Today’s news / Thousands flocked to the capital to follow the succession
After 52 years as regent, it is over. The Queen drove to Christian IX's palace at Amalienborg after signing her abdication. Photo: Nikolai Linares/Ritzau Scanp

Thousands flocked to the capital to follow the succession

On Sunday, January 14, 2024, Denmark got its King Frederik X, 14 days after the reigning monarch Queen Margrethe surprised the country by announcing that she was to abdicate in favour of her son. Under a grey winter sky and within view of a huge crowd – one of the largest in Danish history – the Danish traditions for a change in monarch took place. Many thousands of all ages from across the country and beyond braved the cold weather to cheer, clap, sing and welcome the new king. With so many wanting to witness the succession to the throne, police eventually had to close access to the palace square.
     Finally, at 3 p.m., to a cacophony of cheers and hundreds of waving national flags, King Frederik stepped out onto the balcony dressed in naval gala uniform and with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at his side.     “The crown prince who will now be our regent is a king we know, a king we care about, and a king we trust,” the prime minister said, having thanked Queen Margrethe for her 52 years of service to the country. “Thank you for lifting the legacy, duty and responsibility. Thank you for connecting us to the past and preparing for the future. Thank you for making an effort and much more.”
       As is tradition in Denmark with the succession of a new monarch, Frederiksen faced east, north and west to pronounce a threefold ‘Her Majesty Queen Margrethe the Second has abdicated. Long live His Majesty King Frederik the tenth.  A ninefold hurrah for His Majesty the King.” Following traditions, King Frederick held a short speech: “My mother, like few, has managed to merge with her kingdom. Today, the throne goes further. My hope is to become a unifying king of tomorrow. It’s a task I’ve approached all my life. It is a responsibility I take upon myself with respect, pride and joy,” the King said adding: “I will need all the support I can get from my beloved wife, my family, from you and from that which is greater than us. I face the future with the certainty that I am not alone,” he said, ending with his newly created motto: “Connected, committed, for the Kingdom of Denmark”.
    Earlier, Queen Margrethe had signed the instruments of abdication during a closed Council of State, ending her 52-year reign as monarch and head of state, handing over to her hereditary successor, his Queen Mary and the new Crown Prince Christian. “God preserve the king,” were her last words before turning and leaving the room to be immediately escorted to Amalienborg Palace.
     At 5 p.m. The Royal Life Guards marked the end of an era, moving the royal standard from Queen Margrethe’s residence, Christian IX’s Palace, to the new King Frederik X’s residence, King Frederik VIII’s Palace. This concluded the last official item in Sunday’s programme for the succession to the throne. The standards, which are used in connection with the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace Square, have been in the banner chamber at Christian IX’s Palace for the past 52 years. But after King Frederik X has been proclaimed Denmark’s new monarch, the flags will now be in Frederik VIII’s Palace, where they were ceremonially marched to late on Sunday afternoon. /ritzau/