"Denmark Bids Farewell to Queen Margrethe II as Princess Mary's Unexpected Reign Begins"

Denmark's Queen Margrethe, Europe's longest reigning monarch, made her final public appearance in a traditional New Year's procession before her planned abdication on January 14, 2024. She rode through Copenhagen in a gilded coach, escorted by the Hussar Regiment, greeted by thousands of supporters. The 83-year-old queen will pass the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik, marking the first resignation in nearly 900 years of Europe's oldest ruling monarchy. Her decision comes after health considerations following back surgery in early 2023. Public support for the Danish monarchy has significantly increased during her reign, from 42% at her accession in 1972 to 84% in recent surveys.