Denmark’s new royal couple is already in the starting blocks: After Queen Margrethe, 83, unexpectedly announced her abdication in her New Year’s speech, it is now the turn of her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, 55, to follow in his mother’s great footsteps. At the new king’s side: his wife Mary, 51, future Queen of Denmark.
January 14th marks the end of an era – Margrethe was the first woman to take the throne in Denmark in 500 years. She reigned for a full 50 years – and enjoyed great popularity as a people-oriented, eccentric and somewhat rebellious royal. For example, while the coronation of King Charles, 75, was a huge spectacle in Britain, the Danish equivalent will be a matter of a few minutes. You can find out what happens on the day of the change of throne here.
This happens on the day of the change of throne
2 p.m.: Official resignation of Margrethe
Queen Margrethe and the Crown Prince couple Frederik and Mary will meet with the Council of State – the government and the cabinet secretary – at Christiansborg Palace at 2 p.m. In addition to those directly involved, Prince Christian, 18, will also be present. While Margrethe travels from Amalienborg by carriage and is escorted by the horse squadron of the Guard Hussar Regiment, Mary and Frederik arrive by car. The change of throne is then a matter of a few minutes: the queen will sign the declaration of abdication, which automatically makes her son king. Margrethe retains her title and is allowed to continue to take on a representative role, but from this moment on the new royal couple, Frederik and Mary, officially rule.
3 p.m.: Proclamation from the balcony
The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, announces the change of throne from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace at around 3 p.m. King Frederik then gives a speech to the people and ends it with his motto. Finally, 27 shots are fired as a salute.
5 p.m.: Changing of the royal flags
In the late afternoon the royal flags will be raised from the Palais Christian IX. transferred to Frederik VIII Palace at Amalienborg Palace. As soon as the flags fly in place, Denmark’s newly crowned royal couple travels by carriage from Christiansborg Palace to Frederik VIII Palace in Amalienborg. This time they are accompanied by the horse squadron of the Guard Hussar Regiment. At the end of the big day – around 6 p.m. – there will be a twelve-minute fireworks display in honor of the new royal couple in Copenhagen’s Tivoli amusement park.