PHOTO: King Frederik X & Queen Mary of Denmark. PEOPLE
Thousands of spectators gathered as King Frederik X ascended to the throne, succeeding his mother in a momentous event for Denmark. Overwhelmed with emotion, the new monarch expressed his aspiration to be a “unifying king” in a heartfelt address outside Christiansborg Castle.
Praising his mother, who had officially abdicated after an impressive 52-year reign, King Frederik became the first Danish monarch in over 800 years to willingly step down. Despite the event being initially described as understated, a massive crowd converged outside Christiansborg Castle to witness the historic transition.
On the balcony of the palace, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen officially declared King Frederik X as the ruler of Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, proclaiming, “Long live King Frederik the tenth,” thrice.
In his inaugural speech, King Frederik expressed his lifelong commitment to becoming a “unifying king of tomorrow” with pride, respect, and joy. He acknowledged his mother’s extraordinary reign, and tears welled in his eyes as he absorbed the jubilant atmosphere.
The visual spectacle included a kiss between King Frederik and his Australian-born Queen Consort Mary, drawing cheers from the crowd. Accompanied by their four children, including 18-year-old Crown Prince Christian, the new heir to the throne, the royal family made a memorable appearance on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace.
As Queen Margrethe II bid farewell, crowds lined the streets of the city, marking the end of her remarkable reign as the world’s sole remaining female sovereign. The 83-year-old monarch had announced her decision to step down during a televised address on New Year’s Eve, attributing it to contemplation following back surgery in 2023.
Queen Margrethe will retain her title, and King Frederik, now at the helm of Europe’s oldest monarchy at 55, received warm wishes from British monarchs King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla for the “many years of service” rendered by Queen Margrethe to Denmark.
SOURCE: RNZ