COPENHAGEN, DenmarkâDenmark’s King Frederik X has ascended to the throne following the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II, ushering in a new era for the Danish monarchy. The emotional king waved to thousands of onlookers gathered in the capital city as he took on his new role.
For many Danes, Queen Margrethe was the only monarch they had ever known. Her surprise abdication, after more than 50 years on the throne, paved the way for her son, the former Crown Prince Frederik, to succeed her.
The transfer of power occurred during a cabinet meeting at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, where Queen Margrethe signed a declaration of abdication, officially passing the crown to her son. Despite the frigid weather, large crowds lined the streets of Copenhagen to witness this historic moment, occasionally breaking into song.
In a longstanding tradition dating back to the Danish constitution of 1849, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen publicly proclaimed the king’s accession from the palace balcony. King Frederik then delivered a brief speech before being joined by his wife, Queen Mary, and their four children, including Crown Prince Christian, the new heir to the throne.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the nation, Prime Minister Frederiksen thanked Queen Margrethe for her service. She emphasized the continuity of the monarchy and expressed confidence in the new king’s ability to lead, stating, “The crown prince that now becomes our monarch is a king that we know, a king that we like, and a king that we trust.”
As Europe’s longest-reigning monarch and the world’s last reigning queen, Queen Margrethe’s historic tenure came to an end after 52 years. In a live address on New Year’s Eve, she cited declining health and recent back surgery as factors in her decision to step down.
Although no longer the ruling monarch, Queen Margrethe will retain the title of Her Majesty and can serve as an acting regent when King Frederik or Crown Prince Christian are unable. The Danish Royal House also named Princess Mary, Prince Joachim, and Princess Benedikte as potential acting regents.
While the Danish monarchy is one of the oldest in Europe, the transfer of power is a relatively low-key affair compared to the global spectacle of other royal transitions. However, well-wishers flooded the streets of Copenhagen to celebrate the occasion.
King Frederik and Queen Mary have garnered support as they work to modernize the monarchy. They have raised their children in as normal a manner as possible, sending them to regular state schools. The royal family has been praised for its down-to-earth nature and commitment to issues such as sustainability, gender equality, and public health.
As Denmark embarks on a new modern era, King Frederik will face the challenge of maintaining a popular and relevant monarchy. Despite not being born into royalty, Queen Mary has been hailed as an exceptional representative for Denmark, known for her grace and dedication to important causes.
In conclusion, Denmark’s King Frederik X has taken the throne after the abdication of Queen Margrethe II, marking the end of her 52-year reign. The transition to the new king was met with enthusiasm from the Danish public, who lined the streets of Copenhagen to witness the historic occasion. King Frederik and Queen Mary are poised to lead a modern monarchy, continuing the royal family’s commitment to important social and environmental issues.