Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced her abdication in her New Year's Eve speech, with her mind set on securing the future of the Danish Royal Family amid rumors of her son Crown Prince Frederik's marriage crumbling. Margrethe's announcement came after 52 years on the throne, during which she became Europe's longest-reigning living monarch, and she will pass the throne to her son on January 14. The decision was influenced by her back surgery in early 2023 and her son's marriage troubles, with the Prime Minister thanking her for her lifelong dedication to the kingdom.