By Tony O’Reilly-
Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II, after a reign spanning decades, signed her historic abdication on Sunday, paving the way for her son, Frederik X, to ascend the throne.
This marked a significant milestone, as Margrethe, at the age of 83, became the first Danish monarch to voluntarily relinquish the throne in nearly 900 years.
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The abdication ceremony unfolded at the Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, where Margrethe, wearing a magenta outfit, signed the document during a meeting with the Danish Cabinet. In a poignant moment, she rose and gestured to her son Frederik X, immediately making him the new king, leaving the room with a heartfelt “God save the king.”
The passing of the throne from a beloved monarch to her popular son attracted thousands of people outside the palace, with jubilant spirits marking the first royal succession in Denmark in more than half a century that was not triggered by the death of a monarch.
King Frederik X takes the helm at a crucial time in Denmark’s history, succeeding his mother after her long and esteemed reign. Queen Margrethe II’s decision to step down, citing health issues, stunned the nation, which had expected her to continue her reign in line with Danish monarchy traditions.
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Even the prime minister was reportedly unaware of the queen’s intentions until right before the announcement.
Frederik X, who takes the throne as the new sovereign, brings a wealth of experience and responsibility to his new role.
His antecedents, deeply rooted in Danish history, trace back to the 10th-century Viking king Gorm the Old, making Denmark’s monarchy one of the oldest in Europe and the world.
While the royal family’s duties are largely ceremonial today, the ascendance of King Frederik X is anticipated to bring a new era to the Danish monarchy.
As part of the historic transition, Denmark now finds itself with two queens: Margrethe retains her title, while Frederik’s Australian-born wife will assume the role of Queen Mary. Their eldest son, Crown Prince Christian, aged 18, is set to become the crown prince and heir to the throne.
The unexpected nature of Queen Margrethe II’s abdication has prompted a nationwide outpouring of support and celebration. Streets adorned with red and white Danish flags, shops displaying photos of the queen and king-to-be, and city buses featuring smaller Danish flags all contributed to the festive atmosphere surrounding this historic event.
King Frederik X takes the reins at a pivotal time for Denmark, carrying the legacy of a rich history into a new chapter for the monarchy.
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