New King of Denmark Frederik X and historical moments

Queen Margrethe, 83, surprised everyone by abdicating on New Year's Eve 2024. It was the first time a Danish monarch had voluntarily given up the throne in nearly 900 years. Denmark is one of the world's oldest monarchies, but it does not hold a coronation ceremony.

Frederik X's Square and Other Historical Circles Figure 1 — New King Frederik X (center), Queen Mary (right) and Prince Christian (left) appear on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark on January 14, 2024. Photo: Reuters

There was only one signing event to acknowledge the transfer of power, attended by government representatives, Margrethe, Frederik and their 18-year-old eldest son Christian. About an hour after the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed the new King on the balcony of the Danish Parliament and King Frederik made a short speech.

Frederik X's Square and Other Historical Circles Figure 2 — Tens of thousands of Danes came to witness this historic event in the capital Copenhagen. Photo: Reuters

In near-freezing temperatures, tens of thousands of people from across Denmark converged on the capital Copenhagen to witness the events, a sign that the monarchy remains popular in the country of nearly 6 million people.

Frederik X's square and other historical circles image 3 — Queen Margrethe signs her abdication declaration at the Council of State at Christiansborg Castle, after 52 years of reign, to hand over the throne to Crown Prince Frederik on 14 January 2024. Photo: Ritzau Scanpix

“We came here today because history is being made right in front of our eyes. We had to be here,” said Soren Kristian Bisgaard, 30, a pilot.

Frederik X's square and other historical circles image 4 — Crowds carry pictures of Queen Margrethe during this historic Danish event. Photo: Reuters

In the late afternoon, the new King and Queen will return by carriage to their residence, Amalienborg, a royal complex built in the 1750s and located in the heart of Copenhagen.

Frederik X's square and other historical circles image 5 — Queen Margrethe of Denmark is escorted by the Hussar Guards in a golden carriage from Amalienborg Castle to Christiansborg Castle, on the day of her abdication. Photo: Ritzau Scanpix

Frederik X's square and other historical circles image 6 — A baby wearing a crown-shaped hat in the crowd attending the event where Queen Margrethe of Denmark passed the throne to Crown Prince Frederik. Photo: Reuters

The most recent survey conducted after Margrethe announced her abdication found that 82% of Danes expected King Frederik to do well or very well in his new role, while 86% said the same about Queen Mary.