Denmark's queen gives job to son - 15th January 2024

The world's only woman monarch, Denmark's Queen Margrethe II, has retired. Her son Frederik X has become king.

Margrethe II shared her news in a New Year's message. She said that she had back problems, which made her unwell. Now, after 52 years, she wants the next generation to lead.

Margrethe II, who's 82 years old, was Europe's oldest living monarch. Her decision surprised people in Denmark, where she's very popular.

Queen Margrethe walks around Copenhagen just like ordinary people. She wears bright outfits and loves skiing. She was also an Air Force lieutenant and speaks 5 languages.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that Queen Margrethe "has put words and feelings into who we are as a people and as a nation."

In many ways, Denmark's new king is like his mother. He speaks 4 languages and was in the military. But when he was younger, he liked to party. Now he's more serious and cares about climate change. He organises running events every year too.

Frederik X is happy to be king, but he wants his life to be normal. He has a wife and four children. He told a journalist "I want to be myself, a human being."