Proclamation of HM King Frederik X on 14 January 2024

Yesterday, in a historical event, HM Queen Margrethe II stepped down as monarch after 52 years and entrusted the throne to her elder son, HM King Frederik X.

Tens of thousands of people filled the streets of Copenhagen to honour HM Queen Margrethe II, greet HM King Frederik X, and witness the succession of the throne.

The succession first took place during the meeting of the Council of State at the moment the The Queen signed a declaration of her abdication. HM King Frederik X thus arrived at Christiansborg Palace as a crown prince and departed as King. Likewise, HM Queen Mary arrived as a crown princess and departed as Queen. Formerly titled HRH Prince Christian departed Christiansborg Palace as Crown Prince (heir to the throne).

Since the Constitution of 1849, there has been a tradition that Danish sovereigns are proclaimed from Christiansborg Palace when an accession to the throne takes place. Thus, HM King Frederik X stepped out on the balcony of Christiansborg Castle on 14 January 2024, after which Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen held a speech and proclaimed His Majesty’s accession to the throne. 3 x 27 shots were fired from the Sixtus Battery on Holmen, Copenhagen, in salute. After the proclamation, The King and Queen rode in a carriage, escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment’s mounted squadron, from Christiansborg Palace to Frederik VIII’s Palace, Amalienborg.

As we welcome the new King and Queen, we thank HM Queen Margrethe II for many years of dedicated duty and service to Denmark, the Danish Realm and the Danish people.