Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has signed her abdication, making her son, Frederik X, the new king of Denmark. This historic event marks the first voluntary abdication by a Danish monarch in nearly 900 years. The abdication ceremony took place at the Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, with thousands of people gathered outside to witness the historic moment. After signing the document, Queen Margrethe gestured to her son to take her place, officially making him the new king. The abdication will leave Denmark with two queens, as Margrethe will retain her title, and Frederik’s Australian-born wife, Mary, will become Queen Mary. Frederik and Mary’s eldest son, Christian, will become the crown prince and heir to the throne.
The decision to step down was a surprise to many, as it was announced on New Year’s Eve citing health issues. This meant that the prime minister and other government officials were unaware of the queen’s intentions until right before the announcement. The abdication event was followed by many across the kingdom, with live television broadcasts and celebrations in the streets of Denmark. The last time a Danish monarch voluntarily resigned was in 1146, making this a truly historic event.
A survey commissioned by Denmark’s public broadcaster DR showed that the majority of the people polled believed that Frederik and Mary were prepared to take on their new roles as king and queen. Following the abdication, Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens amusement park planned to celebrate the new king and queen with the biggest fireworks show in the park’s 180-year history.
Denmark’s monarchy, with its origins tracing back to the 10th century, is the oldest in Europe and one of the oldest in the world. Today, the royal family’s duties are largely ceremonial. Unlike in the UK, there is no coronation ceremony in Denmark, with the new monarch’s ascension being formally proclaimed by the prime minister. This historic event marks a new era for the Danish monarchy as Frederik X takes on the role of king.
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