Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has been officially declared Frederik X as the new king on Sunday, following the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II.
Thousands gathered outside Christiansborg Palace to witness the royal succession, a jubilant occasion as Denmark experiences its first voluntary abdication in almost 900 years.
“My hope is to become a unifying king of tomorrow,” expressed King Frederik X. “It is a task I have approached all my life.”
The ceremony included the adoption of a royal motto by the new king: “United, committed, for the kingdom of Denmark.”
The abdication document was presented to Queen Margrethe at a red-cloth-covered table, surrounded by royals and government officials.
The abdication leaves Denmark with two queens – Queen Margrethe retains her title, while Queen Mary assumes the role.
Frederik and Mary’s eldest son, Christian, becomes crown prince.
Queen Margrethe’s surprise abdication was announced on New Year’s Eve due to health issues, shocking the nation. She underwent major back surgery last February.
The last Danish monarch to voluntarily resign was in 1146.
The Danish monarch, traced its origins to 10th-century Viking king Gorm the Old, is one of the oldest in Europe. Australians also celebrated as their own, Queen Mary, ascended to the Danish throne.
