Denmark’s 18-year-old heir, Prince Christian, has replaced his mother Queen Mary as head of state.
The crown prince will take over his father’s role until the king returns home, with duties such as signing laws, making public appearances, and appointing and dismissing ministers.
The King of Denmark is currently in Poland for a three-day visit to Warsaw and Szczecin, his first overseas trip as a monarch.
The king’s eldest son, Christian, will take on the role before the queen, as he is the “deputy regent,” so he will take on the role first.
Prince Christian becomes Denmark’s acting regent
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If the crown prince is unable to carry out his royal duties, his duties will fall to Mary, then to Prince Joachim, the king’s younger brother, and finally to Princess Benedicte, the king’s aunt.
Unlike in England, the Regent must intervene if the Danish monarch travels abroad. However, in the UK, Counselors of State often carry out royal duties when necessary.
Historian and royal commentator Sebastian Olden-Jorgensen told Danish publication BT that the palace was being run “completely by the book.”
He said: “At the end of the day, there is hierarchy and hierarchy in the royal family, and that is respected.”
Crown Prince expected to sign legislation as head of state this week
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On January 14, Queen Margrethe abdicated the Danish throne, and Christian was elevated to royal status.
The three-day role is the prince’s first independent role since his father and mother became King and Queen of Denmark.
Mr. Olden-Jorgensen said that as head of state he is expected to sign the law, but he should not question it.
“In principle and on paper, presidents can refuse to sign legislation, but for more than 100 years, they haven’t had that option at all,” he said.
King Frederik spoke in Poland today
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Prince Christian meets with his mother Queen Mary in parliament
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“We have a constitution and some laws, but we also have a political culture, which is equally strong, and above all, the regent signs what the parliament adopts.”
The Crown Prince has three siblings: Princess Isabella, 16, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, 13.
Prince Christian is still a student completing his final year of secondary education at Aldrup Gymnasium.
Today, King Frederik began his royal duties in Poland by speaking at the grand opening of a business forum, before receiving a formal welcome from Polish President Andrzej Duda.