Denmark's Royal Transition: King Frederik X Ascends the Throne Amidst Enthusiastic Crowds
In a historic moment witnessed by tens of thousands of people gathered in the capital, Denmark's King Frederik X ascended the throne on Sunday, succeeding his mother, Queen Margrethe II. The occasion marked the end of Queen Margrethe's remarkable 52-year reign, during which she became the first Danish monarch in nearly 900 years to voluntarily abdicate the throne. The absence of a coronation ceremony, a unique feature in Denmark's monarchy, highlighted the simplicity and understated elegance associated with the nation's royal traditions.
The formalization of King Frederik X's ascension took place when Queen Margrethe signed the declaration of her abdication during a meeting of the Council of State at parliament. The gathering included government representatives, the new king, his Australian-born wife Mary—now queen—and their oldest son Christian, who at 18, assumes the role of the new heir to the throne. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen later proclaimed the new king on the balcony of the parliament, where King Frederik delivered a short speech.
The succession ceremony drew immense public support, with people from all corners of Denmark converging on the capital to witness the historic event. In freezing temperatures, crowds expressed their enthusiasm for the monarchy, showcasing the enduring popularity it enjoys in the nation of nearly six million. Tens of thousands of spectators gathered in front of parliament, creating a festive atmosphere to celebrate the royal transition.
Following the ceremony, King Frederik X and Queen Mary were scheduled to ride by horse carriage back to their residence at Amalienborg, a royal complex in central Copenhagen built in the 1750s. The couple will continue to reside with Queen Margrethe, who retains her title as queen, in Amalienborg, each occupying their respective palaces within the historic octagonal complex.
Queen Margrethe's decision to abdicate surprised the nation, as she had previously expressed her intention to remain on the throne for life. Although she did not provide an exact reason, the queen mentioned a major back surgery in February the previous year, which prompted her to contemplate her future. Historians speculate that at 55, King Frederik X may be deemed better prepared to take over the responsibilities, avoiding a situation akin to the ascension of an elderly monarch, as witnessed with Britain's Prince Charles.
The new king and queen begin their reign during a time of significant public support and enthusiasm for the monarchy. Recent surveys conducted after Queen Margrethe's abdication announcement indicate that 82% of Danes expect King Frederik X to perform well or very well in his new role, while an even higher percentage, 86%, express similar confidence in Queen Mary.
As Denmark embraces a new era under the reign of King Frederik X and Queen Mary, the nation's monarchy continues to thrive with widespread public support. The historic abdication of Queen Margrethe II sets the stage for a fresh chapter, with the new royal couple poised to navigate their responsibilities with the enthusiasm and backing of the Danish people.
