After 52 years on the throne, Margrethe II of Denmark, Europe’s longest-reigning monarch declared on New Year’s Eve, surprising many, her intention to resign from her duties on January 14. Therefore, her son Prince Frederick is the one who will ascend the throne, as King Frederick X.

In her annual speech, the 83-year-old queen decided to announce her resignation, however, assuring the people of Denmark that is the right choice. As she explained, she came to this decision because of her deteriorating health.

She stated that after her back surgery in early 2023, began to “think about the future” and when to hand over the duties of the crown to her son. As he said, he knew this was the right time to take the plunge.

“I decided now is the right time. On January 14, 2024 – 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father – I will abdicate as Queen of Denmark. I leave the throne to my son, the heir to the throne, Frederick,” he said.

Who is Frederick the Crown Prince of Denmark?

Frederick Andreas Henry Christian, is next in line to the throne of Denmark as heir apparent. He is the eldest child of Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henry.

Frederik was reportedly born in Copenhagen on 26 May 1968. He was given the name Frederik in honor of his maternal grandfather, King Frederik IX, thus upholding the Danish royal custom of naming the heir either Frederik either Christian.

While attending college, he spent a period studying at Harvard in the United States, using the pseudonym Frederick Henriksen. He completed his education at Øregård Gymnasium and achieved a notable milestone as the first royal to obtain a master’s degree, holding an MSc in political science from Aarhus University.

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The prince, known by the nickname “Pingo” (Penguin), was a member of the Navy’s Frogmen Corps during his military service. In his selection process in 1995, he was distinguished as one of only four recruits out of a total of 300 to pass all the tests.

On 14 May 2004 the Crown Prince of Denmark married Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, an Australian marketing consultant whom he had met during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The couple exchanged vows on 14 May 2004 in Copenhagen Cathedral. .

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