Denmark's Queen Margrethe broke 'invisible pact' between Scandinavian monarchs to never abdicate, royal expert says - but could her shock announcement cause a domino effect in Sweden and Norway?
Daily MailQueen Margrethe of Denmark shocked royal watchers around the world as she rang in the new year by announcing her abdication following 52 years on the throne. Then-Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, then-Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Prince Joachim of Denmark arrive for the Queen's 83rd birthday celebrations at Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen on April 16, 2023 After the Danish royal family spent the last two years grappling with various scandals including the Queen's surprise decision to strip her grandchildren of their princely titles and rumours of an 'affair' after Crown Prince Frederik was spotted out in Madrid with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova, the monarch's decision to retire may provide a much-needed fresh start. Princess Martha Louise of Norway stepped down as a working royal in 2019 after she became engaged to Shamanic healer Durek Verrett Queen Sonja of Norway, King Harald of Norway and Princess Martha Louise of Norway attend the unveiling of Norwegian Trekking Association gift for The Queen of Norway 80th birthday on July 4, 2017 King Carl Gustaf and Crown Princess Victoria attend King Charles's Coronation at Westminster Abbey in May 2023 In February, Margrethe underwent a successful back surgery. Pictured: Her Majesty during her New Year's speech, in which she announced her abdication The decision means that from January 14 Crown Prince Frederik will become king, while his wife Princess Mary will become queen. Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, The traditional King's dinner in honor for the Nobel prize winner in Stockholm, Sweden, December 11, 2023 Queen Silvia of Sweden donned a glittering golden gown as she joined her fellow European royals to mark her husband King Carl Gustaf's 50 years on the throne in September King Carl Gustaf and Crown Princess Victoria attend the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum 2023 to mark the Swedish EU Presidency at the Scandinavian XPO in Arlanda stad in Stockholm, Sweden, May 13, 2023 When she is crowned, Victoria will become the first reigning queen in the royal family of Sweden since 1818 following the parliamentary change to the Act of Succession that introduced absolute primogeniture.