Queen of Denmark announces she will abdicate

Queen Margrethe announced in her New Year's speech that she plans to step down from the throne to make way for her son, Prince Frederik.

STEPPING DOWN FROM THE THRONE

The Queen of Denmark stated that she will hand over her position to her son on January 14, the 52nd anniversary of her accession to the throne. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also offered her thanks to "Her Majesty the Queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom."

In a statement released by the Prime Minister's office, it was noted: "In the new year, Crown Prince Frederik will be proclaimed king. Crown Princess Mary will become queen. There will be a new king and a new royal couple. We look forward to this, knowing that they are ready for this responsibility and duty."

Denmark's 83-year-old Queen Margrethe II was crowned in 1972.