This weekend, the streets of Copenhagen turned into a sea of red and white flags as Denmark paid its condolences to Queen Margrethe II.
After abruptly announcing her abdication on New Year’s Eve, the 83-year-old queen announced on Sunday that she would hand over power to Crown Prince Frederik, 55, a bearded former party member and veteran of Denmark’s equivalent of naval commandos. become.
In contrast to the coronation of Charles III, it is a low-key ceremony with no formal ceremony and no crown or scepter in sight.
Instead, the Queen, who became Europe’s longest-reigning monarch after Elizabeth II’s death, signed the declaration of abdication at Christiansborg Palace, and an hour later, at 3 p.m., from the balcony, the Queen announced that Frederick X. A royal proclamation will be held to announce the accession of the king to the throne. throne.
Despite the lack of pomp and ceremony, excitement levels are high in Copenhagen, with hotels full, restaurants packed, and tens of thousands of people flocking to the city during the royal weekend.
The royal family remains popular in Denmark, with a recent survey showing that 82% of people expect the new monarch to do “well” or “very well” in his new role.
Danish newspapers pointed out with irritation that the Queen was nicknamed the “Queen of the Ashtray” by the British press because of her preference for unfiltered cigarettes. She kicked the habit earlier this year on her doctor’s advice.