Queen Margrethe of Denmark abdicates
Frederik, Mary and Christian with new titles
Crown Prince Frederik (l.), Prince Christian and Crown Princess Mary will receive new titles on January 14th.
© imago/PPE
After the queen’s abdication, the new royal couple ascends to the throne. Frederik, Mary and their son will bear these titles in the future.
When Queen Margrethe II of Denmark (83) abdicates on January 14th after 52 years, she will be followed by Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark (55) and his wife Mary of Denmark (51). What titles the new royal couple will have the palace has now officially announced.
Queen instead of king’s wife
“On Sunday, January 14, 2024, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will ascend to the Danish throne as HM King Frederik the Tenth. At the same time, Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess will be known as HM Queen Mary. The royal couple will henceforth use the title King and Queen of Denmark,” says the court’s announcement.
It is therefore clear that Mary, who was born in Australia, will have the title of queen – royal wife would also have been conceivable.
The Danish Royal Palace also announced the new title of the firstborn of the future royal couple, previously known as Prince Christian (18): “His Royal Highness Prince Christian will become heir to the throne and will henceforth bear the title His Royal Highness Crown Prince Christian.”
Margrethe remains queen
And the successor title was also determined for the still reigning queen. “After the succession to the throne, HM The Queen will continue to be Her Majesty and will carry the title HM Queen Margrethe.”
Unlike in the Netherlands, for example, Margrethe will retain her title of Queen. The former Queen Beatrix (85) has called herself Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands since her abdication on January 28, 2013 – three days before her 75th birthday.
King Juan Carlos I of Spain (85), however, retained the honorary title of king for life after his abdication on June 18, 2014.