Just a general remark. Beause the given portrayal in the last posts is that a sort of moulded and cobwebbed sleepy monarchy which urgently needs a firm booster in F&M. But all I see is a successful, efficient and well-managed monarchy with the highest approval ratings in Europe. So I am a bit surprised by the hurry to have MII replaced.
IMO more a question of using M&F while they are in their prime and relatable to the broadest segment of the population.
If we stick to the current tradition of serving until death, we will by the end of this century have a situation where several heirs are well into their 80's.
And some monarchs are more dominant than others and don't want to implement reforms. We have seen that before, we even see that today.
I.e. a situation where the heir cannot exercise his/her influence and implement the natural reforms and adaptations that are necessary in order to keep the monarchy relevant for as broad a segment as possible.
Admittedly QMII has allowed some changes and reforms to take place. Some on her own initiatives, like inviting the spouse of same sex relationships. (That was before same sex marriages were legal, and they were only registered as spouses.)
But others, like the recent releasing of private photos has Frederik (or perhaps even Joachim's) fingerprints all over it. Because how to use the Internet is not something that comes natural to QMII. She admits that openly.
Because of course M&F appeal to a broader segment than QMII. That's only natural. It would actually be deeply worrying if that was
not the case!
It's not as much as QMII getting old, because had QMII been 21 when she got on the throne, she would naturally appeal to a smaller segment of the population. The agegroup of say 40+ might instead look more to an older uncle or aunt of hers.
So yes, the DRF runs well - now.
But with a 95 year old QMII on the throne and Frederik well into his 60's, wouldn't there be a risk of the dust beginning to settle?
How exactly?
They've stepped up their roles in the last couple of years, sure, but I'd say there's still a fairly long way from their current positions to that of a regent couple.
I have noticed certain reporters pushing a "Mary (and Frederik) is running the monarchy" narrative. Not only do I think that's extremely incorrect and a slight to QMII, I also think that has more to do with said reporters and their own sentiments on M&F.
Because they
are.
Who handles official incoming and outgoing visits?
Who handles incoming state visits, apart from hosting the gala dinner?
Outgoing state visits now very much rely on Frederik.
Who heads and leads the most public events and campaigns?
Who are the younger people mainly listening to, following and see as rolemodels? - (Of course insofar as they are interested in royalty.)
Who score highest on the glamour scale?
Who are the most interesting and most followed both by Danish and foreign press?
QMII still have her eagerly awaited and just as keenly watched New Year speeches.
She is still
The Queen.
She still has a very sharp mind and her delightful and very frank interviews and portraits are a huge hit, when shown on flow-TV. - Which not many young watch. (Even though the TV companies seem to think they can attract the younger people...)
QMII is the grandmother of the nation. A well liked, very respected and even loved grandmother. A grandmother who will be deeply lamented when she is gone.
But...
But symbolically speaking the king and queen were traditionally seen as the mother and father of a nation.
That's a role M&F fits now - but not in 20 years.