Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II makes last public appearance before stepping down
Denmark's current ruler, Queen Margrethe II, marked her final New Year's celebrations before stepping down from the throne soon. She traveled through the capital of Denmark in a gold-colored horse and a carriage, which is considered the longest procession of its kind in Europe.
Despite the bitter cold, fierce gusts, and snowy precipitation, hordes of people gathered to show their support for the beloved queen as she made her way down the path on Thursday. This event would be her final public engagement as the reigning monarch.
On January 14th, she will abdicate from the throne after ruling for 52 years.
The oldest ruling monarchy in Europe is about to experience something unprecedented - an 83-year-old monarch abdicating. Crown Prince Frederik will take her place, marking the first time this has happened in nearly 900 years.
Margrethe traveled in the Gold Coach, a special carriage that is drawn by six majestic white horses. This carriage is reserved specifically for the monarch's journey from the regal Amalienborg Palace to the Christiansborg Palace during the customary New Year's festivities, where she is accompanied by officers of the armed forces, among other esteemed personalities.
The ruler donned a jacket made of fur and donned white hand coverings while riding in a carriage from the 1800s that was enclosed. The carriage was embellished with 24-carat gold leaf and featured four gold crowns on top of the roof.
The group was accompanied by individuals belonging to the Hussar Regiment dressed in blue attire with jackets in the hue of red.
Earlier this week, Queen Margrethe hosted several social gatherings to welcome the Danish government, parliament, high-ranking civil and military officers, and foreign envoys.
The Christiansborg Palace serves as a venue for important royal ceremonies like fancy dinners and meetings with the public. Additionally, it hosts the Danish parliament, the office of the prime minister, and the top court of Denmark.
The distance between Amalienborg is slightly more than 0.5 miles.
On January 14, during a state council, the queen will officially resign from her position. This will allow Frederik, who is 55 years old, and his wife Mary, who was born in Australia and is 51, to take on the titles of king and queen of Denmark.
Even though some monarchs in various European nations have stepped down from their position to give way to younger royals to lead, Denmark doesn't follow this custom.
Margrethe had been firm in her decision of not resigning for many years.
However, her well-being has recently shifted.
During her TV speech on December 31, Margrethe disclosed that her back operation in early 2023 provoked some deep thinking about what lies ahead and when she ought to hand over the duties of the royal crown to her son. She made it clear that she's chosen the present moment to take action.
In 1972, she became the ruler after her father, King Frederik IX, passed away. At that time, only 42% of the people in Denmark were in favor of the monarchy. However, according to the latest survey, 84% of Danish citizens now either fully or partly support the monarchy.
