Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II Abdicates, Son Frederik X Proclaimed King

Denmark‘s beloved monarch, Queen Margrethe II, has made history by voluntarily abdicating the throne after 900 years. In a ceremony at the Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, Margrethe signed her abdication documents in the presence of the Danish Cabinet. The nation rejoiced as the throne passed to her son, Frederik X, who was proclaimed king by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Thousands of people gathered outside the palace to witness this historic event. It marked Denmark’s first royal succession in over 50 years that was not caused by the death of a monarch. The atmosphere was jubilant as the Nordic nation celebrated the transition of power from a beloved queen to her popular son.

Margrethe, adorned in a magenta outfit, officially stepped down from the throne at the age of 83. This makes her the first Danish monarch in nearly 900 years to voluntarily relinquish power. The abdication ceremony took place at the Christiansborg Palace, a sprawling complex that houses the Danish Parliament, the prime minister’s office, and the Supreme Court.

After Margrethe signed her abdication documents, Prime Minister Frederiksen proclaimed Frederik X as the new king from the balcony of the palace. The abdication leaves Denmark with two queens: Margrethe will retain her title, while Frederik’s Australian-born wife, Queen Mary, will become the queen consort. Their eldest son, Crown Prince Christian, 18, will ascend as the crown prince and heir to the throne.

Margrethe’s decision to abdicate came as a surprise to the nation. She cited health issues, including a major back surgery last February, as a reason for her stepping down. Despite the unexpected announcement, the transition of power proceeded smoothly, causing celebration across Denmark.