Prince Frederik Found Out Queen Margrethe Was Abdicating Just Days Before Her Announcement
Queen Margrethe's abdication news wasn't just a shock to the world; it was a surprise to her sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim, too.
According to Danish newspaper Berlingske, Frederik found out his mother's plans to abdicate on December 28—just three days before she announced it in her New Year's Eve speech. (The abdication news clearly hasn't been without drama.) Prince Joachim, who currently lives in Washington D.C. with his family, was home for Christmas, and will return for his brother's accession.
In her speech, the Danish queen said, "In February this year I underwent extensive back surgery. It went well, thanks to the skilled healthcare staff who took care of me. Of course, the operation also gave rise to thinking about the future—whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation. I have decided that now is the right time."
She concluded by saying, "The support and assistance that I have received over the years has been decisive for me being able to carry out my task. It is my hope that the new royal couple will be met with the same trust and affection that I have received. They deserve it! Denmark deserves it!"
On Sunday, Queen Margrethe will sign a declaration of abdication at Christiansborg Palace at a Council of State meeting. Shortly after, her son will be King Frederik X, and her daughter-in-law will be Queen Mary. The new King and Queen will hold a reception at Christiansborg Palace, and following, the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, will proclaim King Frederik X from the balcony of the Palace. Unlike in the UK, there will be no grand coronation ceremony.
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