Queen Margrethe of Denmark to Abdicate, Crown Princess Mary to Become First Australian-Born Queen

Speculation surrounds the abdication amid rumors of Crown Prince Frederik's alleged affair, while official reasons cite Queen Margrethe's health concerns.

Queen Margrethe of Denmark announced on New Year's Eve that she will abdicate on Jan. 14, making her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, the new king and his wife, Crown Princess Mary, the new queen consort.
Crown Princess Mary will be the first queen consort to have been born in Australia.
Queen Margrethe's decision to abdicate is speculated to be linked to rumors of an affair between Crown Prince Frederik and Mexican socialite Geneveva Casanova, which both parties have denied.
Queen Margrethe cited health concerns following a back surgery as the reason for her abdication.
The new reign will be proclaimed at Christiansborg Palace on Jan. 14, following a tradition since the early 1900s.