Published at 1:10 am. Updated at 5:00 am.
RITZAU SCANPIX ARCHIVE PHOTO PROVIDED BY Portal
Frederik X, January 15th
Surname
Frederik André Henrik Christian, Frederik
Old
55 years
function
King of Denmark
Identification mark
Continuity, simplicity, running, rock music
Why are we talking about this?
Frederik X became King of Denmark this week. His coronation comes after the surprise abdication of his mother Margrethe II, who announced her resignation for health reasons on December 31 after 52 years in power. The last Danish ruler to voluntarily resign from office was King Eric III. in 1146.
A ceremony followed
PHOTO MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVE
Tens of thousands of people cheered the new king at his coronation.
Tens of thousands of people cheered the new king and his wife during the ceremony. “It is a responsibility that I take on with respect, pride and a lot of joy,” said Frederik, wiping away a few tears. Please note that in Denmark the inheritance protocol is different to the UK. The ruler does not wear a crown, does not ascend a throne and no foreign dignitaries have been invited.
No debate
PHOTO THOMAS TRAASDAHL, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Members of the royal family during a visit by Frederik to the Danish Parliament
Although some activists and political parties argue for a republic, the Danish royal family has almost universal acceptance, with 90% of the population supporting the monarchy. “It's one of the rare things that all Danes agree on,” says political scientist Kasper Møller Hansen from the University of Copenhagen humorously. As head of state, the monarch has an essentially representative and ceremonial role, but he makes laws and formally directs the government's constitution.
A different style
RITZAU SCANPIX ARCHIVE PHOTO PROVIDED BY Portal
Frederik's memoir Kongeord (The King's Word) is already a bestseller in Denmark.
The tattooed rock music fan and sports enthusiast (especially running) Frederik We can already see this from his mastery of social networks and communication channels. So the new king avoided any media invasion this week by releasing his memoirs just days after his “coronation.” Kongeord (The Word of the King) is already a bestseller in Denmark. “He knows how to attract public attention,” notes Møller Hansen. The strategy and communications team is very professional. »
Let mom forget
PHOTO MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVE
Frederik became a popular queen in the person of his mother.
Frederik succeeds a popular queen and consistently follows tradition. But that will not stop them from asserting their power in certain sectors. “Her mother was more interested in classical culture, ballet and literature. Frederik will focus more on sports, climate change and more modern issues,” argues historian Lars Hovbakke Sørensen, professor at Absalon University College. The new king also wants to renegotiate contracts with major Danish companies that exploit the symbols of the monarchy, such as LEGO, Tuborg, Carlsberg, Lurpak and Bang & Olufsen.
About normal
PHOTO MARTIN MEISSNER, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
King Frederik X kisses his wife Maria
Frederik and his wife Mary (a native Australian and the first non-noble queen of Denmark) always strived to convey the image of a normal family. In particular, they were seen on bicycles taking their children to school. But experts say it will be difficult for the new king to maintain that normality given his interest in the celebrity press. “He has to find the right balance,” emphasizes Mr. Sørensen. The Danes don't want the royal family to be on a pedestal. But at the same time he has to maintain a certain distance in order to maintain some kind of aura. That will be his biggest challenge. »
A warship
PHOTO SERGEI GAPON, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVE
Denmark is the birthplace of the shipping company Maersk, which has temporarily stopped sailing through the Red Sea.
Frederik X's accession comes as Denmark joins the anti-Houthi coalition led by London and Washington. This week, Copenhagen announced the deployment of a frigate to the Red Sea and the involvement of a staff officer in operational planning. This decision caused tension in the Danish parliament, where the opposition questioned the effectiveness of the ship in question (the Iver Huitfeldt) as its missiles did not have sufficient range to respond to attacks. “It's not about sending a ship, but about which ship we send,” summarizes Kasper Møller Hansen.
Despite its small population (6 million inhabitants), Denmark has the fifth largest merchant fleet in the world. The country is home to shipowner Maersk, the world's number two shipping company, which has temporarily suspended Red Sea transit, and is particularly active in maritime security issues.
With AFP, CP24, Courrier international, BFM and kongehuset.dk