Understanding Abdication: Definition, Examples, and Reasons

Abdication is the act of formally giving up or resigning from a position, power, or responsibility. It can be done by a monarch, a political leader, or anyone in a position of authority.
In the context of monarchy, abdication refers to the act of a reigning monarch voluntarily stepping down from the throne and relinquishing their powers and responsibilities to another person, usually a successor such as a son or daughter.
Abdication can also refer to the act of resigning from a political office or position of authority, such as a prime minister or president. In this case, it is often done due to political pressure, scandal, or personal reasons.
Examples of abdication include:
King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom abdicated in 1936 to marry a divorced woman, Wallis Simpson.
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicated in 2013 in favor of her son, King Willem-Alexander.
The Emperor of Japan, Akihito, abdicated in 2019 due to health reasons and was succeeded by his son, Crown Prince Naruhito.