From queen to king. Denmark hails Frederick X in grand throne succession ceremony
In line with tradition, Frederiksen, as the head of the government, proclaimed the successor to the throne from the castle balcony. This was done after the Council of State meeting, a body composed of the prime minister, ministers and the reigning monarch.
10:29 AM EST, January 14, 2024
In the meeting, Queen Margrethe II signed her abdication document and after setting her pen down, she said: "God save the King." Next, she picked up her cane, which she had been using since her surgery last year, and left the room. Prince Frederick then took Queen Margrethe's place of honor at the long table and was declared King Frederick X. The occasion did not include a coronation ceremony.
Cheers for the new king and queen greet excited crowd
An evidently moved Frederick X, emerged first on the balcony. Prime Minister Frederiksen thanked Queen Margrethe for her 53-year reign. Multiple shouts of "hurrah!" echoed in honor of the new king.
The Queen's position was succeeded by the Australia-born Duchess Mary (Maria). In addition, their eldest son, 18-year-old Christian, became the crown prince, the successor to the throne. They, along with the rest of the royal family, appeared on the balcony and greeted the cheering crowd.
The Danish Police estimated the crowd to be approximately 150,000 strong. These people gathered in front of Christiansborg Castle in central Copenhagen, waving Danish flags as the former Queen Margrethe II rode in her carriage from her residence in the Amalienborg Palace one last time. After her abdication, Margrethe left by car.
Throne handover's date was not a coincidence
The date of the throne handover was not arbitrary. On January 14, 1972, Queen Margrethe II ascended to power following her father's death, King Frederick IX. She unexpectedly announced her decision to surrender during her final speech of 2023 on New Year's Day, citing time's passage and concerns about her health and ability to effectively fulfill her duties. The Danish monarch underwent spine surgery in February of the previous year; this inspired her decision to quit smoking after 66 years.
Since childhood, Frederick has been groomed for the role of king. He is educated as a political scientist and served in a special unit of the Danish Navy. In his youth, he was known as a playboy and socialite, meeting his future wife, Mary, in a Sydney pub during the Summer Olympic Games in 2000.
Despite being widely beloved, polls have shown that most Danes understand Queen Margrethe II's decision to retire. Formally, she will retain the title of Her Royal Highness.
