Queen Margrethe II of Denmark gave a shock announcement in her New Year’s address, revealing on January 14 she will stand down as monarch and let her son Crown Prince Frederik take up the job.
Reflecting on 2023, Queen Margrethe, 83, said it was surgery she’d had that year which prompted her to think about leaving the throne.
She said: “The surgery naturally gave rise to thinking about the future – whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation.”
She added: “I have decided that now is the right time,” thanking the Danish public for their support.
There have been several monarchs in Europe who have abdicated the throne in recent years, in the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain. But should King Charles follow suit?
As Queen Elizabeth II came to the end of her reign, there was talk of her abdicating in favour of Charles. Now the same is being said of Charles for Prince William.
A GB News report claimed William “never wants King Charles to abdicate” but does want “more control” when it comes to the monarchy.
And some Express readers agree with giving William more control, with commenter carriejane writing: “That certainly makes sense. The role of a Monarch is never ending and if Prince William takes on some of the work load, it will help the King and give Prince William the chance to get used to some of the work load.”
However others have called for Charles to pass the throne over to his eldest son, with author Simon Jenkins writing in the Guardian: “Queen Margrethe is the latest European monarch to make way for new blood. It puts our archaic system to shame.”
So should King Charles abdicate and let Prince William take the throne? Or should he remain as King? Vote in our poll and have your say in the comments.
If you can’t see the poll below, click here.
