Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has made her final public appearance as monarch before her abrupt abdication next week. The 83-year-old queen traveled in a luxurious golden carriage from Amalienborg Palace to Christiansborg Palace for a New Year’s reception. The carriage, known as “the Royal House’s finest carriage,” is encrusted with 24-carat gold leaf and adorned with four gilded crowns on the roof. Queen Margrethe’s decision to abdicate early has sparked speculation about the reasons behind it, including the possibility of preserving her son’s relationship amid affair rumors.
