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Denmark’s prime minister on Sunday proclaimed Frederick X as king after his mother, Queen Margrethe II, formally signed his abdication.
Queen Margrethe, Denmark’s longest-reigning monarch, surprised the nation on New Year’s Eve by announcing her decision to abdicate after 52 years on the throne, becoming the first Danish monarch in nearly 900 years to voluntarily abdicate.
Margrethe signed the abdication papers during a meeting with the government at Christiansborg Palace, a vast complex in Copenhagen that has been the center of Danish power for centuries. It currently houses the Royal Reception Room and Royal Stables, as well as the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court.
After signing the abdication, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed Frederick King from the balcony of the palace in front of a cheering crowd of thousands.
Denmark’s newly proclaimed King Frederick and Queen Mary wave on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace
(Reuters)
Unlike Charles III’s coronation, the Danish royal family opted for a simple ceremony at Christiansborg Palace.
King Frederick, 55, and his Australian-born wife Mary left the palace in a 1958 Rolls Royce at 12:35 GMT. A few minutes later, Margrethe followed the carriage and rode his last horse as monarch through the streets of the capital.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark departs for the proclamation of King Frederick X of Denmark and Queen Mary at Amalienborg Palace Square
(Getty Images)
A large crowd gathered in front of parliament to witness this momentous event.
(Reuters)
Frederiksen stood next to him, wearing a ceremonial military uniform emblazoned with medals, and read the proclamation three times, as is tradition.
The crowd then spontaneously sang the national anthem, joined by the new Queen Mary and her four children on the balcony.
“My hope is to be the unified king of tomorrow,” Frederick said. “It’s a challenge I’ve struggled with all my life.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaims Frederick X as the new king from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.
(AP)
After signing the abdication declaration, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, second from the right, leaves her seat at the head of the table to face her son, King Frederick X of Denmark.
(Getty)
It was customary for new sovereigns to adopt a royal motto as a guide for their respective reigns, and Frederick’s motto was “United and devoted to the Kingdom of Denmark.”
The new king said, “I want to repay the trust placed in me.” “My dear wife, I need the trust of you and of someone greater than us.”
Frederick then kissed Mary, who was wearing a white dress, and the crowd cheered again.
Denmark’s newly proclaimed King Frederick and Queen Mary kiss on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace
(Reuters)
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark signs abdication declaration on Sunday
(Getty)
The abdication will leave Denmark with two queens, with Margrethe retaining her title and Frederik’s wife becoming Queen Mary. Their eldest son Christian, 18, will become crown prince and heir to the throne.
Karen Holk Jeppesen, 31, a communications consultant who arrived in Copenhagen with her sister on Saturday, said she had booked a hotel in the capital the day after the queen’s announcement.
“When the Queen said she was abdicating on New Year’s Eve, I was shocked and started crying,” said Jeppesen, standing in front of Parliament.
“It’s very rare to witness a real historical moment that will be written into the history books,” she says.
Pilot Soren Christian Bisgaard, 30, said: “We came here today because this is history being made before our eyes. We just have to be here.” did.”
He was sitting in a camping chair in front of Congress, drinking champagne with three friends.
“I love the Royal Family so much. I myself was in the Royal Lifesaving Force and stood guard at the Royal Palace. I’m so proud to have achieved that and to be here today.” he said.
People gather at Christiansborg Palace Square early in the morning ahead of the abdication announcement.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Photos of the Queen and King were displayed in some shops, and small Danish flags were displayed on city buses, as is customary at royal events. Many others across the kingdom of around 6 million people watched live television coverage of the historic event.
The Royal Guards Band paraded through Copenhagen every day, but to mark the big event, they wore red jackets instead of their usual black.
Margrethe has said in the past that she plans to remain on the throne for life, but did not reveal the exact reason for her decision to step down, but said that major back surgery she underwent in February last year had caused her to think about her future. said.
“She may think that Prince Frederik is ready to take over right now,” said Lars Hobbacke Sorensen, a historian and associate professor at Denmark’s Absalon University.
“He was 55 years old, and the Queen probably wanted to avoid a situation where she had a very old king, as she did with Prince Charles.” His mother, Queen Elizabeth, died in September 2022 at the age of 96. , Prince Charles ascended the throne at the age of 73.
The former queen, nicknamed Daisy after the Margaret flower, was congratulated by her cousin, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, who himself celebrated his 50th anniversary on the throne in September.
“Your Majesty, my cousin Daisy! Today, as I step down from my position as Queen of Denmark, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all the years of good cooperation,” the King of Sweden said on Instagram.
The new king and queen ascend to the throne amid overwhelming public support and enthusiasm for the monarchy. The latest poll, conducted after Margrethe announced her resignation, found that 82% of Danes expect Frederik to do well in his new role, and 86% said the same about Mary.