In a dramatic and unexpected announcement, Denmark's Queen Margrethe II announced, during her traditional New Year's celebration speech, that she will abdicate the throne and pass it on to her son in exactly 14 days, after more than 52 consecutive years of reign.
The Queen made the announcement during the traditional speech and explained that: "I have decided that now is the right time. On January 14, 2024 - 52 years after I replaced my beloved father - I will retire from the position of Queen of Denmark. I leave the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik."
Queen Margrethe went on to address the people of Denmark and told them: "Tonight, first of all, I want to say thank you. Thank you for the warmth and incredible support I have received over the years. Thank you to the successive governments, who have always been rewarding to work with, and to the Danish Parliament, who have always met me with confidence. My thanks need to go to all the many, many people who, on special occasions, as well as in my everyday life, surrounded me and my family with loving words and thoughts. It turned these years into a series of gems."
At the end, the Queen explained her decision and told the people of Denmark: "The support and assistance I have received over the years lead me to carry out my mission and announce the end of my reign. I hope that the new royal couple will have the same trust and affection that I received. They deserve it, Denmark deserves it."
Queen Margrethe II was the oldest royal scion in continental Europe since Queen Elizabeth died, and was also the last queen on the continent. Now that she'll switch with her son in about two weeks, all European royal scions will be male.