Denmark's Queen Margrethe Abdicates To Save Son's Marriage Amid Affair Rumors? Royal Expert Says 'It's Possible'
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark's announcement that she is stepping down from the throne has sparked speculation that the move might be connected to rumors surrounding Crown Prince Frederik's marriage.
In a surprising New Year's Eve announcement, Queen Margrethe, the longest-reigning monarch in the nation's history, declared her intention to abdicate in January and pass the throne to her eldest son.
While the monarch said her decision was prompted by her age and health issues, royal expert and commentator Phil Dampier suggested to The Telegraph that "it's possible" Queen Margrethe was also trying to save Crown Prince Frederik's marriage to his wife, Crown Princess Mary, amid rumors that he had an affair. Enstarz could not independently verify the information.
Denmark's Queen Margrethe (L), Crown Prince Frederik (R) and Prince Christian wave to the cheering crowd, from the balcony of Frederik VIII at Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen, during the celebration of his 18th birthday on October 15, 2023.
The Danish royal family faced controversy in November when reports emerged suggesting an extramarital affair between Crown Prince Frederik, 55, and Mexican-born socialite Genoveva Casanova.
Despite vehement denials from Casanova, the rumors created a media storm.
Dampier, who has covered the Danish royal family for over two decades, speculated that Queen Margrethe might have taken this action to prevent any strain on Frederik and Mary's marriage.
"It's possible that the Queen took this action because she would have been terrified of the marriage breaking up and the royal family losing Mary. It would have caused major problems. The Queen has always seen Mary as a tremendous asset," Dampier told the outlet.
"It just seems an extraordinary coincidence that she should make this unexpected announcement just a couple of months after stories emerged of the Crown Prince supposedly having an affair," the royal author added.
In October, Spanish outlets published photos of Crown Prince Frederik with Casanova during a private trip to Madrid, Hola! reported.
Federico, Príncipe heredero de Dinamarca, fue visto con otra mujer en España.
— Abril | Historia y Realeza 👸 (@AbriltheDuchess) November 8, 2023
👉🏻 Las fotos son de octubre, durante un viaje relámpago.
👉🏻 Fue visto con una socialité mexicana llamada Genoveva Casanova.
Ambos cenaron y después se retiraron a la casa de ella, dónde pasó la noche. pic.twitter.com/WvZISEfOOA
Casanova, a philanthropist, model and TV personality, dismissed the affair allegations, describing them as "untrue" and "malicious."
"I flatly deny the statements that suggest a romantic relationship between Prince Frederick and me," Hola! quoted Casanova as saying.
At the time, Princess Mary was in New York City for United Nations Day, according to Danish news site Dagens.com. The Danish Royal House had announced Princess Mary's U.S. visit, but Frederik's trip to Spain went unreported.
Despite the rumors, Prince Frederick and his wife put on a united front when they hosted King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain in November.
Meanwhile, Queen Margrethe's decision to abdicate comes on the 52nd anniversary of her accession to the throne in 1972.
This move, as noted by The Telegraph, makes her the first Danish monarch to step down in over 500 years.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark gives a New Year's speech from Christian IX's Palace, Amalienborg Castle, in Copenhagen, Denmark, on December 31, 2023, announcing her upcoming abdication.
Following Queen Margrethe's abdication announcement, the Danish Royal House revealed the new titles for the Danish royal family members.
Crown Prince Frederik will become King Frederik X, and Crown Princess Mary will assume the title of Queen Mary. Prince Christian, the couple's 18-year-old son, will become the Crown Prince.
The abdication is scheduled for Jan. 14, marking a historic moment for Denmark and its royal lineage.
