0
0
In a historic transition, Denmark’s King Frederik X has assumed the throne following the unexpected abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II. The momentous event unfolded in Copenhagen, where crowds gathered to witness the end of Margrethe’s more than five-decade reign.
The ceremonial handover occurred at Christiansborg Palace during a cabinet meeting, with Queen Margrethe formally declaring her abdication, symbolically passing the crown to her son, the former Crown Prince Frederik.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen publicly proclaimed the King’s accession from the palace balcony, upholding a tradition dating back to 1849. King Frederik X addressed the nation, expressing his hope to be a unifying monarch for the future, while acknowledging his mother as an extraordinary regent.
Joined by his Australian-born wife, Queen Mary, and their four children, including the new Crown Prince Christian, the royal family marked the transition with a sense of continuity. Prime Minister Frederiksen conveyed the nation’s deep appreciation to Queen Margrethe, emphasizing the enduring link in the thousand-year-long chain of monarchy.
Britain’s King Charles III extended congratulations, expressing anticipation for continued collaboration between their nations. Queen Margrethe, at 83, had been Europe’s longest-reigning monarch and the world’s last reigning queen. Her decision to step down was influenced by recent back surgery, leading her to believe that the time was right to pass on the responsibility to the next generation.
Displaying visible emotion, the queen uttered “God save the King” following the completion of her signature on the Council of State document. With this symbolic act, she officially relinquished the throne before gracefully departing the room.
