On Sunday, Denmark witnessed a historic moment as Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared Frederik X as the new king following the formal abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II. This event drew massive crowds to celebrate the transition of the throne from a beloved monarch to her popular son.
At 83, Queen Margrethe II became the first Danish monarch in almost 900 years to voluntarily relinquish the throne. The joyful atmosphere outside the palace marked Denmark’s first royal succession in over half a century, and notably, one not prompted by the death of a monarch.
The roots of Denmark’s monarchy trace back to the 10th-century Viking king Gorm the Old, making it the oldest in Europe and one of the oldest globally. While the royal family’s duties are now largely ceremonial, the significance of the occasion was palpable.
The abdication took place at the Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, the historical seat of Danish power. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen officially proclaimed Frederik X as king from the palace balcony, a moment met with cheers from the crowd. The new king, adorned in a ceremonial military uniform, expressed his hope to be a unifying monarch for the nation.
Following the proclamation, Frederik and his new queen, Mary, along with their four children, appeared on the balcony, and the national anthem echoed through the jubilant crowd. Frederik’s royal motto for his reign is “United, committed, for the kingdom of Denmark.”
The abdication document, signed by Queen Margrethe II, was presented during a meeting at the palace. Margrethe, dressed in a magenta skirt suit, gestured for Frederik to take her place as she left the room using a cane for support, bidding farewell with the words, “God save the king.”
With the abdication, Denmark now has two queens: Margrethe retains her title, and Frederik’s wife assumes the role of Queen Mary. Their eldest son, Christian, becomes the crown prince and heir to the throne.
Queen Margrethe’s decision to step down was unexpected, announced on New Year’s Eve due to health issues. The prime minister herself was unaware until just before the public announcement. The event attracted people from across Denmark, who gathered outside the parliament, adorned streets with flags, and followed the live television broadcast of the historic moment.
Among the well-wishers were royals from across Europe, including King Charles III of the United Kingdom, who expressed commitment to maintaining strong bonds between countries.
The last voluntary abdication in Danish history occurred in 1146, making Queen Margrethe II’s decision a rare occurrence. Australians also celebrated the occasion, with many appreciating the fact that Queen Mary hailed from a normal Australian background.
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A survey conducted by Denmark’s public broadcaster DR revealed widespread confidence in Frederik’s readiness to assume the throne, with 79% of respondents expressing belief in his preparedness. The monarchy, despite its hereditary nature, remains highly popular in Denmark, with minimal opposition from anti-monarchist sentiments.
