Mit Abdankung (= Abdikation) wird der förmliche Verzicht eines Staatsoberhaupts auf seine staatliche Stellung bezeichnet. Handelt es sich um einen Monarchen spricht man auch von Thronverzicht.
INSTRUMENT OF ABDICATION
I, Edward the Eight, of Great
Britain, Ireland, and the British Domions
beyond the Seas, King, Emperor of India, do
hereby declare My irrevocable determination
to renounce the Throne for Myself and for
My descendants, and My desire that effect
should be given to this Instrument of
Abdication immediately.
In token whereof I have hereunto set
My hand this tenth day of December, nineteen
hundred and thirty six, in the presence of
the witnesses whos signatures are subscribed
Edward R.I.
SIGNED AT
FORT BELVERDERE
IN THE PRESENCE
OF
Albert
Henry
George