Denmark’s King Frederik Ascends the Throne as Queen Margrethe Steps Down

Denmark welcomed a new era on Sunday as King Frederik X took the throne following his mother, Queen Margrethe II, signing her abdication. Queen Margrethe’s 52-year reign as Denmark’s longest-serving monarch came to an end as she voluntarily relinquished the throne. The transfer of power took place at a meeting of the Council of State at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, where thousands of people gathered to bid farewell to Margrethe. The abdication came as a surprise to the public, with Margrethe citing a major back surgery she underwent last year as the reason. After signing the abdication declaration, she said, “God save the King.”

A jubilant crowd of supporters lined the route as King Frederik, accompanied by the tolling of bells from a nearby church, traveled to the castle in a motorcade. In a departure from tradition, the royal guards wore red jackets instead of their usual black attire during their daily parade in downtown Copenhagen.

Denmark does not have a coronation ceremony, so the new king and queen made a public appearance on the palace balcony. This tradition dates back to the constitution of 1849. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed the King’s accession, while King Frederik X, adorned in a ceremonial military uniform, delivered his first speech as king. He expressed his hope to become a unifying king and spoke of his pride, respect, and joy in taking on the task.

Following the abdication, Denmark now has two queens. Queen Margrethe will retain her title, while Queen Mary, King Frederik X’s wife of 19 years, will take on the role of queen consort. King Frederik X’s 18-year-old son, Christian, assumes the position of Denmark’s crown prince and heir to the throne.

Denmark’s monarchy, which traces its origins back to 10th-century Viking king Gorm the Old, is the oldest in Europe and one of the oldest globally. While the royal family’s duties are largely ceremonial in the constitutional monarchy, King Frederik X and Queen Mary have been commended for their efforts to modernize the institution, including sending their children to state schools.

Surveys show widespread optimism among Danes regarding King Frederik X’s abilities in his new role, with 82% expressing confidence in him. An even higher percentage, 86%, have a positive outlook for Queen Mary.

The momentous occasion was witnessed by thousands of people who gathered in Christiansborg Castle Square. British Monarch King Charles III, who was crowned in March 2023, congratulated King Frederik on his new role and expressed his desire to work together to strengthen the bond between their countries.