In just a week’s time, Queen Margrethe II will abdicate and bring to an end a reign that has spanned over half a century. She will be succeeded immediately by her elder son, who will become Frederik X. It is a moment of history but the process that will see the throne pass between mother and son will be a simple and low key one.
Arrival of a queen
The abdication will take place at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.It has been the centre of royal power in Denmark for centuries. Although the role of monarch is now largely ceremonial, the handover will take place in the place that has been so vital to the country’s rulers throughout history.
Witnesses to an abdication
The abdication will take place during a Council of State which will begin at 2pm on January 14th 2024. The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, will be among the politicians present to witness the handover of the throne. Soon to be king, Frederik, will be there, too, with his wife, Mary, and their eldest child, Christian.
Margrethe II will abdicate by signing a Declaration. From the moment that her signature is complete, her reign is over and that of her son will begin. All eyes will be on the clock to note the exact time this moment of history happens.
Proclamation of a king
At 3pm, the new king, Frederik X, will step on to the balcony of Christiansborg Palace where he will be proclaimed as monarch to his new kingdom.
It is the duty of Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, to carry out the proclamation.
It is expected that his wife, who will then be Queen Mary, and their son, now Crown Prince Christian, will join him to greet the crowds as his reign is publicly declared.
The final act
The final act in this simple handover will be the transfer of the royal standard to the residence of the new king, Frederik X.
This will happen at 5pm on January 14th 2024, as the sun sets on a day of history in Copenhagen.