Goodbye Margaret! Frederick X was proclaimed king of Denmark

Frederick This Sunday he became the new king of Denmark after his historic abdication Margaret II. the longest-serving living monarch on the throne, on a day that saw Copenhagen’s biggest influx of people in recent memory.

Succession entered into force ua State Council held in Christiansborg Castle, the seat of parliament, after Margareta II. signed the decree of abdication after more than half a century on the throne, although Frederick’s proclamation did not happen until almost an hour later.

Following the Danish tradition since the conversion to a constitutional monarchy in 1849, which does not involve a coronation ceremony or guests from other royal houses, it was Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen who was in charge of declaring Frederick, 55, king from the Christiansborg balcony.

“Her Majesty Margaret II abdicated. Long live His Majesty King Frederick X”he repeated three times Frederiksen.

The new monarch, who called his mother an “extraordinary regent”, said he would need the support of “my beloved wife, my family and what is bigger than all of us”.

“My mother, like few others, was one with her kingdom. I hope to be a unifying king”– Federico said in a short speech, who was followed on the balcony a few minutes later by his wife, Queen Mary, of Australian origin, and their four children, led by the now 18-year-old heir to the throne, Christian.

With shouts and cheers from the thousands of people who filled the square, Federico – who is now admiral of the navy and general of the land and air forces – put his hand over his heart in gratitude and kissed his wife on the mouth.

The king and queen then traveled by carriage to the Amalienborg Palace complex, the residence of the royal family, from whose balcony they once again greeted the thousands of people gathered with their children.

A few hours earlier, the then heirs to the throne left Amalienborg by car to head to State Council, while Margarita II, aged 83, traveled in a carriage.

The official program was closed with the transfer of the royal flags from the palace Christian IXthe residence of the outgoing monarch, to that of Frederick VIII, where the new kings live, both separated by only a few hundred meters.

The center of Copenhagen was occupied by thousands of people
The Danish capital, and especially its center, began to record a continuous influx of people arriving by bus, train, ferry, plane or car from all parts of this Scandinavian country where the monarchy enjoys wide support from the early hours of the morning. , with figures above 70% and, even more, outgoing queens and new kings.

Thousands of people occupied Amalienborg Square, the central streets through which the royal carriage passed (a journey of approximately 1.5 kilometers) and Christiansborg Square, which the police had to close to the public an hour before the start of the event.

Several metro stations in the capital also remained closed for several hours due to the large number of people who gathered on the streets.

Despite the large number of people who followed the events closely – authorities did not provide an estimated figure – no incidents were reported.

Almost 900 years since the last abdication
Since Denmark became a hereditary monarchy in 1660, no king or queen has abdicated, the last precedent dating back to 1146, when Eric III abdicated to retire to a monastery.

Hence the unexpected announcement he made Margaret II in his traditional New Year’s speech – he told his children only three days before, which was confirmed by the royal family – he surprised the whole country, although the decision received wide support.

The queen, who repeated several times that it was her job “forever”, He cited his age (83), problems stemming from complicated back surgery and the need to make way for a new generation to justify his retirement after 52 years on the throne.

The choice of date was not accidental: back on January 14, but in 1972, the then heir to the throne, thanks to the repeal of the Šalić Law 19 years earlier, was proclaimed queen from the balcony of Christiansborg after the death a few hours before her father, Frederick IX.

Ascension to the throne Frederick She was also welcomed by other royal houses, including the Spanish one: Kings Felipe VI. and Letizia congratulated the new monarch with “the greatest personal affection” and “best wishes” in a letter.

He King Harald V He did the same on social networks of the Norwegian Royal House and they also joined in the congratulations Charles XVI Gustav of Sweden and Charles III of England.

The historic day ends at around 18:00 (17:00 GMT) with fireworks at the popular amusement park Tivoli, which promised to be the biggest in its 180-year history.