Danish republicans mobilize after the shock abdication of Queen Margrethe II – who will stand aside for scandal-hit son Crown Prince Frederik

A group of Danish republicans are optimistic that the abdication of the ever-popular Queen Margrethe II will boost their campaign for an elected head of state in Denmark.

Queen Margrethe, 83, made the shock announcement in her New Year’s Eve speech, confirming she will step down on January 14 after 52 years on the throne.

She is succeeded by her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik.

The Danish queen, who took the throne in 1972, is the longest-serving monarch in Europe after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

Republicans in Denmark have mobilized in the wake of Queen Margrethe’s abdication, in the apparent hope that their campaign will be revived.

When Margrethe came to the throne in 1972, opinion polls showed that only 45 percent of the population supported the Danish monarchy. The times reports.

However, under the reign of Queen Margrethe this increased to 85 percent.

Republik Now, founded in 2010, hopes there will be an opportunity for their business to grow now that Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary will ascend the throne in January.

She has launched a “Not My King” campaign to “paint the monarchy as a profligate and unjust institution,” the newspaper said.

Mads Rundstrom, president of the organization, added: “I”I’m sure we’ll see support for the [Danish] monarchy decline. Margrethe continued to support the monarchy [but] Frederik will find that much more difficult.’

Mr Rundstrom has encouraged Crown Prince Frederik to participate in “free, fair and democratic elections”.

He added: “It is critical that anyone who wants to play this role takes it on [as head of state] must respect the democratic process and consult the Danish people. Without this necessary dialogue, it is difficult to consider a candidate suitable for the public sector.’

However, a quick poll this week put Frederik and Mary’s approval ratings at 84 and 85 percent respectively.

The Danish queen, who took the throne in 1972, is the longest-serving monarch in Europe after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022

Queen Margrethe II stated: ‘I have decided that this is the right time. On January 14, 2024, 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father, I will step down as Queen of Denmark.”

Queen Margrethe announced her abdication on New Year’s Eve to a great surprise.

In the speech, she said that her back surgery in February 2023 “naturally gave rise to thinking about the future – whether it is time to pass the responsibility to the next generation’.

She added: “I’ve decided this is the right time. On January 14, 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.”

The Danish Queen (right) is succeeded by her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik (centre), pictured with his Australian-born wife, Crown Princess Mary

Margrethe II was the eldest of the three daughters of King Frederick IX of Denmark and succeeded him to the throne in 1972

The Danish Queen’s son Frederik, Crown Prince and his wife Princess Mary and their four children

The Danish royal family has been rocked by rumors in recent weeks – after photos emerged of Crown Prince Frederik enjoying a night out with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova in Madrid in October.

Despite swirling rumors about the alleged ‘affair’, Crown Prince Frederik, 55, and his Australian-born wife, Crown Princess Mary, 51, made a show of unity as they entered Aarhus Cathedral on Sunday, December 24.

In Denmark, formal power lies with the elected parliament and its government. The monarch is expected to stay above party politics and represent the nation with traditional duties ranging from state visits to national holiday celebrations.