Denmark's new King Frederik X assumes throne as Queen Margrethe II steps down
Abdication marked a significant event in Denmark's history, with large crowds gathered in capital
January 14, 2024
Denmark witnessed a historic moment as King Frederik X officially ascended the throne on Sunday, succeeding his mother, Queen Margrethe II, who voluntarily abdicated after 52 years as the monarch.
The abdication marked a significant event in the nation's history, with large crowds gathered in the capital to witness the transition.
Queen Margrethe, 83, surprised the nation on New Year's Eve with her announcement, becoming the first Danish monarch in nearly 900 years to voluntarily relinquish the throne.
The formalisation of the succession occurred as Margrethe signed the abdication declaration during a Council of State meeting at parliament, as Denmark, one of the world's oldest monarchies, does not have a coronation ceremony.
The meeting, attended by government representatives, Queen Margrethe, King Frederik X, 55, and his Australian-born wife, Queen Mary, 51, along with their eldest son and new heir to the throne, Prince Christian, 18, marked the official transfer of power.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen later proclaimed the new king on the parliament balcony, where King Frederik X delivered a brief speech.
Despite freezing temperatures, tens of thousands of people from across Denmark gathered to witness the historic events, showcasing the monarchy's immense popularity in the nation of nearly six million.
"We have come here today because this is history being made in front of our eyes. We just had to be here," expressed Soren Kristian Bisgaard, a 30-year-old pilot, reflecting the widespread sentiment.
In the afternoon, the new royal couple, King Frederik X and Queen Mary, rode by horse carriage to their residence, Amalienborg, a historic royal complex in central Copenhagen.
The couple will continue to reside with Queen Margrethe, who retains her title as queen, in Amalienborg, each in their respective palaces within the complex.
Queen Margrethe, previously expressing her intent to remain on the throne for life, did not specify the exact reason for stepping down but mentioned a significant back surgery in February of the previous year that led her to contemplate her future.
Historian Lars Hovbakke Sorensen noted that the queen may have considered Prince Frederik's readiness to take over at 55, avoiding a scenario of an elderly king.
The new king and queen assume their roles amid strong public support for the monarchy, with recent surveys indicating high expectations for King Frederik X and Queen Mary in their new roles, reflecting an 82% and 86% approval rating, respectively, among the Danish population.
