Denmark's Queen Margrethe II unexpectedly announces abdication after 52 years on throne

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark unexpectedly announced Sunday in her New Year's TV address that she plans on abdicating her throne after serving for 52 years. 

The 83-year-old queen's abdication will occur on Jan. 14, which marks exactly 52 years since she assumed the throne, according to the BBC.

Queen Margrethe's eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, 55, will assume the role of king after her departure. 

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