Denmark: New King Frederik X takes throne from Margarethe II
January 14, 2024
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has proclaimed Frederik X the new King of Denmark on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace on Sunday, after Queen Margrethe II gave up the throne.
More than 100,000 people turned out for the unprecedented event in the Danish capital Copenhagen.
The Queen finalized and signed her abdication, which was first announced in her New Year's Eve address, at a meeting with the Danish Cabinet.
After signing it, left the room with tears in her eyes, saying: "God bless the king."
Her 55-year-old son, Crown Prince Frederik, was then proclaimed King Frederik X at the Christiansborg Palace.
The 83-year-old Margrethe is the first Danish monarch to voluntarily step down in almost 900 years. She has reigned in the small Scandinavian country for exactly 52 years, taking the crown on January 14, 1972.
She keeps her title while Frederik's Australian-born wife becomes Queen Mary.
Margrethe makes way for King Frederik X
The crowds showed up ahead of the ceremony despite the winter chill.
Margrethe has been a very popular figure in Denmark and the news of her abdication had come as a surprise to all, including Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen who had not been made aware of the intention before her announcement.
The queen said that she had taken the decision after having health issues that resulted in her having back surgery last year.
Frederiksen will be the one to proclaim the crown prince who will become King Frederik X.
Observers said that Frederik, who enjoys the support of 80% of Danes, will likely differ quite a lot from his mother. He is considered more of an informal figure.
The Danish monarch has a largely ceremonial role but is required to sign government legislation into law
lo,ab/msh (AP, AFP)