Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II to Pass the Throne to Son Frederik
Queen Margrethe II, Denmark’s longest reigning monarch, is set to pass the throne to her first-born son Frederik on Sunday. Tens of thousands of Danes are expected to gather in the streets of Copenhagen to witness this historic succession.
The Abdication Announcement
Margrethe shocked the nation on New Year’s Eve when she announced her decision to abdicate after 52 years as queen. This makes her the first Danish monarch in nearly 900 years to relinquish the throne.
Popularity of the Monarchy
The monarchy in Denmark is enjoying immense popularity, with people from all over the country expected to crowd Copenhagen for the event. The royal family represents everything that is Danish, including fairytales and traditions.
The Procession
The crown prince, Frederik, and his Australian-born wife, Mary, who will become queen, are scheduled to leave the royal palace at 12:35 p.m. in a 1958 Rolls-Royce. Margrethe will follow a few minutes later in a horse carriage for her final ride as monarch through the streets of the capital.
The Succession Ceremony
There will be no coronation like in Britain, but the succession itself will take place at around 1:00 p.m. when Margrethe signs the declaration of her abdication. This will occur during a meeting of the Council of State at parliament, where the government, Frederik, and his oldest son Christian will participate.
About an hour later, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will proclaim the new king on the balcony of the parliament. Frederik will give a short speech before he and his wife ride by carriage back to the palace.
The Amalienborg Complex
The Amalienborg complex, built in the 1750s, is located in central Copenhagen and consists of four palaces built around an octagonal courtyard. It is home to both the outgoing queen and the new reigning couple.
Public Support for the Monarchy
The new Danish royal couple will ascend the throne at a time of tremendous public support and enthusiasm for the monarchy. Recent surveys indicate that 82% of Danes expect Frederik to do well in his new role, while 86% said the same about Mary.
Reasons for Abdication
Margrethe did not give an exact reason for her decision to step down, but she mentioned that a major back surgery she underwent last year made her consider her future. Historians speculate that she wanted to avoid having a very old king, similar to Prince Charles in Britain.
Overall, the abdication of Queen Margrethe II and the succession of Crown Prince Frederik and Queen Mary mark a significant moment in Danish history. The event is expected to be celebrated by thousands of Danes and signifies the enduring popularity of the monarchy in Denmark.
