The Danish royal family has hosted a reception at Christiansborg Palace after the surprise abdication of Queen Margrethe II on New Year’s Eve.

The Queen was flanked by her son and heir, Crown Prince Frederik, and his wife, Crown Princess Mary, as she greeted the diplomatic corps during the event on Wednesday in Copenhagen.

Crown Prince Frederik is preparing to assume the throne on Jan 14 with his wife by his side, while his mother will become the first Danish monarch to abdicate in 500 years.

Queen Margrethe II announced her surprise abdication live on television during the traditional New Year’s Eve address.

The departing Danish monarch is said to be fond of the Princess, 51.

A Danish royal expert said the Queen’s decision to abdicate may have been an attempt to save her son’s marriage after rumours that he had an affair with a Mexican actress.

Spanish magazine, Lecturas, published photographs of the Prince strolling around Madrid with Genoveva Casanova in November. It claimed to have published photographs showing him leaving Ms Casanova’s apartment the morning after an alleged dinner date.

Ms Casanova, 47, who has appeared in reality television shows, has denied having any romantic relationship with Crown Prince Frederik.

The Danish royals have not commented on the reports.