That must have taken some switching!
Queen Margrethe surprised the world with her unexpected abdication, which she announced during her New Year’s speech. But while we would expect that such a decision had been known behind closed doors for months, it now appears that even Prince Frederik, the intended heir to the throne, was only informed at the last minute.
Frederik and Joachim
Queen Margrethe informed her sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim, of her abdication just 72 hours before the announcement. This is confirmed by Lene Balleby, head of communications for the Danish royal house. She told the local newspaper Berlingske: “I can confirm that the Queen informed both the Crown Prince and Prince Joachim of the choice on December 28.” That must have taken some switching!
The spokeswoman cannot confirm when the court and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen heard the news. “I can only say that this was at very short notice.”
Voluntary abdication
Queen Margrethe is the first Danish monarch in 900 years to voluntarily abdicate the throne. According to historian Mie Ellekilde, the unusual nature of the decision may have been a reason for Margrethe to break the news to her close circle at the last minute.
“In Denmark, abdications are not a tradition, so it is quite outrageous that Crown Prince Frederik has not had more than three days to get used to the idea of being the new head of state,” Ellekilde noted.
New Year’s banquet
On January 1, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary made their first public appearance since the announcement, at the New Year’s banquet at Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen.
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Of course, the festive banquet had a bittersweet edge, as it would be the last time Margrethe (a much-loved monarch) hosted this festive affair. And for the crown prince couple the evening was just as special, as it was the first time they showed up after the big announcement. And despite that surprising twist, the couple already looks like they are ready for their role as royal couple!
Source: People Magazine, Glamial archive | Image: NL Image / Brunopress, Instagram @detdanskekongehus
