Australian-born Princess Mary of Denmark to become the next Danish Queen after monarch’s shock abdication
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In a surprising turn of events, Denmark's Queen Margrethe II announced her decision to abdicate the throne on January 14, 2024, marking the end of a five-decade reign.
This unexpected announcement has sent ripples through the royal circles and left the world anticipating what's to come.
Queen Margrethe II, at the age of 83, is currently the longest-serving monarch in Europe, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth last year.
Her reign, which began on January 14, 1972, following her father, King Frederik IX's death, has been marked by her warm personality, linguistic prowess, and artistic talents.
The queen has been a beloved figure in Denmark, often seen walking the streets of Copenhagen practically by herself, winning the hearts of Danes with her approachable demeanour.
However, a major operation led her to contemplate her future and the future of the Danish monarchy.
'In February [of 2023], I underwent extensive back surgery,' she said.
'Everything went well, thanks to the competent health personnel who took care of me. Inevitably, the operation gave cause to thoughts about the future—whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation.'
‘I have decided that now is the right time,’ Her Majesty added.
The Queen's decision to abdicate will see her son, Crown Prince Frederik, ascend to the throne, marking a new era for the Danish monarchy.
This transition will also pave the way for Crown Princess Mary, who first met Crown Prince Frederik at a Sydney pub during the Olympic Games in 2000, to become the new queen.
The couple, who have four children, are about to embark on a new journey as the King and Queen of Denmark, a role that will undoubtedly bring about significant changes in their lives.
The Danish Prime Minister's office has also confirmed Prince Frederik’s ascension as His Majesty King Frederik X in January 2024.
Following a meeting in the Council of State, the prime minister will announce the change of throne at Christiansborg Castle. Queen Margrethe II will continue to be addressed as Her Majesty despite stepping down.
You can watch Queen Margrethe II’s abdication speech here:
While largely ceremonial, the Danish monarchy plays a crucial role in the country's constitution. The monarchs serve as important ambassadors and are responsible for signing off on new legislation.
As such, the abdication of Queen Margrethe II and the ascension of King Frederik X will mark a significant shift in the Danish royal landscape.
Attending Taroona High School in the shadow of sandy beaches and dolerite cliffs, Mary stood out with her 'outgoing' nature and leadership skills, according to former principal Robin Fox. Little did he know, she would one day stand in line to be Queen.
After university, Mary pursued advertising and luxury real estate in Australia's bustling cities. But a chance encounter at 28 would set her life on an astonishing trajectory.
Some would say how the Danish Prince and Princess met takes the phrase ‘chance encounter’ to another level.
While working in Sydney in 2000, Mary's flatmate invited her to drinks one night. Her flatmate was, in turn, invited by a friend. It turns out that this friend was invited by their sister, who was invited by the then-Prince of Asturias Felipe VI (incidentally, now the King of Spain).
It is said that sparks immediately flew between the prince from Denmark and the down-to-earth Tasmanian girl. Frederik returned to secretly visit Mary, their romance blossoming over the next 12 months.
Sensing immense change ahead, Mary undertook an intensive self-improvement course to gain confidence befitting royalty. The training paid off—after moving to Denmark in 2001, Mary quickly won over Frederik's subjects.
'We love Mary so much that I think Australia actually came closer to Scandinavia when we learned of her,' said Danish journalist Kristian Ring-Hansen Holt. Her effortless Danish and warm personality 'took the hearts of the Danes’.
On October 8, 2003, Frederik proposed in a fairy-tale moment. Their royal wedding in Copenhagen the following May sparked Tasmanian pride in Mary's achievement. True enough, sailing heritage even graced celebrations—the royal yacht is named Tasmania.
Now a dedicated mother of four, Mary is about to become Queen after the surprise abdication of Europe's longest-reigning monarch, Queen Margrethe II.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff joined Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in praising the new Queen-to-be’s readiness. 'I look forward to watching the next generation and Tasmania’s own born Queen lead Denmark’s future,' he stated.
What are your thoughts on this surprising royal news, members? Share them in the comments below.
This unexpected announcement has sent ripples through the royal circles and left the world anticipating what's to come.
Queen Margrethe II, at the age of 83, is currently the longest-serving monarch in Europe, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth last year.
Her reign, which began on January 14, 1972, following her father, King Frederik IX's death, has been marked by her warm personality, linguistic prowess, and artistic talents.
Denmark's Queen Margrethe II decided to abdicate the throne this year. Credit: @RoyalCentral/X (Twitter)
The queen has been a beloved figure in Denmark, often seen walking the streets of Copenhagen practically by herself, winning the hearts of Danes with her approachable demeanour.
However, a major operation led her to contemplate her future and the future of the Danish monarchy.
'In February [of 2023], I underwent extensive back surgery,' she said.
'Everything went well, thanks to the competent health personnel who took care of me. Inevitably, the operation gave cause to thoughts about the future—whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation.'
‘I have decided that now is the right time,’ Her Majesty added.
The Queen's decision to abdicate will see her son, Crown Prince Frederik, ascend to the throne, marking a new era for the Danish monarchy.
This transition will also pave the way for Crown Princess Mary, who first met Crown Prince Frederik at a Sydney pub during the Olympic Games in 2000, to become the new queen.
The couple, who have four children, are about to embark on a new journey as the King and Queen of Denmark, a role that will undoubtedly bring about significant changes in their lives.
The Danish Prime Minister's office has also confirmed Prince Frederik’s ascension as His Majesty King Frederik X in January 2024.
Following a meeting in the Council of State, the prime minister will announce the change of throne at Christiansborg Castle. Queen Margrethe II will continue to be addressed as Her Majesty despite stepping down.
You can watch Queen Margrethe II’s abdication speech here:
While largely ceremonial, the Danish monarchy plays a crucial role in the country's constitution. The monarchs serve as important ambassadors and are responsible for signing off on new legislation.
As such, the abdication of Queen Margrethe II and the ascension of King Frederik X will mark a significant shift in the Danish royal landscape.
From Tassie to Denmark: Australian-born Danish Crown Princess Mary’s path to royalty
Mary, born in 1972 to mathematics professor John Dalgleish Donaldson and executive assistant Henrietta Clark, lived an ordinary suburban upbringing in Hobart.
The Crown Princess was born in Australia in 1972. Credit: @kensingtonblue/X (Twitter)
Attending Taroona High School in the shadow of sandy beaches and dolerite cliffs, Mary stood out with her 'outgoing' nature and leadership skills, according to former principal Robin Fox. Little did he know, she would one day stand in line to be Queen.
After university, Mary pursued advertising and luxury real estate in Australia's bustling cities. But a chance encounter at 28 would set her life on an astonishing trajectory.
Some would say how the Danish Prince and Princess met takes the phrase ‘chance encounter’ to another level.
While working in Sydney in 2000, Mary's flatmate invited her to drinks one night. Her flatmate was, in turn, invited by a friend. It turns out that this friend was invited by their sister, who was invited by the then-Prince of Asturias Felipe VI (incidentally, now the King of Spain).
It is said that sparks immediately flew between the prince from Denmark and the down-to-earth Tasmanian girl. Frederik returned to secretly visit Mary, their romance blossoming over the next 12 months.
Sensing immense change ahead, Mary undertook an intensive self-improvement course to gain confidence befitting royalty. The training paid off—after moving to Denmark in 2001, Mary quickly won over Frederik's subjects.
'We love Mary so much that I think Australia actually came closer to Scandinavia when we learned of her,' said Danish journalist Kristian Ring-Hansen Holt. Her effortless Danish and warm personality 'took the hearts of the Danes’.
On October 8, 2003, Frederik proposed in a fairy-tale moment. Their royal wedding in Copenhagen the following May sparked Tasmanian pride in Mary's achievement. True enough, sailing heritage even graced celebrations—the royal yacht is named Tasmania.
Now a dedicated mother of four, Mary is about to become Queen after the surprise abdication of Europe's longest-reigning monarch, Queen Margrethe II.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff joined Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in praising the new Queen-to-be’s readiness. 'I look forward to watching the next generation and Tasmania’s own born Queen lead Denmark’s future,' he stated.
What are your thoughts on this surprising royal news, members? Share them in the comments below.
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he is to have someone like our Mary stand by him , leopards 
never change their spots.
