Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed King Frederik X as Denmark’s new king on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace on Sunday, after Queen Margrethe II abdicated the throne.
More than 100,000 people gathered in Denmark’s capital Copenhagen for the unprecedented event.
The Queen finalized and signed her abdication, which was first announced in a New Year’s Eve speech, in a meeting with the Danish Cabinet.
After signing, she left the room with tears in her eyes and saying, “God bless the King.”
Her 55-year-old son Crown Prince Frederick was then proclaimed King Frederick X at Christiansborg Palace.
Margrethe, 83, becomes the first Danish king in nearly 900 years to voluntarily abdicate. She reigned over this small Scandinavian country for exactly her 52 years, since assuming her throne on January 14, 1972.
She would retain that title while Frederick’s Australian-born wife became Queen Mary.
Margrethe gives way to Frederick X
Despite the winter cold, a crowd gathered before the ceremony.
Margrethe is a very popular figure in Denmark, and news of her abdication came as a surprise to everyone, including Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who was not informed of her intentions before the announcement.
The Queen said she made the decision after suffering health problems and undergoing back surgery last year.
Frederiksen becomes the person who declares himself crown prince, becoming King Frederick X.
Observers said Frederic, who is supported by 80% of Danes, was likely to be very different from his mother. He is considered an unofficial figure.
The Danish monarch has a largely ceremonial role, but is required to sign government bills into law.
lo, ab/msh (AP, AFP)