Queen Margrethe abdicated so that Mary and Frederik didn't end up like Charles, 75, and Camilla, 76, who look like they're 'ready for sheltered housing', former Danish defence minister claims

Queen Margrethe II signed her historic abdication after 52 years as monarchRead More: Queen Margrethe II's last words before leaving State of Council 

Queen Margrethe II signed her historic abdication after 52 years as monarch of Denmark yesterday, and according to a political commentator, Britain’s royal family  influenced her decision.

According to political commentator Hans Engell, the Danish royal, 83, who becamse Queen in 1972, is ‘tired’ after having back surgery last year.

However, the former minister also told the weekly magazine Se og Hoer, that the real reason she abdicated is so that ‘Mary and Frederik don’t end up like Charles and Camilla’.

Engell said: ‘There is no other explanation – apart from her health and that she feels tired – other than that she thought that Frederik and Mary should not end up like Camilla and Charles, who became a royal couple at 75 years old, where they look more like a couple, who need a sheltered home more than a castle.’

Queen Margrethe II signed her historic abdication after 52 years as monarch, to her son- the new King Frederik yesterday

King Charles, 75, was heir apparent for 70 years and 214 days until the death of his mother.

It made him the longest-serving heir to the throne in British history and he surpassed William IV, who became monarch in June 1830, aged 64 years, as the oldest heir to become King.

His wife, Queen Camilla, is 76 years old, and will turn 77 in July this year. She was also the oldest Queen Consort in British history to be crowned.

Queen Margrethe, the longest-serving monarch in Europe, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, underwent a successful back surgery in February.

‘The surgery naturally gave rise to thinking about the future – whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation,’ she said in her speech.

‘I have decided that now is the right time. On January 14, 2024, 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father, I will step down as Queen of Denmark.

‘I leave the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik.’

Yesterday, festivities kicked off in Copenhagen as Denmark made Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary their new King and Queen.

A live broadcast from regional channel DR1 showed soldiers marching up and down the streets as excited crowds lined up, to celebrate the low-key ceremony.

Born in 1940, Margrethe has throughout her life enjoyed broad support from Danes, who are fond of her tactful and yet creative personality.

Yesterday, festivities kicked off in Copenhagen as Denmark made Crown Prince Frederik (left) and Crown Princess Mary (right) their new King and Queen

Political commentator Hans Engell told the weekly magazine Se og Hoer, that the real reason she abdicated is so that ‘Mary and Frederik don’t end up like Charles and Camilla’ (pictured in 2023)

The monarch hit the headlines last year when she removed royal titles from the four children of her younger son Prince Joachim.

She enjoyed a close relationship with her third cousin Queen Elizabeth II, both descendants of Queen Victoria, having bonded during several state visits to each other’s countries down the decades – most recently in 2000, when Margrethe was received at Windsor.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed the decision in a news release that paid tribute to the 83-year-old monarch, offering a ‘heartfelt thank you to Her Majesty the Queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom’.

Margrethe is the ‘epitome of Denmark’ Ms Frederiksen’s statement read, and ‘throughout the years has put words and feelings into who we are as a people and as a nation’.

Queen Margrethe’s abdication has kicked off as Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary – along with their son Prince Christian – have begun to make their way to Christiansborg Castle

Margrethe signed her historic abdication after 52 years as monarch, Danish broadcaster DR has said

Margrethe II followed in a carriage, waving at delighted crowds as she left from Christian IX’s Palace

Margrethe appeared in great spirits as she beamed at delighted crowds from her carriage – and waved

The six-feet-tall Margrethe has been one of the most popular public figures in Denmark. She often walked the streets of Copenhagen virtually unescorted and won the admiration of Danes for her warm manners and for her talents as a linguist and designer.

A keen skier, she was a member of a Danish women’s air force unit as a princess, taking part in judo courses and endurance tests in the snow.

In 2011, at age 70, she visited Danish troops in southern Afghanistan wearing a military jumpsuit.

As monarch, she crisscrossed the country and regularly visited Greenland and the Faeroe Islands, the two semi-independent territories which are part of the Danish Realm, and was met everywhere by cheering crowds.

Denmark has Europe’s oldest ruling monarchy, which traces its line back to the Viking king Gorm the Old, who died in 958. Although Margrethe is head of state, the Danish Constitution strictly ruled out her involvement in party politics.

Queen Margrethe smiled as she delivered her annual speech on New Year’s Eve – and told the Danish public she is stepping down in favour of her son

Margrethe was born on April 16, 1940, a week after Nazi Germany had invaded Denmark. The occupation meant that the little princess became a symbol of hope for the Danes.

She ascended the throne on January 15, 1972, after the death of her father.

But, although she was his eldest child, she did not become heir presumptive until 1953, when Denmark’s constitution was amended to allow women to inherit the throne.

That followed a referendum in which more than 85 per cent of participants voted to allow female succession.

She was married in 1967 to a Frenchman, Henri Marie Jean André de Laborde de Monpezat, later styled as Prince Henrik. They had two sons, Prince Frederick and Prince Joachim.

Despite enjoying a long marriage of 50 years, her relationship with Henrik was plagued with controversy. Henrik stunned Danes by saying he felt he had been pushed aside in his own home by his wife.

Prince Henrik died in 2018 aged 83.