After Queen Margrethe II formally signed her royal abdication, Frederik X was proclaimed King on Sunday by Denmark’s Prime Minister. There was a large audience turnout that was rejoicing over the new King’s proclamation and the transfer of power from mother to son.
Queen Margrethe is the first Monarch of Denmark to have stepped down from royal duties in nearly 900 years. Denmark has successfully managed to retain their monarchy despite troubles with others all over the world. The people of Denmark were celebrating the royal succession and were glad that it was not taking place because of the death of a monarch.
The Abdication Ceremony and Royal Succession
The Queen was adorned in magenta when she formally abdicated during a ceremony at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared Prince Frederik X as the new king from the palace balcony. The event drew massive crowds celebrating the transition from the beloved Queen to her popular son. King Frederik who was donned in ceremonial military attire expressed his hope to be a unifying king. Following the tradition, the proclamation was read thrice.
King Frederik was joined on the balcony by Queen Mary and their four children, leading to a spontaneous national anthem rendition by the crowd. The abdication document was presented to Queen Margrethe at a table surrounded by royals and government members. After signing, she gestured for King Frederik to take her place. The abdication leaves Denmark with two Queens: Margrethe retains her title, while King Frederik’s Australian-born wife becomes Queen Mary. Their eldest son, Christian, aged 18 has assumed the role of Crown Prince and heir to the throne.
Royal Family Dynamics and Popular Support
Queen Margrethe cited health issues and surprised the nation by announcing her abdication on New Year’s Eve. In a historic ceremony at Christiansborg Palace, Crown Prince Christian handed her a walking stick as a symbol of transition. The Prime Minister was unaware until the last moment and joined thousands outside Parliament to witness the event. Queen Margrethe had informed her sons just days earlier. The abdication marked a rare occurrence, with the last voluntary resignation in 1146. Denmark’s monarchy, dating back to Viking King Gorm the Old, is one of Europe’s oldest. The royal family’s role is mostly ceremonial today.
Amidst celebrations, Australians in Copenhagen praised the new queen, Mary, for her non-royal background. The public, as indicated by a poll commissioned by DR, expressed confidence in King Frederik and Queen Mary’s readiness for their roles, with 79% and 83% approval, respectively. The ceremony featured unique touches, including the royal guards’ music band wearing red jackets.
Queen Margrethe’s decision followed major back surgery in February, and her abdication occurred on the same January day she ascended the throne in 1972. The Danish populace, following a live television broadcast, witnessed the historic event and were reflecting on the monarch’s unexpected departure after nearly five decades on the throne.
Environmental Commitment of the New King
King Frederik X ascends the throne amid a younger royal generation under media scrutiny. In contrast to Queen Margrethe’s past skepticism to recognizing the climate change and environmental issues, the new king is recognized for his commitment to environmental causes which aligns with contemporary stances, especially the fight against climate change.
