(Copenhagen) Frederik
Published at 10:32 am. Updated at 12:00 p.m.
Camille BAS-WOHLERT Agence France-Presse
“Today is Sunday, January 14, 2024. Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II has abdicated […]. Long live His Majesty King Frederik X! », Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace to around 100,000 people.
The new monarch in military uniform and his family received long applause.
“My mother managed to become one with her kingdom like no other […]. “My hope is to become a unifying king for the future,” said Frederik X at that first meeting with his people, wiping away a few tears. “It is a responsibility that I take on with respect, pride and a lot of joy.”
Before leaving the balcony, he kissed his wife, Queen Mary, elegantly dressed in a white dress.
PHOTO JONATHAN NACKSTRAND, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
King Frederik X and his wife, Queen Maria
The latter is of Australian origin and the first queen of Denmark who does not come from the nobility.
“It's moving, it's a great moment,” admits Berit Nissen, who traveled from the west of the country for the occasion. “He’s a little older than me, but I grew up with him. We feel like he’s one of us.”
“I think he will be a good king. I can't wait to see how he'll do it, how he'll embrace this role,” says René Jensen, a 35-year-old from Copenhagen, wearing a cape and crown for the occasion.
Back in Amalienborg, their home about a mile away, the royal family appeared on the balcony again and waved to the crowd for several minutes.
As the final official element of the daily protocol, the colors now float up in the palace where Frederik and his mother live.
Barely an hour before the proclamation of the new ruler, Queen Margrethe II signed her instrument of abdication during a meeting of the Council of State in the presence of the government, a first for 900 years in Denmark, making her son the eldest of them at 55. the heir to the throne, the new monarch.
PHOTO RITZAU SCANPIX DENMARK, VIA Portal
Queen Margrethe II signed the documents confirming her abdication at Christiansborg Palace.
“May God protect the king!” »
The images broadcast on television shortly after this solemn moment show her in a dark pink outfit, very emotional, signing the document before standing up and asking Frederik, on her right, to sit in his chair at the end of the table.
Freed from her role as head of state, Margrethe then left the council, choking back tears as she said: “May God protect the king!”.
His car left the palace to cheers from onlookers, many of whom had their heads covered with paper or plastic crowns.
Some in ski gear, others draped in Danish flags, curious people came from all over the country to see the royal family, some arriving more than five hours early.
PHOTO MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
View of the crowd gathered in front of Christiansborg Palace
Access to Christiansborg Palace Square was closed to the public shortly after 1 p.m. (7 a.m. Eastern Time) due to crowds.
The day's minutes broadly reflect the tradition regarding succession in Denmark. The sovereign who does not wear a crown does not literally ascend a throne and no foreign dignitary was invited.
The king's brother, Prince Joachim, traveled from Washington, where he resides, and European rulers, including King Charles, sent their congratulations.
Birthday
52 years ago, on January 14, 1972, Margrethe II was born after the death of her father Frederik IX. Queen. She abdicated on the very anniversary of her accession to the throne.
Although the announcement of his retirement during the traditional televised congratulations on December 31st came as a surprise – his own family had been informed only three days earlier – it was very quickly accepted. In 2023, the queen underwent serious back surgery.
More than 80% of Danes support her decision and the ruler retains her title, which allows her to represent the royal family at official ceremonies.
“She believes that the crown prince is very ready to take power. And she may want to avoid a situation like in Britain, where Prince Charles became King Charles when he was over 70,” notes historian Lars Hovbakke Sørensen.
Frederik, who had been crown prince since he was three, was already popular.
In Denmark, the role of the monarch, the head of state, is primarily representative and ceremonial. However, he makes the laws and officially directs the constitution of the government, which he meets at regular intervals.