- Denmark's new King Frederick X visited the Danish parliament on his first official day since Queen Margrethe abdicated after 52 years on the throne.
- King Frederik X reaffirmed his determination to work together for the benefit of the Kingdom.
- An estimated 300,000 people took part in Sunday's celebrations, and Danish Railways said there were more than 230,000 travelers on Copenhagen's rail network.
Denmark's new King Frederick X visited the Danish Parliament on Monday, his first official day in office, a day after his mother Queen Margrethe abdicated after 52 years on the throne.
The King said through Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen: “I begin my responsible work as King of Denmark, trusting that the Danish Parliament will cooperate in our joint efforts for the benefit of the Kingdom.'' As per tradition, the monarch does not speak directly to MPs, so Frederiksen read his speech on his behalf. The king referred to himself as “we” using the so-called solemn plural.
Parliament Speaker Soren Gade told Frederik: “I am sure he will be a great king for all of us, and he will have a great queen by his side.” Sitting next to the king was his Australian-born wife, Queen Mary.
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Frédéric (55) and Mary (51) arrived in Folketing in a royal limousine and were greeted by Gadet and senior politicians.
King Frederik X and Queen Margrethe of Denmark attend the Danish Parliament Folketingsalen at Christiansborg Castle in Copenhagen on January 15, 2024. (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpics, via AP)
Margrethe stood on the steps to Christiansborg Palace and watched her son and daughter-in-law arrive.
Inside, members of the royal family sat on the royal balcony overlooking the 179-member Folketinguett parliament. Frederic sat in the front row next to Mary and her eldest son, Crown Prince Christian, 18, and smiled. Margrethe sat behind him.
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Mr Frederic met with MPs, who lasted more than an hour, including members of the far-left United List party opposed to the monarchy, who stood up when the royal family entered the room.
“We always attend Folketing meetings, that's why we were there today,” said Rosa Land, a senior Unity List member. However, Lund said members of the smaller party, who are Republicans, abstained from attending the reception for the new king after a short parliamentary session.
On Sunday, a large crowd cheered when Frederick and Mary appeared on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace, where parliament and other facilities are located.
Frederik was proclaimed king by Frederiksen shortly after Margrethe signed his abdication during a meeting with the government at Christiansborg Castle on Sunday.
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In keeping with tradition, the prime minister read the declaration three times, with Frederik standing next to him in ceremonial military uniform emblazoned with medals. Later, Mary and her husband's four children joined them on the balcony. A large crowd gathered in Parliament Square and spontaneously sang the national anthem.
An estimated 300,000 people attended Sunday's celebrations, Danish mobile operator 3 said on Monday, citing data from phone towers around Christiansborg Palace, nearby squares and the royal residence of Amalienborg Palace. It was announced that.
Danish railways DSB had more than 230,000 travelers on its network in Copenhagen on Sunday, Danish broadcaster DR reported.
When Queen Margrethe became Queen in 1972, she even visited Parliament the day after she was praised.
