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Denmark

The symbolic gesture that will signal the start of a new reign in Denmark

A very significant move will signal the start of the reign of King Frederik X of Denmark.

Immediately after Queen Margrethe has signed the Declaration of Abdication, she will leave the chamber at Christiansborg Palace where the moment of history occurs during a Council of State. As she walks away, her son and successor will take a few steps around the table where he will assume the head place at the Council table.

This simple gesture will be the first visible sign of the reign of Frederik X.

Straight away afterwards, his elder son will also make a significant move. The brand new Crown Prince Christian will also move seats and occupy the chair to the right of the king, signifying his role as heir to the throne.

Queen Margrethe II is expected to leave Christiansborg Palace while this takes place.

The Council of State begins at 2pm on January 14th 2024 and Her Majesty is expected to have left by 2.15pm. The new king will be proclaimed by Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace at 3pm that same day.

Margrethe II, Queen of Denmark, announced her intention to abdicate in favour of her son during her New Year’s Eve address in the final hours of 2023. She will give up the throne on January 14th 2024, the 52nd anniversary of her own accession.

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.