,” commented Copenhagen resident Stefan Teichert, 30, who watched his monarch’s announcement the previous day.
The Queen had repeatedly assured that she would never abdicate, promising, “I will remain on the throne until I fall.”
“We were all stunned. We were like, ‘What!? We're cancelling the New Year’s Eve celebration,'” added fellow Dane Maria Jepersen, 39, equating the news to the death of a family member.
For 21-year-old Rasmus Eliassen, the evening brought mixed emotions – both sadness and joy. “It’s good she’s leaving not because she’s passed away,” he confessed, feeling assured with the future king.
During her traditional New Year’s Eve speech, the 83-year-old queen passed the reins to her son, citing her age and health issues.
Popular and unifying, Margrethe II, a widow since 2018, underwent a major back surgery in February, keeping her from public appearances until April.
“This surgery led to pondering about the future, about whether it was time to pass the responsibilities to the next generation,” the queen disclosed.
Crown Prince Frederik will be proclaimed Denmark's monarch by the Council of State following his mother's official abdication on 14 January, becoming King Frederik X.
“Her son is ready now,” observed Copenhagen resident Jesper Volpius, 55, appreciating the Queen’s strength in making the decision to step down.
According to a Megafon poll conducted on 18 December and published by TV2, Margrethe II was the most popular royal family member, with 38% of Danes naming her as their favourite, followed by her son Frederik, with 29%.
