In a historic moment, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has signed her abdication after an illustrious reign of 52 years, marking a significant transfer of power. The abdication ceremony
commenced with Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary, and their son Prince Christian proceeding to Christiansborg Castle in a grand procession. The royals, including Queen Margrethe II, traversed Frederiksgade, Bredgade, Kongens Nytorv, Holmens Canal, and Prince Jørgen's Courtyard, eliciting waves and cheers from delighted crowds.
At Christiansborg Palace, a pivotal Council of State unfolded, attended by Margrethe, Frederik, and Christian, along with the Government and the Council of State secretary. It was in this setting that Queen Margrethe II officially signed the declaration of her abdication, marking the symbolic end of her reign. Following this, she returned to Amalienborg, while Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary hosted a formal reception for specially invited guests.
The next leg of the abdication proceedings involved a balcony appearance at Christiansborg Palace by the newly crowned King Frederik X and Queen Mary at 3 pm Danish time. The Prime Minister then proclaimed the King's accession to the throne, and the monarch addressed the nation, concluding with the royal motto. An honorary cannon salute from the Sixtus Battery, a heritage site in Copenhagen, followed, and the Royal Standard was lowered at Christian IX's Palace and raised at Frederik VIII's Palace, the new King and Queen's residence.
The royal couple, Frederik and Mary, made a grand return to Amalienborg in a carriage escorted by a mounted squadron. At 5 pm, a transfer of the royal colors took place from Christian IX's Palace to Frederik VIII's Palace, marking another symbolic moment in the abdication ceremony.
Throughout the festivities, Queen Margrethe II exhibited genuine joy, as noted by body language expert Adrianne Carter. In her carriage, she radiated full, beaming smiles, clearly enjoying the presence of the multitude. The streets of Copenhagen were lined with enthusiastic well-wishers, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere.
The day's events were meticulously planned, with soldiers marching in precision, and the Danish Guard Hussar regiment practicing for their role. Noteworthy was the crowd's anticipation, evidenced by queues outside La Glace, a renowned confectionery shop, where cakes adorned with the seal of the soon-to-be-crowned King Frederik X were in high demand.
As the abdication proceedings unfolded, Copenhagen echoed with joy and excitement, commemorating Queen Margrethe II's remarkable 52-year reign. The 83-year-old monarch, who became Europe's longest-reigning after Queen Elizabeth II's passing in September 2022, left an indelible mark on Denmark's history, and her abdication marked a significant chapter in the nation's royal legacy. Photo by Bill Ebbesen, Wikimedia commons.