Federico X, the new king of Denmark, ascended the throne on January 14, 2024, after the historic abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II, ending her 52‘year reign. At exactly the moment she signed the abdication decree, he became monarch, marking a generational transition in one of Europe’s oldest continuous monarchies.
Early Life and Ascension
Born in 1968, Prince Frederik spent much of his youth preparing for eventual kingship. He married Mary Donaldson and became a widely admired figure across Denmark. Though not the heir until his mother’s announcement, he succeeded to the throne smoothly, amidst widespread public support and optimism.
The Abdication of Margrethe II
Queen Margrethe II stunned Danes by announcing her abdication at the end of 2023, citing health concerns and a desire to give responsibility to the next generation. She formally relinquished the throne during a Council of State meeting at Christiansborg Palace, where King Frederik X was proclaimed shortly afterward by the Prime Minister from the palace balcony.
A Day of Large Public Engagement
- More than 100,000 Danes gathered near Amalienborg and Christiansborg to witness the proclamation.
- Frederik appeared in military dress with his wife Queen Mary and their four children.
- The new crown prince, Christian, aged 18, assumed his position in the royal hierarchy.
Frederik X’s Vision and Public Reception
In his first speech from the palace balcony, King Frederik expressed his desire to serve as a unifying figure: I hope to become a unifying king for the future, he said, acknowledging his late mother’s deep connection with the people.
The new monarch has immediately enjoyed strong public approval, with polls indicating over 70 % support for the monarchy and even higher approval for the royal family’s members.
Modern Trends: No Coronation Ceremony
Denmark abolished the traditional coronation ceremony following its transition to constitutional monarchy in 1849. The proclamation of the monarch by the Prime Minister from Christiansborg, without foreign royal attendees, continues with Frederik X’s accession, reflecting modern tradition that emphasizes simplicity and constitutional continuity.
Public Engagement and Cultural Role
Shortly after becoming king, Frederik published his thoughts in a book titledKongeord(Words of the King), which reflects on his upbringing, faith, the Christian heritage of Denmark, and his commitment to service. The book reportedly sold at extraordinary speed, with sales reaching 25 copies per minute in Denmark.
True to his reputation as an active and athletic monarch, Frederik, together with Queen Mary and their family, participates in public events, including the national Royal Run, a multi-city sporting tradition he established to promote unity and health. These initiatives reinforce his image as a modern, approachable monarch.
A New Era for the Danish Monarchy
Frederik X’s accession marks a notable generational shift in Denmark’s constitutional monarchy. While his mother reinvigorated public reverence for the crown through decades of stability, Frederik is expected to lead with a more modern, outward-facing approach, promoting community, Christian values, and social cohesion thoughtfully and progressively.
His first act as king, the proclamation from Christiansborg, and his immediate connection with the public demonstrate both continuity and evolution in the Danish monarchy. His role is seen not only as symbolic head of state, but as a living example of service, compassion, and national unity in the 21st century.
: