Danes gather in front of Copenhagen's parliament to witness Queen Margrethe II abdicate after 52 years, making her the first monarch in nearly 900 years to voluntarily relinquish the throne. The event is a spectacle of national importance, attracting people from across Denmark due to the monarchy's immense popularity.
The royal family, deeply ingrained in Danish culture, symbolizes the essence of the nation, embodying fairytales and traditions, according to 59-year-old Anna Karina Laursen. The abdication announcement on New Year's Eve surprised the nation, leading to increased public interest in the monarchy.
The succession ceremony involves Crown Prince Frederik, 55, and his Australian-born wife Mary, 51, departing the royal palace in a 1958 Rolls-Royce. Queen Margrethe, 83, follows in a horse carriage for her final ride through the capital. Although there is no coronation, the official handover occurs during a meeting of the Council of State, where the abdication declaration is signed around 1300 GMT.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will later proclaim the new king on the parliament balcony, and Frederik will give a brief speech before returning to the palace with his wife. The Amalienborg complex, home to both the outgoing queen and the new reigning couple, witnesses a surge in hotel bookings and heightened public enthusiasm.
Queen Margrethe's decision to abdicate, following major back surgery in February, sparks speculation about ensuring a smooth transition. Historian Lars Hovbakke Sorensen suggests that, at 55, Prince Frederik's readiness may have influenced the queen's choice, avoiding a situation like Prince Charles becoming king at an advanced age. The Danish public overwhelmingly supports the new royal couple, with 82% expecting Frederik and 86% expecting Mary to excel in their roles.
#denmark #crownprincefredrick #queenmargretheii #danishqueen #copenhagen #worldnews
n18oc_world n18oc_crux
CRUX is your daily video news guide to the big events that are shaping our world. We track news, geopolitics, diplomacy and defence strategies and explain how they shape national policies. Crux makes sense of global developments, and analyses their impact on daily lives.
Follow CRUX on Telegram: https://bit.ly/3fnlLua
Follow CRUX on Instagram (@crux.india): https://bit.ly/3qSFx1K
Follow CRUX on Facebook: https://bit.ly/2Lte7iF
#GetCloserToTheNews with latest headlines on politics, sports and entertainment on news18.com https://bit.ly/2Y4QccL
Also watch:
Crux Decode: https://bit.ly/3MjzIoG
Crux+ : https://bit.ly/35mm97B
Crux Most Watched: https://bit.ly/3KhJ8iX
