Denmark’s King Frederik X acceded to the throne on Sunday, ushering in a new era after his mother Queen Margrethe abdicated, with more than 100,000 Danes turning out for the unprecedented event.
After a final horse-drawn carriage procession through the streets of Copenhagen, the hugely popular 83-year-old queen signed a declaration of abdication at Christiansborg Palace, ending her 52-year reign and automatically making her son monarch.
She then left the Council of State, also attended by the government, the new king, his wife and their 18-year-old eldest son, the new Crown Prince Christian.
Margrethe left the room with tears in her eyes, saying: “God bless the King.”
In front of a sea of Danes braving the winter chill and waving red-and-white flags, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen then proclaimed 55-year-old Frederik the new king on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace, the seat of parliament and government.
A visibly moved Frederik, clad in his gala admiral’s uniform with gold epaulettes and blue sash, blinked back tears and smiled as he waved to the crowd, estimated at more than 100,000 people by media outlets.
Like his mother, Frederik is hugely popular, enjoying the support of more than 80 percent of Danes.
“My mother succeeded like few others in becoming one with her country,” he told the crowd.
“My hope is to become a unifying king for the future… It’s a responsibility I assume with respect, pride and a lot of happiness,” he said, repeatedly placing his hand on his heart as the crowd cheered.
Frederik was then joined on the balcony by his Australian-born wife Mary, wearing a white dress with her dark hair swept back in a bun, and their four teenage children.
Mary is the first commoner to become queen in Denmark.
The royal standard was then raised at the couple’s residence at the Amalienborg Palace.
‘Soul of the Nation’
In line with Danish tradition, no foreign dignitaries or royals were invited on Sunday, and there was no coronation or throne.
Britain’s King Charles congratulated Frederik and Mary on their accession in a message posted on the Danish court’s Instagram account, while Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf thanked Queen Margrethe, whom he referred to as “cousin Daisy”, for their “good cooperation” over the years.
This is only the second time a Danish sovereign has stepped down — the last was Erik III, almost nine centuries ago in 1146.
Margrethe chose to abdicate exactly 52 years to the day after she took over from her father, Frederik IX.
The queen stunned Danes when she announced her abdication in her annual televised New Year’s Eve address, after having repeatedly insisted she would follow tradition and reign until her death.
Even her own family was only informed three days prior.
She attributed her decision to health issues after undergoing major back surgery last year.
Margrethe will, however, retain her title of queen.
