DrAnnemark celebrates: “Long live the king,” Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen shouted Sunday as Frederick X was announced on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen. Then loud cheers broke out among thousands of people in front of the castle. “Hello! Hooray!” “Hurray!” echoed across Palace Square and into the surrounding streets.

Frederick looked very emotional, clearly having tears in his eyes. Finally he waved from the balcony with his wife, the new Queen Mary. They both also kissed in public. Their four children also climbed onto the balcony.

Queen Margaret II (83 years old) officially abdicated the throne two weeks after her resignation. The 55-year-old is now at the helm Kingdom of Denmark. His Australian-born wife, Mary, went from crown prince to queen, and the couple's eldest son, Prince Christian, became the new crown prince.

Schleswig-Holstein Prime Minister Daniel Gunther (CDU) congratulated the new King of Denmark. Meanwhile, Günther praised the achievements of Monarch Margrethe II, and the head of government said: „Today is also a special day for Schleswig-Holstein.” Margaret II held the Danish throne for 52 years, „and from day one made outstanding contributions to the relationship between Denmark and Germany.”

The now abdicated Queen has done much for reconciliation and hence a closer relationship between the two countries. “The border region with Schleswig-Holstein was of particular importance to her. Our country will always be closely linked to it,” Günther stressed.

In her closely watched New Year's speech, Queen Margrethe unexpectedly announced that she would hand over the throne to Frederick on January 14 after exactly 52 years in office. Such a move is highly unusual in Denmark: in fact there is no abdication before death. The last time a Danish regent voluntarily abdicated the throne during his lifetime was in 1146.

“I decided it was the right time,” Margaret said.

Margaret also repeatedly stated that she wanted to fulfill her duties until the end of her life. However, back surgery in February 2023 made her consider whether it was time to pass the responsibility on to the next generation. “I have decided that this is the right time,” she said in her New Year’s speech. “On January 14, 2024 – 52 years after succeeding my beloved father – I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I will hand over the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik.”

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That was in Copenhagen History day Even if there was no coronation as pompous as that of the British King Charles III. we will give. Instead, the would-be king and abdicated queen traveled by car from Amalienborg Palace to Christiansborg Palace in the early afternoon.

There, Margaret signed her abdication declaration at a meeting with the government that began at two in the afternoon. SUCCESSFULLY: At 2:24pm, the first breaking news came out – the change of throne was officially complete and Frederick was the new king.

The king feels “respect, pride and great joy”

The new King of Denmark gave his first speech as king on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace. The 55-year-old said his mother, Queen Margaret II, will forever be remembered as an extraordinary regent, before describing the mission he has now inherited from her. “I hope to be a unified king of tomorrow,” he said. He takes on the responsibility „with respect, pride and great joy.”

Cheers repeatedly broke out among the people in front of the balcony, especially when Frederick's wife, Queen Mary, and the couple's four children stood next to the new king. Frederick ended his speech with his slogan: “United, committed, for the Kingdom of Denmark.”

Fireworks, congratulations and greetings from space

In the evening, a large fireworks display lit up the sky of Tivoli, the ancient amusement park in the heart of Copenhagen.

Messages of love poured in from near and far, to the abdicated king and the new king. Sweden's King Carl As well as the British King Charles III. King Harald V of Norway sent warm words to Copenhagen. Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen even raised the flag in space: “Many thanks to Queen Margrethe for everything she has done for our country,” he wrote on social networks alongside a photo of the Danish flag on board the International Space Station (ISS).

US President Joe Biden also praised the achievements of Monarch Margaret II, who ruled the country for a long time, as Margaret’s 52-year reign extended to the era of ten American presidents, “an era in which the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States acted as security and safety forces.” “Trading partners are drawing closer together,” Biden wrote, and the bonds of friendship between peoples are stronger than ever. Through her commitment to her country over the past five decades, Margaret has set “a remarkable example of selfless and principled service.”

The change of throne marked the end of a long era in Denmark. Margaret has been on the throne for exactly 52 years, and since the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, she has been considered the longest-serving monarch on Earth.

Prime Minister Frederiksen recently paid tribute to many Danes who don't know anyone other than her. “Queen Margrethe is an example for Denmark, and over the years she has found the words and sentiments that express who we are as a people and as a nation,” she said after Margrethe's surprise New Year's Eve announcement.