Danish Queen Margrethe could stand in for future king

Danish Queen Margrethe is stepping down after 52 years and will be succeeded by her son. (HANDOUT/THE DANISH ROYAL HOUSE)

Danish Queen Margrethe II will continue to play a representative role in the royal family after her abdication on the weekend.

Margrethe, 83, is stepping down after 52 years on the throne and will be succeeded by her eldest son Crown Prince Frederik.

But the royal family announced on Wednesday that Margrethe could serve the future king in an official capacity as his "rigsforstander," or state representative.

Several people from the immediate royal family can take on this representative role if, for example, Frederik is travelling abroad or is otherwise unable to attend to official obligations.

Mary and Frederik — Crown Princess Mary will become Queen of Denmark when her husband Frederik ascends the throne.

Margrethe stunned Denmark by announcing in her New Year's speech that she would be abdicating on January 14.

On Sunday she will sign a declaration to this effect, after which Crown Prince Frederik will take over her position at the head of the Danish kingdom as King Frederik X.

Australian-born Mary Donaldson will become Queen of Denmark when her husband ascends the throne.

with Reuters

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