The European countries' royals annually reviewed are as follows, with the key developments over the year outlined afterwards:
Existing hereditary monarchies: Great Britain, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Spain, Monaco.
Former monarchies: Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Austria, Germany, Italy, Portugal, France.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark triggers widespread surprise as she announces in her New Year’s message her intention to abdicate in January 2024. She says that this is in response to her declining health and mobility, making way for her son and heir, Crown Prince Frederick, to succeed her and become King of Denmark.
Celebrations are held to mark the Golden Jubilee of King Carl XVI of Sweden.
The former King Constantine II of Greece, the last monarch of his country, dies aged 82. His claim to the former Greek throne is inherited by his son who, among monarchists, would be recognised as King Paul II of Greece.
Following the death of his father and inheritance of the position of head of Greece’s royal family, Crown Prince Pavlos, recognised among monarchists as King Paul II of Greece, relocates to Greece with his family.
Prince Emmanuel of Italy, heir to the claimant to the Italian throne, announces his intention to abdicate his position in the Italian line of succession in favour of his eldest child, Princess Victoria.
