Queen Margrethe abdicated so Mary and Frederik wouldn't end up like Charles, 75, and Camilla, 76, who look like they're 'ready for sheltered housing', claims former Danish Defense Minister

Queen Margrethe II signed her historic abdication yesterday after 52 years as Denmark's monarch, and a political commentator says the British royal family influenced her decision.

The 83-year-old Danish royal, who became queen in 1972, is “tired” after back surgery last year, according to political commentator Hans Engell.

However, the former minister also told the weekly See and Whorethat the real reason she resigned is because 'Mary and Frederik don't end up like Charles and Camilla'.

Engell said: 'There is no other explanation – apart from her health and her feeling tired – other than that she felt Frederick and Mary should not end up like Camilla and Charles, who became a royal couple at the age of 75, where they look more like a couple who need a sheltered home more than a castle.'

King Charles, 75, was heir apparent for 70 years and 214 days until his mother's death.

It made him the longest-serving heir to the throne in British history, surpassing William IV, who became monarch in June 1830 at the age of 64, as the oldest heir to become king.

His wife, Queen Camilla, is 76 years old and will turn 77 in July this year. She was also the oldest queen consort to be crowned in British history.

Queen Margrethe, Europe's longest-serving monarch, underwent successful back surgery in February following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

“The operation obviously gave rise to reflection on the future – whether it was time to pass the responsibility to the next generation,” she said in her speech.

“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.”

Yesterday, the festivities kicked off in Copenhagen when Denmark appointed Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary as their new king and queen.

A live broadcast from regional channel DR1 showed soldiers marching through the streets as excited crowds lined up to celebrate the low-key ceremony.

Born in 1940, Margrethe has enjoyed widespread support throughout her life from the Danes, who adore her tactful yet creative personality.

The monarch made headlines last year when she stripped the royal titles of the four children of her youngest son, Prince Joachim.

She enjoyed a close relationship with her third cousin, Queen Elizabeth II, both descendants of Queen Victoria, having bonded during several state visits to each other's countries over the decades – most recently in 2000, when Margrethe was received at Windsor.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed the decision in a press release paying tribute to the 83-year-old monarch and thanking Her Majesty the Queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom.

Margrethe is the “embodiment of Denmark,” Ms. Frederiksen's statement reads, and “over the years she has put words and feelings into who we are as a people and as a nation.”

The 1.80 meter tall Margrethe is one of the most popular public figures in Denmark. She often walked the streets of Copenhagen almost unaccompanied and won the admiration of Danes for her warm manners and for her talents as a linguist and designer.

She was an avid skier and, as a princess, was part of a Danish women's air force unit, where she took part in judo courses and endurance trials in the snow.

In 2011, at the age of 70, she visited Danish troops in southern Afghanistan, wearing a military jumpsuit.

As monarch, she crisscrossed the country, regularly visiting Greenland and the Faroe Islands, the two semi-independent territories that are part of the Danish Empire, and was met by cheering crowds everywhere.

Denmark has Europe's oldest ruling monarchy, dating back to the Viking king Gorm the Elder, who died in 958. Although Margrethe is head of state, the Danish constitution strictly excluded her involvement in party politics.

Margrethe was born on April 16, 1940, a week after Nazi Germany invaded Denmark. During the occupation, the little princess became a symbol of hope for the Danes.

She ascended the throne on January 15, 1972, after the death of her father.

But although she was his eldest child, she did not become heir presumptive until 1953, when the Danish constitution was amended to allow women to inherit the throne.

This followed a referendum in which more than 85 percent of participants voted in favor of female succession.

She married a Frenchman, Henri Marie Jean André de Laborde de Monpezat, later known as Prince Henrik, in 1967. They had two sons, Prince Frederik and Prince Joachim.

Despite having a long marriage of 50 years, her relationship with Henrik was plagued with controversy. Henrik surprised Danes by saying he felt like his wife had cast him aside in his own home.

Prince Henrik died in 2018 at the age of 83.