On January 14 2024, Queen Margrethe II will oversee her abdication, and her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, will be named King of Denmark. With a lot going on in Denmark, what will happen on the day of the event? That is what we’re here to discuss.
The information comes from the official Danish Royal Family website on a page entitled Succession of the Throne.
Explaining The Abdication Of Queen Margrethe II
Queen Margrethe II’s abdication will be Denmark’s first in 900 years, making it a historic event. The term comes from ‘abdicate’, a Latin word meaning ‘that one relinquishes something.’
Abdications happen when a monarch decides the time is right for them to retire – voluntarily – or when they are forced to do so due to scandal, an example being King Albert II of Belgium.
The Last Danish Abdication
As the article on the Danish royal website mentions, the last abdication in Denmark occurred in 1146 when King Erik III Lamb abdicated. He was the only monarch in Denmark to do so until Queen Margrethe II.
However, the reasons behind Erik III’s abdication are unclear. However, some believe he realised that he was unfit to rule. Others claim he stepped down because he had a sickness that would go on to take his life. Also, he stepped down on his own accord, like Queen Margrethe II. Erik also went to live in a monastery.
Is There A Term Limit For Abdicating In Denmark?
No, there is not. This is not unusual. Norway and Sweden don’t have a term limit on their monarchs abdicating either.
The Succession Rights
Since the 1600s, the Danish throne has always been inherited from a monarch to their heir upon the monarch’s passing. This is called a hereditary monarchy.
A law was passed in 1953 called The Act on Succession to the Throne of the Kingdom of Denmark, where the throne must be inherited by the blood descendants of King Christian X and his wife, Queen Alexandrine, the paternal grandparents of the outgoing Queen Margrethe II.
Margrethe II was lucky to have inherited the throne at all, as until 1953, only the king’s male descendants were allowed to inherit. Following a referendum, the Danish people wanted then-Princess Margrethe to become their Queen upon her father, King Frederick IX’s death. However, if the King had had sons, the sons would take precedence over older sisters, similar the the United Kingdom.
King Frederick IX had three daughters. Margrethe, Benedikte and Anne-Marie. Anne-Marie became the Queen of Greece upon her marriage to King Constantine II, though the reign didn’t last long as Greece became a republic.
In 2009, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II proclaimed that the succession would apply equality so male and female heirs have equal right to the throne. In other words, a younger brother can’t displace an older sister. A similar rule was implemented in Britain in 2012 before the July 2013 birth of Prince George. Upon the birth of Prince Louis, he remained in his place in the British line of succession instead of leapfrogging over older sister Princess Charlotte.
Denmark’s new monarch usually takes the throne upon the prime minister’s proclamation upon the previous sovereign’s death. However, this time, it will be different as the current monarch is still living. Instead, a Council of State will happen where Queen Margrethe II will sign off on her abdication.
Events Of January 14 2024
Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary, and Prince Christian will leave Frederik VIII’s Palace, Amalienborg and take a car to Christiansborg Palace.
The Queen will travel from Christian IX’s Palace to Christiansborg Palace in a carriage.
Upon arriving at Christiansborg Palace, Queen Margrethe II, Crown Prince Frederik, and Prince Christian enter the meeting. The Queen will sign the abdication document.
Fifteen minutes later, Frederik will leave the meeting as The King, while Christian will emerge as The Crown Prince.
The former Queen Margrethe II will then depart Christiansborg Palace by car.
The new King and Queen will hold a levee for invited people.
Denmark’s Prime Minister will then appear on the Christiansborg Palace Balcony and introduce the new monarch and his consort. The King will then speak the motto.
There is an honourary cannon salute
The Royal Standard is lowered at Christian IX’s Palace and raised at Frederik VIII’s Palace.
King Frederik X and Queen Mary will travel in the carriage.
The royal colours will then be transferred from Christian IX’s Palace to Frederik VIII’s Palace.
The One Event On January 15 2024
The royal family will attend a reception at the Danish parliament.
One Event On January 21 2024
The royal family will attend a special church service at Aarhus Cathedral.
