This Sunday, Frederick X became the new king of Denmark after the signature of his mother, Queen Margaret II. declaration of abdication During the Council of State held at Christiansborg Castle in Copenhagen, where the parliament is located.
This Sunday, the country is experiencing a transition to monarchy the likes of which have not been seen in nearly 900 years. As Queen Elizabeth II surprisingly announced in her New Year’s Eve speech. After 52 years, Margaret voluntarily abdicated and was succeeded by her son, who would reign as Frederick X.
Margarita, 83, ascended to the throne in 1972, which coincided with the death of her father. Frederick IX. As he vociferously stated in a recent address to the nation, he believes “the time is right” and has acknowledged his recent stance. health problems They took a huge toll on him, especially due to his back surgery in February 2023.
He set a date for his abdication in order to “give responsibility to the next generation”: this Sunday. January 14It coincides with the anniversary of the beginning of the reign of the eldest of his two sons, who took the crown at the age of 55.
He does this hand in hand with his wife, Mary Donaldson, whom he married in 2004 and who will now assume the title of queen. The couple have four children, the eldest of whom, Prince Christian, will officially become heir to the Danish throne at the age of 18 from this Sunday.
Danish law since 2009 gender equality It was the result of a modernization in the succession to the throne that saw its first major step in 1953; This was the introduction of a reform that removed the requirement for only male descendants to rule, paving the way for the full outgoing monarch.
Following her abdication, Margaret will retain the title of queen and majesty, in line with the criteria that have also been applied in other European monarchies, such as the Spanish monarchy, in recent years. The last date a Danish monarch voluntarily abdicated was 1146. Eric III The Dane, known as ‘The Lamb’, abdicated to retire to a monastery.
ceremonies
The first major event of the day of the transfer of power is the symbolic meeting of the Danish Council of State at 14:00, where Margarita, accompanied by her chief advisors, will sign her abdication. The proclamation of the new king, who plans to go out to the balcony and greet him in an hour, will be made official. Christiansborg Palace.
At 17:00, the royal standards will be transferred from the palace where the current queen lives to the residence of the new monarchs. Frederick VIII Palace, As stated in the official agenda announced by the Royal Household, which does not foresee major ceremonies on the sidelines.
The following day, on Monday, Parliament will host the succession celebration, with the royal family in attendance and the prime minister giving a speech. Mette Frederiksenas a symbol of the legislators’ approval of the new king. A religious ceremony will be held at Aarhus Cathedral on Tuesday.
Margarita’s last actions
Margaret II bid a symbolic farewell to citizens as she traveled by carriage for the last time through the snowy streets of Copenhagen on January 4. Amalienborg Palace, From the official residence to Christiansborg Palace, where the executive, legislative and judicial powers are located, it was the scene of the traditional reception attended by approximately a thousand guests at the beginning of the year. The person who will make this symbolic journey in January 2025 will be Federico X.
The outgoing queen also congratulated her last official reception, After accumulating around a thousand during his more than half century on the throne.