Queen Margareta’s son, Crown Prince Frederik, becomes Denmark’s formal head of state.
History is being made in Denmark today when the queen who ruled the country for 52 years dies Margaret II abdicates. In his place, the crown prince will become the formal head of state of Denmark Frederickwho becomes king Frederick X. It is the first time in nearly 900 years that a Danish monarch voluntarily abdicates. The 83-year-old Queen Margaret announced the decision, which surprised the Danes, in her New Year’s speech.
Large crowds are expected to arrive in Copenhagen to watch the handover ceremonies in the afternoon. On the other hand, of the foreign royal houses, at least the royals of Sweden or Britain do not participate in the event. According to the Swedish court, this is a normal practice, according to which power changes are an internal matter for each monarchy.
The new king begins by giving a speech
The change of power ceremonies in the afternoon in Copenhagen do not include the actual crowning of the new king. The main event is organized in the center of power in Christiansborg Castle, where the Danish Parliament and the Prime Minister’s Office are located, among others.
According to the Danish court, the day progresses in such a way that first the crown prince couple Frederik and Mary transfer by car from Amalienborg Castle to Christiansborg. After them, the retreating Queen Margareeta makes the same journey in a horse-drawn carriage, escorted by cavalrymen of the guard’s hussar regiment. At 15:00 Finnish time, the Government Council session will be held, in which the Queen, the Crown Prince and the Danish government will participate. Power changes the moment Queen Margaret has signed the document of abdication.
After this, the former queen leaves Christiansborg, but now by car. Prime Minister at 4 p.m Mette Frederiksen proclaims from the balcony of Christiansborg that power has changed. After this, the new king makes a speech and announces his own motto as ruler. The speech is followed by 27 honorary shots from cannons. As a sign of the change of power, the new royal couple leaves Christiansborg in a horse-drawn carriage and escorted by cavalry.
Queen Margareeta will not make a complete separation from her previous life, but is ready to represent the royal house as her son’s deputy if necessary – although only after Frederik’s, 55, son Prince Christian, 18, has also been prevented from replacing his father.
STT, Niilo Simojoki