That was fast! In her New Year’s speech, Queen Margrethe of Denmark (83) announced that she would be stepping down as Danish regent after 52 years. Today the time has come: her eldest son Prince Frederik (55) takes over the office. An hour ago the royals arrived at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen – and just a few minutes later it was done: Frederik is now the new king of Denmark!
At 2 p.m., the Crown Prince couple, their eldest son Prince Christian (18) and Margrethe sat down for a meeting with the State Council. There she signed her declaration of abdication. With the historic signature it is sealed: Frederik is the new Danish ruler! His wife is Princess Mary (51). queenChristian takes his father’s place as heir to the throne.
After the signature, Margarethe, who had arrived in a carriage, left the location in a state carriage. Beforehand, Frederik bowed reverently to his mother. In a few minutes, the new royal couple will be holding a state reception for invited guests in the castle. The one who abdicated queen is not there: she is back at Amalienborg Castle.
