Denmark’s prime minister declared Frederik X king following the formal abdication of Queen Margrethe II, who became the first Danish monarch to willingly relinquish the throne in almost 900 years. The event drew massive crowds, celebrating the transition from a beloved monarch to her famous son.
Wearing a magenta outfit, Margrethe signed her abdication during a meeting with the Danish Cabinet at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen then proclaimed Frederik King from the palace balcony, surrounded by thousands of enthusiastic onlookers. Clad in a ceremonial military uniform, Frederik stood beside her as she read the proclamation three times, a tradition for such occasions.
Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II signs a declaration of abdication in the meeting of the Council of State at Christiansborg Castle in Copenhagen (Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix/AP)
Joined on the balcony by his Australian-born wife, Queen Mary, and their four children, the crowd spontaneously sang the national anthem. Frederik expressed his hope of becoming a unifying king and shared his royal motto: “United, committed, for the kingdom of Denmark.”
The royal couple left Christianborg Palace in a horse-drawn coach amid ringing church bells and headed to their Amalienborg residence. The visibly moved Frederik, hands on his heart, acknowledged the crowd. The abdication document, signed by Margrethe, marked the beginning of Denmark with two queens: Margrethe retains her title, while Frederik’s wife becomes Queen Mary. Their eldest son, Christian, aged 18, assumes the role of Crown Prince and heir to the throne.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaims Denmark’s King Frederik X as the new king from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace (Martin Meissner/AP)
Margrethe’s unexpected decision to step down on New Year’s Eve surprised the nation by citing health issues. Even the prime minister learned of her intentions just before the announcement. Thousands gathered in central Copenhagen for the historic event, decorating streets with red and white Danish flags.
Denmark’s King Frederik X and Queen Mary wave from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen (Martin Meissner/AP.
As Australians celebrated one of their ascensions to the throne, Copenhagen resident Rene Jensen, adorned in a replica royal robe, expressed his expectation of Frederik being “a king for the nation, representing us everywhere.” Voluntary abdication was a rarity in Danish history, with the last occurrence in 1146.
Queen Margrethe is escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment’s Mounted Squadron in the gold carriage from Amalienborg Castle to Christiansborg Castle (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix/AP)
Denmark’s monarchy, dating back to the 10th-century Viking king Gorm the Old, is the oldest in Europe. Today, the royal family’s role is mainly ceremonial. A survey commissioned by Denmark’s public broadcaster DR showed high confidence among the public, with 79% believing Frederik is ready to take the reins and 83% expressing readiness for his wife Mary to become queen. Australians, too, turned out in Copenhagen to celebrate their compatriot’s royal ascent.
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