Denmark Queen Margrethe II 'steps down' after 52 years of historic reign, here's why...

Denmark's beloved Queen Margrethe II has announced that she will abdicate the throne in 2024 after more than 50 years of service, passing the crown to her eldest son Crown Prince Frederik.

The surprise declaration came during the 83-year-old monarch's annual New Year's Eve address televised across Denmark. She stated her intention to step down on January 14, exactly 52 years after succeeding her late father, King Frederik IX.

Why Queen Margrethe stepped down from the throne?

Queen Margrethe cited her age and health factors in the decision. Earlier this year, she underwent extensive back surgery which caused her to reflect on the future.

"The time takes its toll, and ailments increase. One cannot undertake as much as in the past," she acknowledged in her speech.

"I have decided now is the right time. I will hand over the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik," the queen proclaimed. At 83, she will be Europe's first reigning monarch to abdicate voluntarily since Pope Benedict XVI in 2013.

Who is Queen Margrethe?

Queen Margrethe was born in 1940 to King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid. She has consistently enjoyed widespread public admiration for her creative spirit and deft leadership.

Renowned for her passion for archaeology, Margrethe actively took part in numerous excavations over the decades. In 1953, a constitutional change granted her heir status, previously reserved for males.

She married French diplomat Count Henri de Laborde de Monpezat in 1967. He remained her beloved consort until passing in 2018. The couple had two sons, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim.

Who would lead the monarch?

Crown Prince Frederik wed Australian-born Mary Donaldson in 2004. Their union produced four heirs who will now be next in line when Frederik becomes King Frederik X upon his mother's abdication.

Queen Margrethe's reign has witnessed Denmark emerge as a pioneering nation globally. Her abdication marks the end of an era, but the beloved monarch will remain an honoured figure in Danish history.