After exactly 52 years Queen Margaret II Denmark will have a new monarch on Sunday. The new King Frederick X differs from his mother in many ways: while the 83-year-old is considered a creative soul with a great passion for art and high culture, the 55-year-old heir to the throne is a rock fan and a proven sports fan.
Frederik: sports rock fan
Among other things, Frederik launched the Royal Run in 2018, in which he and his family run through several cities across the country every year at the end of May with tens of thousands of other Danes. He has completed several marathons, an Ironman, and several other physical challenges, such as a months-long dog sledding expedition through Greenland.
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Margrethe was considered an excellent speaker, whose New Year's speeches were part of New Year's Eve for millions of Danes, as well as “Dinner for One” for many Austrians and Germans. Frederik's strength, on the other hand, lies more in small talk and direct contact with people.
The woman from Tasmania, Australia, has been by the former crown prince's side for more than 20 years Crown Princess Mary, who becomes queen with the change of throne. The 51-year-old has long been known for her commitment to those experiencing hardship. The rights of girls and women around the world are as important to her as sustainability and nature conservation. She is often described as a fashion icon, speaks fluent Danish and has long won the hearts of Danes with her open and charismatic nature.
Christian, 18, becomes crown prince
Frederik and Mary are considered an intelligent and practical couple. The two have four children: Christian princewho came of age last October, also Princess Isabel (16) and the twins Prince Vincent It is Princess Josephine (both 13). A lot will change, especially for Christian, with the change of throne: from now on, as crown prince, he will be at the forefront of the Danish throne. Therefore, he will also be his father's first deputy if he is traveling abroad or unable to attend.
➤ Read more here: Change of throne: which rule Princess Mary no longer needs to adhere to as queen
By the way, it is no coincidence that Frederik's eldest son is called Christian: in Denmark, it is a centuries-old tradition for male heirs to the throne to alternate between these two names. Since the Middle Ages, a Frederick has always been succeeded on the throne by a Christian and then by another Frederick. Then came Queen Margrethe in 1972 – and now another Frederik.