Federico

Denmark opened a new page in its history this Sunday with the abdication of Margaret II and the accession to the throne of his son Frederickan unprecedented event in which he participated more than 100,000 Danes.

When the new monarch was proclaimed king from the balcony of Christiansborg Castle in Copenhagen, he showed his desire to act as a unifier for the entire country. “My mother was, like few others, one with her kingdom. I hope to be a unifying king“, he said in a short speech. He was later accompanied by his wife, Queen Mary, and their four children, led by the new Crown Prince Christian.

Queen Margaret II, 83 years old, signed the act of abdication at Christiansborg Palace, where he arrived in a carriage that paraded through the streets of the capital, Copenhagen.

By signing the document, an unprecedented act in the contemporary history of the countryhe ended his 52-year reign and made his son king.

Margaret later left the Council of State, which the new monarch attended with his wife and his eighteen-year-old son Christian, the new crown prince.

“May God bless the king,” the former sovereign said with tears in her eyes as she left the room.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed 55-year-old Frederick X king on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace, the seat of government and parliament. At his side was his wife Maria, born in Australia, the first commoner to become queen of Denmark.

“It’s exciting that an ordinary person like us becomes a queen. It’s really exciting!” said Judy Langtree, a retiree who attended the event from Brisbane, Australia.

Despite the freezing temperatures, a crowd gathered in the city center and in front of the palace to watch the ceremony.

Copenhagen police had estimated that more than 100,000 people would attend the event. It is the second time that a Danish ruler has abdicated. King Eric III did so nearly nine centuries ago, in 1146.

The police have strengthened their presence in the capital, decorated for the occasion with red and white flags.

In the city there are banners with the queen’s face and messages of gratitude. In the subway some signs say: “Thanks for the trip, Margarita.” Others: “long live the king”.

The protocol largely reflected Denmark’s succession tradition. No foreign kings have been invited to the event and the ruler, who does not wear a crown, will not sit on the throne.

The announcement of the Queen’s abdication on New Year’s Eve stunned the Danes, including her own family, as she had insisted on numerous occasions that she would reign until her death.

Margarita justified her decision with health problems after undergoing major back surgery last year.

According to polls, more than 80% of Danes supported his decision. Margaret will retain the title of queen and will be able to represent the royal family during official ceremonies.

With information about the agency