Queen Margrethe, Prince Frederik and Princess Mary Step Out Together Following Change of Reign News

The Queen of Denmark announced in her New Year's speech that she would abdicate this month, making her eldest son the new monarch

Queen Margrethe of Denmark was joined by her soon-to-be successor for a palace reception following the announcement that she would abdicate the throne this month.

On Wednesday, Queen Margrethe stepped out at Christianborg Palace in Copenhagen to greet the diplomatic corps during a New Year reception. She was joined by her son Crown Prince Frederik and daughter-in-law Crown Princess Mary, who will become the new king and queen on January 14.

Queen Margrethe, 83, sat for most of the event, with Crown Prince Frederik, 55, and Crown Princess Mary, 51, standing to 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 palace reception. "I wish you all a good year, even though there are dark clouds over many parts of the world."

Related: Did Queen Margrethe of Denmark Abdicate to Save Son Prince Frederik's Marriage amid Affair Rumors?

The event was part of a number of 2024 celebrations in Denmark, which included a white-tie reception (complete with tiaras!) at Amalienborg Palace on Monday evening.

Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary all attended the event, along with the Queen's younger son, Prince Joachim, and his wife, Princess Marie.

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In a shocking announcement made during her annual New Year's speech on Sunday, Queen Margrethe revealed that she would step down as monarch this month.

"In February this year, I underwent extensive back surgery. Everything went well, thanks to the competent health personnel, who took care of me. Inevitably, the operation gave cause to thoughts about the future – whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation," she said, per an English translation of the official speech transcription.

"I have decided that now is the right time. On 14 January 2024, 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father, I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I leave the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik," Queen Margrethe continued.

Related: Danish Royal House Announces New Titles amid Queen Margrethe's Shock Abdication

Queen Margrethe will become the first Danish monarch to step down in over 500 years, after previously stating that she intended to reign for life, like her third cousin Queen Elizabeth, who reigned in the U.K. for over 70 years until her death in Sept. 2022.

Author and royal commentator Phil Dampier spoke to The Telegraph about Queen Margrethe's surprise decision coming shortly after Crown Prince Frederik was accused of having an affair with Mexican-born socialite Geneveva Casanova after they were photographed together during his private trip to Madrid.

“It’s possible that the Queen took this action because she would have been terrified of the marriage breaking up and the royal family losing Mary. It would have caused major problems. The Queen has always seen Mary as a tremendous asset,” Dampier said.

“It just seems an extraordinary coincidence that she should make this unexpected announcement just a couple of months after stories emerged of the Crown Prince supposedly having an affair,” the author added. “In two weeks’ time, the Prince and Princess will be pitched together as King and Queen and they will have to get on with it. The Queen may be thinking that they will patch up their differences and it will save their marriage.”

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