King Frederik X and wife Queen Mary of Denmark are seen here on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen after their proclamation by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Jan. 14, 2024. SAMIR HUSSEIN Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty Images
By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
Copenhagen, Denmark – A historic moment unfolded in Denmark as King Frederik X ascended to the throne on Sunday, marking the end of Queen Margrethe II’s remarkable 52-year reign as the nation’s longest-serving monarch. The formal transfer of power transpired at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen during a meeting of the Council of State, attended by thousands bidding farewell to Queen Margrethe.
The abdication, a rarity in Danish history, saw Queen Margrethe, 83, relinquishing the throne voluntarily after announcing her decision in a surprising New Year’s Eve address. Citing a major back surgery in February the previous year, she formally signed the abdication declaration on Sunday, making her the first Danish monarch in almost 900 years to do so willingly.
“God save the King,” proclaimed Queen Margrethe after signing the declaration. The streets filled with supporters, waving miniature Danish flags, as King Frederik X, 55, traveled to the castle in a motorcade. Royal guards, clad in red jackets, conducted their parade in downtown Copenhagen, deviating from their customary black attire.
Denmark, with one of the world’s oldest monarchies, lacks a coronation ceremony. Instead, King Frederik X and Queen Mary made a balcony appearance at the palace, a tradition dating back to 1849. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed the King’s accession.
In his first speech as king, Frederik X expressed his hope to be a unifying force, saying, “It is a task I take on with pride, respect, and joy.” Following tradition, Frederik adopted the motto: “United, committed, for the kingdom of Denmark.”
The abdication leaves Denmark with two queens, as Queen Margrethe retains her title, while Queen Mary assumes the role of queen consort. Frederik X’s 18-year-old son, Christian, now becomes Denmark’s crown prince and heir to the throne.
Denmark’s monarchy, tracing back to the 10th-century Viking king Gorm the Old, stands as Europe’s oldest. Despite its largely ceremonial role, King Frederik X and Queen Mary have been lauded for modernizing the monarchy, including sending their children to state schools.
Surveys indicate strong confidence in King Frederik X’s abilities, with 82% of Danes expressing optimism about his role, and an even higher 86% expressing positive outlooks for Queen Mary. British Monarch King Charles III congratulated King Frederik, expressing wishes for a continued strong bond between their nations.