While Fred and Mary beamed at the New Year’s Ball, there were sombre faces all around a few days later as their new reality sunk in.
After returning from their pre-Christmas trip to Australia and New Zealand, Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary were no doubt hoping to put a somewhat troubled 2023 behind them.
WATCH NOW: Princess Mary is spotted in Bondi. Article continues after video.
However, the royal couple is now stepping into 2024 with a dramatic new set of responsibilities, following Queen Margrethe II’s shock abdication from
the Danish throne.
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The 83-year-old monarch will step aside on January 14 after 52 years, paving the way for her eldest son and his Aussie-born wife to be proclaimed HM King Frederik X and HM Queen Mary.
“The time has come to leave the responsibility to the next generation,” Queen Margrethe said during her televised New Year’s Eve address.
“Margrethe is one of the most shrewd monarchs and she knows this is
going to re-energise her son and his marriage,” a source exclusively tells New Idea.
“It may seem an extreme measure, but she’s been having health problems and she wants to ensure a seamless handover.”
It’s an incredible turn of events, considering the last time a Danish monarch abdicated was in 1523.
Margrethe’s decision has nonplussed royal expert Phil Dampier.
“It seems an extraordinary coincidence that Margrethe should make this unexpected announcement shortly after stories emerged [about] the Crown Prince,” the UK author says.
He is referring to the allegations in October that linked Frederik to Mexican-born socialite Genoveva Casanova, after pictures emerged of them together in Madrid.
Genoveva has categorically denied any impropriety, but, a source says, “the gossip” has still been hard for Frederik, 55, and Mary, 51, “to bear”.
“Margrethe is hoping this will put a stop to the chatter,” adds our source.
While born a commoner, the former Mary Donaldson has proven herself to be an exceptional princess alongside Frederik.
No doubt she will rise to the challenge of suddenly becoming Queen with aplomb.
“Margrethe admires Mary greatly,” our source says.
“Frederik is lucky to have Mary – and now he needs her more than ever.”
