Danish PM sees 'new chapter' as Margrethe abdicates

She said it was largely thanks to the 83-year-old queen that the royal house still exists as an institution.

"I am sure that the crown prince will be a good and strong king for Denmark and the entire kingdom," the Social Democrat prime minister added. The Kingdom of Denmark also includes Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

Margrethe II's abdication announcement in her annual New Year's address on Sunday evening came as a complete surprise. She said she had made the decision because of her back operation last year, which she had recovered from well, but which had made her think.  

"I have decided that now is the right time," the queen said and announced she would soon be handing over the sceptre to her son Crown Prince Frederik. 

Ms Frederiksen then decided to completely change her own speech and instead of focusing on reforms to the social and healthcare system, she concentrated on the legacy of the outgoing queen.