Tomorrow, Denmark Welcomes a New King and Queen

Their Royal Highnesses the Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark/ May 2023/ GETTY

Following her Majesty, Queen Margarethe's surprise abdication, Crown Prince Fredrick and Crown Princess Mary will automatically become the new King and Queen of Denmark. This news comes after several health scares for Queen Margarethe, most recently a serious back surgery that left her incapable to rule for a long period of time. We learned about her Majesty's intention to abdicate in her annual new years eve speech. 

If I am correct, the news broke, shortly before the broadcast was aired, on X (formerly known as Twitter). Queen Margarethe's abdication took us all by surprise, since she had previously mentioned how she has no intention of relinquishing her right to the throne. 

Her Majesty Queen Margarethe II/ November 2021/ GETTY

Her Majesty Queen Margarethe ascended the throne in 1972, at the age of 31. By her side was her beloved husband, Prince Henrik, who unfortunately died a couple of years back. Queen Margarethe reigned for 52 years, effectively becoming the longest reigning monarch still living following the death of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth II. Also following Queen Elizabeth's death, she has been the only female reigning monarch, now that her son will become king, the world will go without reigning queens for the time being. 

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince
of Denmark/ 2023/ Hasse Nielsen 

 Immediately following his Mother's Abdication, His Royal Highness, Fredrick, Crown Prince of Denmark will assume the title "His Majesty, King Fredrick X of Denmark" and with that, he will assume the roles of the head of state of Denmark described in the constitution. 

His Royal Highness was Born on May 26th 1968, and was Christened Fredrick André Henrik Christian. He was named Fredrick because in Denmark, the monarch alternates names in between "Fredrick and Christian" but since his mother was queen, this is one of the first times that there will be two kings in a row with the same name.

Together with the Crown Princess of Denmark, the Crown prince has four children (in order of oldest to youngest) Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. 

Her Royal Highness the Crown 
Princess of Denmark/ 2022/ Hasse
Nielsen

 When her husband ascends the throne Her Royal Highness, Mary, the Crown Princess of Denmark will become "Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark" and with that, will assume the role of Queen Consort of Denmark, supporting her husband and being able to step in a regent when required. 

The Crown Princess was born on the fifth of February 1972, bearing the name Mary Elizabeth Donaldson in Australia. This will be the first time since 1936 that Europe will have a consort by the name of Mary, the last one being Queen Elizabeth II's Grandmother. 

Together with the Crown Prince of Denmark, the Crown princess has four children (in order of oldest to youngest) Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. 

Itinerary in English for the succession to the throne, Copenhagen Time