The sun has set across Denmark on the final full day of the reign of Queen Margrethe II.
As evening fell on January 13th 2024, the only monarch that most of the Danish population have ever known was making the final preparations for her abdication.
Margrethe II gives up the throne on January 14th 2024, the 52nd anniversary of her accession. By the time the sun sets on that day of history her elder son will have become King Frederik X with the royal standard denoting the home of the monarch set to be transferred to his palace in the evening of that day of history.
Tributes continued to be paid to Margrethe II as the final hours of her historic reign ticked by. On the evening of January 12th 2024, a special TV programme thanking the Queen of Denmark for her service was broadcast with crowds gathering in the centre of Copenhagen for it.
The Danish monarch spoke herself during the show, saying ”I don’t know how to say thank you for the fantastic celebration you have given me. I am almost speechless. But thank you from the bottom of my heart….”
The show looked back at the many achievements of Margrethe II’s reign and highlighted her friendships with some of the most celebrated people of the 20th and 21st centuries including Queen Elizabeth II and former US President, Barack Obama.
There were also tributes to her consort, Prince Henrik, who was at her side for 46 years until his death in February 2018.
Margrethe II will abdicate at 2pm on January 14th 2024 at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen and the throne will pass instantly to her son who will, from the moment her signature is complete on her Declaration of Abdication, be King Frederik X.
