Denmark witnessed a historic moment as King Frederik X officially ascended the throne on Sunday, succeeding his mother, Queen Margrethe II, who voluntarily abdicated after 52 years as the monarch.
The abdication marked a significant event in the nation’s history, with large crowds gathered in the capital to witness the transition.
Queen Margrethe, 83, surprised the nation on New Year’s Eve with her announcement, becoming the first Danish monarch in nearly 900 years to voluntarily relinquish the throne.
The formalisation of the succession occurred as Margrethe signed the abdication declaration during a Council of State meeting at parliament, as Denmark, one of the world’s oldest monarchies, does not have a coronation ceremony.
The meeting, attended by government representatives, Queen Margrethe, King Frederik X, 55, and his Australian-born wife, Queen Mary, 51, along with their eldest son and new heir to the throne, Prince Christian, 18, marked the official transfer of power.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen later proclaimed the new king on the parliament balcony, where King Frederik X delivered a brief speech.
