COPENHAGEN, Denmark – Thousands of people are expected to gather in downtown Copenhagen on Sunday for a historic event in the Danish monarchy. Queen Margrethe II will abdicate the throne, becoming the first Danish monarch in nearly 900 years to voluntarily relinquish power. The abdication, which comes as a surprise to many, will take place at Christiansborg Palace in the heart of the Danish capital.
At around 2 p.m., Queen Margrethe II will sign her formal abdication during a state council meeting with the Danish Cabinet. This will automatically make her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, the new monarch of Denmark. The signing will be followed by the proclamation of King Frederik X, who will address the crowd from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace.
Queen Margrethe II’s decision to step down was announced on New Year’s Eve, citing health issues. This decision shocked the nation, as it was expected that she would continue to rule until the end of her days, as is traditional in the Danish monarchy. The queen had undergone major back surgery last February, causing her to take an extended break from work.
Even Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was caught by surprise, only learning of the queen’s intentions right before the public announcement. According to the royal palace, Queen Margrethe II had informed her sons Frederik and Joachim just three days before the announcement.
The abdication holds great significance, as the last time a Danish monarch voluntarily resigned was in 1146. King Erik III Lam stepped down to enter a monastery. Queen Margrethe II will abdicate exactly 52 years after ascending the throne following the death of her father, King Frederik IX.
Denmark’s monarchy can trace its origins back to the 10th century Viking king Gorm the Old, making it one of the oldest in Europe and the world. Unlike the UK, Denmark does not have a coronation ceremony. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will formally proclaim King Frederik X from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace, while thousands of Danes are expected to witness this proclamation from below.
After the abdication, Denmark will have two queens. Queen Margrethe II will retain her title, while Crown Prince Frederik’s Australian-born wife, Mary, will become Queen Mary. Their eldest son, Prince Christian, will become the crown prince and heir to the throne.
The new king and queen will leave Christiansborg Palace in a horse-drawn coach and return to the royal residence, Amalienborg. Celebrations will continue at Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens amusement park, which is planning the largest fireworks show in its 180-year history to honor the new king and queen.
In conclusion, Queen Margrethe II will abdicate the Danish throne, becoming the first Danish monarch in almost 900 years to voluntarily step down. Her decision came as a surprise to the nation, as it was expected that she would continue to reign until the end of her days. The crown will be passed to her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, who will become King Frederik X. This historic event will be celebrated with various festivities throughout Copenhagen.