Queen bids final farewell to public following abdication
Denmark's Queen Margrethe II, after deciding to end her 52-year reign, took her final journey in the "Golden Carriage."
According to Sky News, following the completion of the New Year's celebrations where she announced her abdication, Queen Margrethe II greeted the public for the last time from the "Golden Carriage" in Copenhagen.
Traditionally, the "Golden Carriage" transports the Danish monarch from the royal residence at Amalienborg Palace to Christiansborg Palace during the New Year celebrations.
The "Golden Carriage," owned by the Danish royal family, dates back to the 19th century and is covered in 24-karat gold leaf, adorned with four gilded crowns at its top.
Pulled by six white horses, the "Golden Carriage" is guarded by the "Hussar Regiment," assigned to accompany the monarchy during ceremonies.
Queen Margrethe II's abdication is unprecedented in Denmark's 900-year dynastic history, as there is no tradition of monarchs abdicating in favor of younger royal members.
Queen Margrethe II, the longest-reigning living monarch in Europe, announced her plan to abdicate, passing the throne to her 55-year-old son, Crown Prince Frederik, and his wife, Crown Princess Mary.
The 83-year-old Danish Queen, who ascended to the throne on January 14, marking the 52nd anniversary of her reign, had been crowned in 1972.
