Denmark’s King Frederik X ascended to the throne following the surprising abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II.
In a poignant moment witnessed by thousands in the capital Copenhagen, Denmark’s King Frederik X ascended to the throne following the surprising abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II, who had reigned for over five decades. The historic transition unfolded at Christiansborg Palace during a cabinet meeting, where Queen Margrethe signed a declaration of abdication, formally passing the crown to her son.
The streets of Copenhagen were adorned with throngs of people, braving frigid temperatures, as they eagerly awaited the symbolic commencement of a new era. The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, carried out the tradition established since the constitution of 1849 by publicly proclaiming the King’s accession from the palace balcony.
King Frederik X, visibly moved, addressed the gathered crowds in a brief speech after the proclamation. He was later joined on the balcony by his Australian-born wife, Queen Mary, and their four children, including Crown Prince Christian, the designated heir to the throne.
Among the onlookers was 45-year-old Kasper Wiigh Larsen, who shared his emotional reaction, saying, “It brought tears in a joyful way to see him do so well up on the balcony, both with his speech and when Mary came out and held his hands and finishing with a kiss,” reflecting the sentiment of many witnessing the historic moment.
Messages of congratulations poured in from around the world, with Britain’s King Charles III extending warm wishes to the new monarch and queen. “I look forward to working with you on ensuring that the enduring bond between our countries, and our families, remains strong, and to working together with you on issues which matter so much for our countries and the wider world,” he conveyed in his message.
Queen Margrethe, 83, held the distinction of being Europe’s longest-reigning monarch and the world’s last reigning queen. Her decision to step down was revealed in a live address on New Year’s Eve, marking the end of a historic 52-year tenure. The shock of her abdication reverberated across Denmark, where she was the only monarch known to many.
The peaceful transfer of power from Queen Margrethe II to King Frederik X marks a significant moment in Danish history. The new king’s emotional demeanor and the outpouring of support from the public signify the strong connection between the monarchy and the people. As Denmark welcomes a new chapter under King Frederik X’s reign, the enduring legacy of Queen Margrethe II will undoubtedly linger, shaping the collective memory of the nation.