Queen Margrethe II ended her 50-year reign on Sunday when the beloved monarch formally abdicated the Danish throne and passed the crown to her eldest son in an unprecedented succession.On Sunday HM Queen Margrethe II entrusts the throne to HRH Crown Prince Frederik๐The succession of the throne takes place at Council of State at Christiansborg Palace.๐ฐ The Queen signs a declaration of abdication & the Crown Prince will officially become HM King Frederik X. pic.twitter.com/9C2MXhaPkT— Denmark.dk (@denmarkdotdk) January 12, 2024Historic ceremonyAfter a final procession in a horse-drawn carriage through the streets of Copenhagen, Queen Margrethe reached the Christiansborg Palace.In the throne room of Christiansborg Palace, the beloved 83-year-old signed her declaration of abdication alongside government leaders to conclude her record-setting rule. Wiping away tears, she bid the ceremonial farewell: “God bless the king.”Frederik, 55, was then proclaimed King Frederik X alongside his wife, Queen Mary.Public praise and excitementOver 100,000 well-wishers braved winter weather to line the streets, waving Danish flags to witness the first abdication in 900 years in Denmark.Crowds of Danes wrapped in national flags turned out to offer a final tribute to their departing queen lauded as the “embodiment” and “soul” of the nation. Many felt excitement over Denmark entering a new era under a more modern monarch.The only other Danish monarch to voluntarily abdicate was King Erik III in 1146, making Margrethes choice to step down after exactly 52 years shockingly rare. While retaining her title and some duties, the popular queen cited health reasons for her decision.Nation bids farewell after decades of serviceMargrethe has embodied the Danish monarchy for more than half the countrys living memory. Portraits, banners, and signs around Copenhagen expressed gratitude for her steady leadership over 24,302 days as head of state.Many hoped she would reign until her passing like previous royals. But the popular queen cited health issues for stepping down exactly 52 years after she took the throne.First Australian-born QueenIn another historic first, Australian-born Mary Donaldson becomes Queen Consort as a commoner marrying into royalty — a symbol of the monarchys evolution.The couples eldest son, 18-year-old Prince Christian, was also formally named heir, taking up royal duties as the next generation prepares for greater responsibilities.New King expected to chart his own course While King Frederik X will look to carve his own path, the avid athlete and environmentalist enjoys the same widespread public support as his mother thanks to decades of preparing to take the reins. As a largely ceremonial figure, he faces the task of ushering and safeguarding this thousand-year-old institution into a rapidly changing future.
