King Frederik X: Denmark has entered a new royal era as King Frederik X officially took the throne on Monday following the historic abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II.
In an emotional ceremony at Copenhagen’s Christiansborg Palace, 83-year-old Margrethe signed her abdication declaration to formally hand power to her son after over 50 years as monarch. Frederik, surrounded by his wife Queen Mary and children, was then publicly proclaimed as the new King by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on the palace balcony as crowds of thousands looked on.
“Today the throne is passed on. My hope is to become a unifying king of tomorrow,” an emotional Frederik told well-wishers, paying tribute to the “extraordinary regent” that was his mother.
Margrethe had become Europe’s longest reigning monarch and the world’s only queen after the death of Britain’s Elizabeth II. But in a shock move, she recently announced she would step aside to pass responsibilities to Frederik out of concern for her declining health.
While no longer the ruling monarch, Margrethe retains the title of Her Majesty and can still conduct official duties if needed. Denmark is a constitutional monarchy where the royal family plays a symbolic role.
King Frederik X takes the throne at a time of transition for the Danish royals. Alongside his popular Australian-born wife Mary, he aims to maintain public support by promoting accessibility, sustainability and gender equality through his duties.
Their eldest son, 18-year-old Crown Prince Christian, is now first-in-line and set to someday rule Denmark and its territories. On this historic day, Denmark closed one chapter that lasted over half a century, and began writing the next.
Source Denmark’s King Frederik X takes the throne after abdication of Queen Margrethe II