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Denmark

Queen Margrethe and King Frederik in tears at abdication

By
14th January 2024

Queen Margrethe II was overcome with emotion as she passed the throne of Denmark to her elder son.

Her Majesty abdicated in a private Council of State held at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen on the afternoon of January 14th 2024.

The brief meeting took place behind closed doors but images were later released.

They showed Margrethe signing the Declaration of Abdication while her son, Frederik, appeared close to tears.

The Queen then left her seat at the head of the Council of State table and the new King Frederik X took her place.

As Margrethe turned to leave, she broke into tears and said ‘God Save the King;.

Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, also appeared close to tears as the change of reign took place.

Later, the new King wept as he stepped on to the balcony to be proclaimed by the Prime Minister.

Margrethe II reigned for 52 years, taking the throne on January 14th 1972.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.