Editorial Staff
16/01/24 23:16

Editorial Staff
16/01/24 23:16

Historic Danish monarchy change greeted by thousands and receives congratulatory message from King Charles III

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by Mick the Ram

 

The Kingdom of Denmark marked a moment in their history on Sunday 14 January, when its longest-serving monarch, Queen Margrethe II, signed her abdication papers, ending exactly 52 years on the throne.

It’s the first time in 900 years that a Danish monarch has voluntarily abdicated, rather than staying in the post until their death. She handed the position to her eldest son, Frederik, who will reign with his Australian-born wife, who has become Queen Mary of Denmark.

It was believed that the occasion would be a relatively low-key affair, but tens of thousands turned out to greet their new king. The handover ceremony itself was short and simple, particularly when  compared to the coronation of King Charles III last year.

Nevertheless, huge numbers lined the streets to bid farewell to the out-going Queen, who was the world’s only remaining female sovereign. Then close to 100,000 gathered in the square in front of  Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, to salute the newly crowned couple, who appeared on the balcony to acknowledge the vast crowd.

The UK’s monarch, along with his wife Queen Camilla, sent a message of congratulations to Europe’s newest King, whilst paying tribute to the “many years of service” given to the people of Denmark, by Queen Margarethe.

Surprise for everyone

Queen Margrethe stunned the whole nation when, on New Year’s Eve, she announced live on television during her annual speech and completely out of the blue, that she was standing down. Apparently even her son had only been informed of the decision a matter of days before.

Last task as queen

The outgoing queen left her residence by horse and a carriage for the short ride to Christiansborg Palace, which also houses the Danish Parliament. She has reigned since the death of her own father on 14 January 1972, meaning it has been exactly 52 years to the day.

After signing the necessary papers in the Council of State Room, she left in a car, waving to the crowds lining the streets.

Capital comes to a standstill

With central Copenhagen at a standstill and bells ringing out from church towers all around the capital, the Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, proclaimed Frederik as the King of Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, before announcing to the nation:

“Long live king Frederik the tenth” three times, in a ceremony on the balcony of the palace.

Best wishes arrive from UK monarchy

From Buckingham Palace a statement from King Charles III and Queen Camilla sent their “very best wishes” and Charles went on to say: “I look forward to working with you on ensuring that the enduring bond between our countries, and our families, remains strong, and to working together with you on issues which matter so much for our countries and the wider world.”

Cheering crowd welcome in their new king

Appearing on the balcony, Frederik, together with his queen, announced to the cheering crowd that he hoped to become “a unifying king” for the future. With obvious emotion coming through, even wiping away a tear, he made his first speech to his people, who had waited in sub-zero temperatures for several hours.

He said that becoming king was a task he was taking on with “pride, respect, and joy,” before paying tribute to his mother, making the observation that she would always be remembered as an “extraordinary” regent.

The crowd were hanging on his every word and they broke into huge cheers when after being joined by Mary and their four children, King Frederik kissed his newly titled queen.

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