The outgoing king surprised the nation on New Year’s Eve by announcing his decision to abdicate after 52 years on the throne, becoming the first Danish sovereign in nearly 900 years.
Monday 15 January 2024 06:34, United Kingdom
Denmark has a new king following the historic abdication of the country’s longest-reigning monarch, Margrethe II.
Braving near-freezing temperatures, thousands of people gathered in central Copenhagen for the throne, where the 83-year-old signed a parliamentary declaration handing the throne to her eldest son.
King Frederick X is currently the head of Europe’s oldest monarchy.
The 55-year-old former crown prince was later formally proclaimed king by Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace in the heart of Denmark’s capital.
In his first speech as king, Frederick told a cheering crowd: “My hope is to be the unified king of tomorrow.
“It’s something I’ve struggled with all my life.
“This is a job I take with pride, respect and joy.”
The king, who was seen wiping away tears at one point, was joined on the balcony by Mary, 51, who was born in Australia and is currently the queen, and her children Christian, 18, who is the heir to the throne. 16-year-old Princess Isabel and 13-year-old twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent.
Karen Holk Jeppesen, 31, a communications consultant who was in Copenhagen for the royal event, said: “It’s very rare to witness a real historical moment that will be written in the history books.” ” he said.
“It was definitely worth standing here and waiting all day,” said Kasper Wai Larsen, 45.
The King of Denmark ascends the throne
Unlike in England, there is no coronation ceremony. Denmark.
King Charles and Queen Camilla sent their “heartiest congratulations” to the royal couple.
“I look forward to working with you to ensure that the lasting ties between our two countries and families remain strong, and to collaborating on issues of vital importance to our countries and the wider world,” the king wrote.
He also paid tribute to Frederick’s mother’s “years of service.”
margrethe shocked the nation She announced her decision to abdicate on New Year’s Eve after 52 years as queen, becoming Denmark’s first sovereign in nearly 900 years.
She cited major back surgery last February as a health reason.
Danish royal expert Thomas Larsen said: “The Queen has been here and been on the throne for over 50 years, and she’s a very respected and popular figure, so people didn’t expect this. I was shocked,” he said.
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Queen Margrethe’s reign in photos
Who is the former “Prince of the Party” and the new monarch of Denmark?
The abdication comes 52 years after Margrethe ascended the throne following the death of her father Frederick IX.
She will retain her title as Queen.
The last time a Danish monarch voluntarily resigned was in 1146, when King Eric III of Rum resigned to enter a monastery.
“Queen of Denmark steps down”
Denmark’s monarchy dates back to the 10th century Viking King Gorm the Elder, making it the oldest monarchy in Europe and one of the oldest in the world.
Today, royal duties are largely ceremonial.
The new king and queen take the throne amid overwhelming public support and enthusiasm for the monarchy.