Denmark - Margrethe II of Denmark Abdicate Throne

When the world's last reigning Queen announced her surprise abdication on live TV, history was also made in a country far, far away.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark

"I will hand over the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik," Margrethe II of Denmark said in her new year address.

Her decision to make way for "the next generation" of Danish royals has sent ripples around the world.

Queen Margrethe took over the throne in 1972 following the death of King Frederik IX.

For most of her reign, Queen Margrethe has remained a popular figure in Denmark, and many expected her to keep the throne until death.

The longest-serving monarch in the nation's history, she is known for her brightly-coloured clothing, love of archaeology and chain smoking.

But it has also delivered the first ever Australian-born Queen Consort - Frederik's wife Princess Mary.

Crown Prince Frederik and Queen Consort Princess Mary

As millions of Danes bid farewell to the only Queen they've ever known, the transition of power - which is set to take place on 14 January - will likely be a moment mixed with both sadness and celebration.

"It is my hope that the new King and Queen will be met with the same trust and devotion which have fallen to my lot," Margrethe said in her abdication speech. "They deserve it! Denmark deserves it!"

In Australia, though, Mary - despite renouncing her citizenship long ago - is already being celebrated as a national "ambassador".

"I look forward to watching the next generation [of royals] and Tasmania's own born Queen lead Denmark's future," the state's Premier Jeremy Rockliff said in a statement.

"We are so proud."

Culled from the BBC News

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