King Frederik and Queen Margrethe
The change of throne is now officially complete
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has signed her declaration of abdication – Frederik X is officially the new king.
© imago/Ritzau Scanpix
Crown Prince Frederik becomes Frederik X: Denmark officially has a new king! Queen Margrethe abdicated after 52 years.
It’s a historic day for Denmark: the country has a new king. After 52 years on the throne, Queen Margrethe (83) signed her abdication this Sunday afternoon (January 14th). Her son Frederik (55) is now the new King of Denmark. He bears the regent name Frederik X.
In the afternoon, Margrethe traveled in a golden wedding carriage and accompanied by a cavalry squadron of the Guard Hussars Regiment to Christiansborg Palace, where Frederik’s official abdication and proclamation took place. On the way to the castle, the monarch was accompanied by hundreds of cheering royal fans Denmark flags greeted – these are her last moments as queen.
Frederik and his wife Mary (51), now queen, and son Christian (18), now crown prince, traveled to the castle in the car and were also greeted with cheers. Princess Isabella (16) and the twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine (13) were also in the car.
Margrethe signs declaration of abdication
The big moment followed at 2 p.m.: The Crown Prince Couple and Prince Christian attended the Council of State together with Queen Margrethe. There Margrethe signed her declaration of abdication. According to media reports, the visibly moved monarch had tears in her eyes. The new Crown Prince Christian watched excitedly.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced the change of throne. Frederik is now officially king and, as the new regent, takes over all of his mother’s functions.
Margrethe then left the castle in the car and waved again to the waiting fans on the streets. At around 3 p.m., the new royal couple is scheduled to hold a reception for invited guests at Christiansborg Palace and appear on the palace balcony.
Margrethe remains queen
Margrethe unexpectedly announced her abdication in her New Year’s speech. The change of throne does not change her title: she officially remains “Her Majesty, Queen Margrethe” and can take on official duties as “Regent ad interim”, for example in the event of a trip abroad by her successor.