Queen Margrethe of Denmark Makes Last Public Appearance Before Controversial Abdication

The Queen of Denmark made her third appearance with Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary since the surprise abdication announcement

Queen Margrethe of Denmark rode in storybook style to her last public event before her historic abdication in 10 days.

On Thursday, the 83-year-old Queen traveled through the snowy streets of Copenhagen from Amalienborg Palace to Christiansborg Palace for a New Year’s reception in the Danish Royal House’s gold coach. Queen Margrethe gave a wave out the window of the horse-drawn transport dating back to 1840, which the court described as “the Royal House's finest carriage.” The monarch traditionally uses the gilded coach to travel to the New Year’s celebration for military officers and other officials, the Associated Press said, and she was escorted by members of the Hussar Regiment.

Despite freezing temperatures, thousands gathered in the street to cheer Queen Margrethe along the route.

Related: Why the New King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark Won't Have a Coronation Like King Charles

On New Year’s Eve, Queen Margrethe used her annual New Year’s Address to announce that she will abdicate on Jan. 14, the 52nd anniversary of her accession. Her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, will become monarch, and the Danish Royal House later confirmed his wife, Crown Princess Mary, will be known as Queen Mary following the change of reign.

Royal commentator Phil Dampier told The Telegraph that the news came as a shock to most Danes, as Margrethe had previously said she intended to reign for life. Dampier speculated that the decision was driven to bolster the bond between Frederik and Mary after rumors surfaced in November 2023 that the Crown Prince was having an affair after he was photographed with a socialite Geneveva Casanova during a private trip to Madrid. Casanova has denied allegations of a romantic relationship and the Crown Prince couple have continued to display a united front in the months since.

On Thursday, Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary stepped out for the third time together since the surprise abdication announcement. Queen Margrethe walked in solo at Christiansborg Palace, while Crown Prince Frederik, 55, and Crown Princess Mary, 51, entered together.

The trio attended the New Year’s banquet at Amalienborg Palace on Monday and reunited again at the New Year’s reception for the diplomatic corps at Christiansborg Palace on Wednesday.

Related: Meet Denmark's Royals: Your Guide to the Danish Monarchy's Family Tree

Queen Margrethe sat for most of the New Year reception on Wednesday, while her son and daughter-in-law stood at her side. Last year, she underwent an "extensive back surgery" following longstanding issues, with Crown Prince Frederik acting as regent for his mother for most of her recovery period.

"This will be the last time that I am your host," the Queen said at the event. "I wish you all a good year, even though there are dark clouds over many parts of the world."

While prefacing the abdication announcement in her New Year’s Address, Queen Margrethe cited the back surgery she had last February as what got her thinking about the reign change.

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“I have decided that now is the right time,” she said in the speech broadcast on Danish television and shared her wishes that the public would support “the new king and queen.”

Queen Margrethe will make history when she formally abdicates at a council of state meeting on Jan. 14, and become the first Danish monarch to step down from the throne in nearly 900 years, the Danish Royal House said in a statement. 

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