Princess Mary becomes Queen of Denmark: How Queen Margrethe II's history-making abdication and King Frederik X's proclamation unfolded
While tens of millions lay sleeping in Australia, a Tasmanian-born Mary was making history on the other side of the world.
Denmark is now ruled by King Frederik X and Queen Mary.
The couple's momentous ascension – sealed with a kiss in front of a rapturous crowd of thousands on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace – came after Queen Margrethe II quietly signed her official abdication declaration mere metres away.
Watch the video above.
Denmark has a new King and Queen, with the era of King Frederik X and Queen Mary officially beginning overnight. WireImage
Frederik and Mary smiled from ear to ear as they waved to a rapturous crowd of thousands. WireImage
Only a select few were in the room where it happened, with 55-year-old Frederik – sandwiched between his 83-year-old mother and his 18-year-old son, who is now known as Crown Prince Christian – watching on as Margrethe formally ended her 52-year reign with a single signature.
It was the first time in almost 900 years that a Danish monarch voluntarily relinquished the throne.
The last time a Danish monarch resigned voluntarily was in 1146, when King Erik III Lam stepped down to enter a monastery.
Margrethe, who abdicated on the same day she ascended the throne in 1972 following the death of her father, King Frederik IX, reportedly quietly left the room, with tears in her eyes, after saying, "Gud bevare Kongen!" – or, in English, "God Save the King!"
The abdication of Margrethe and the proclamation of Frederik is the end of an era for the world. There are, after all, no more female monarchs in any country.
But it's also the start of a new chapter in history books.
READ MORE: 'Without Mary, Frederik would not be the King he is today'
Queen Margrethe II signed her abdication declaration while her eldest son and his eldest son watched on. AP
She then left Christiansborg Palace for the first time in 52 not as monarch, heading home to Amalienborg Palace, while her son remained at Christiansborg Palace for his proclamation. Getty
When Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared Frederik as King in front of a waving sea of red and white Danish flags, she also, by extension, made an Australian-born woman the ruling Queen Consort for the first time ever.
The couple, who had left Frederik VIII's Palace, Amalienborg, by car only two hours earlier for the last time as Crown Prince and Crown Princess, then returned home in a carriage as King and Queen, escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment's mounted squadron.
Read on to see all the biggest moments from Queen Margrethe II's abdication and King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark's proclamation as they happened.
READ MORE: King Frederik and Australian-born Queen Mary's accession to the Danish throne in pictures
More than 100,000 people bundled up and braved the cold to watch history unfold right in front of their very eyes. Getty
It was a sea of red and white as Danish flags were waved by cheering crowds. Getty
Australian flags were also spotted outside Christiansborg Palace. AP
More than 100,000 people braved the cold to watch King Frederik X's proclamation
The chilly weather did not stop thousands of Danish citizens and royal fans from watching history being made in-person.
Beanies, jumpers, and Danish and Australian flags were a common theme throughout the crowds, which primarily gathered around Christiansborg Palace in 3°C temperatures.
It's estimated more than 100,000 people waited to watch King Frederik X give his first public address as monarch.
READ MORE: Queen Mary's surprise appearance in front of rapturous crowd
The car carrying Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark leaves for their proclamation as King Frederik X and HM Queen Mary of Denmark at Amalienborg Palace Square. Getty
The car carrying Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark leaves for their proclamation. Getty
Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik seen for the first time
Soon-to-be King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark were snapped waving at the crowds on their way to Christiansborg Palace.
Their 18-year-old son, soon-to-be Crown Prince Christian, was also in the car with them.
It was the last time the royal couple made the journey from their home Frederik VIII's Palace, Amalienborg as Crown Prince and Crown Princess.
Less than two hours later, they would be King and Queen of Denmark.
READ MORE: Official portrait revealed of King Frederik X after abdication in 900-year first
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark leaves for the proclamation of HM King Frederik X and HM Queen Mary of Denmark at Amalienborg Palace Square. Getty
Queen Margrethe II seen for the last time as Denmark's Head of State
At approximately 11.40pm AEDT, Margrethe left Christian IX's Palace, Amalienborg, for the last time as Denmark's Head of State.
Crowds erupted in cheers and bells rang as the longest-serving incumbent female Head of State journeyed to Christiansborg Palace by carriage, escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment.
Minutes earlier, Frederik, Mary and Christian left Frederik VII's Palace by car for the last time as Crown Prince, Crown Princess and Prince, respectively.
READ MORE: 'Immense personal cost': Mary's huge sacrifice as she becomes Queen
Queen Margrethe II left Christiansborg Palace after signing the throne over to her eldest son, King Frederik X. AP
Queen Margrethe II officially abdicates the Danish throne
Queen Margrethe II signed her declaration of abdication, becoming the first Danish monarch to voluntarily relinquish the throne in almost 900 years.
After 52 years as monarch, Margrethe officially ceded the throne to her eldest son, Frederik, as his eldest son, Christian, watched on.
She left the room quietly, with tears in her eyes, after saying: "God save the King."
"With those words, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe left the Council of State at Christiansborg Castle today," the Danish royal family's official Instagram account wrote, translated to English, of the moment.
"Before that, Queen Margrethe had signed her declaration of abdication. His Majesty the King then took the place at the end of the table with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince by his side."
Margrethe retains her title of Queen following her abdication.
READ MORE: 'Princess whisperer' helped Mary Donaldson blossom into a future Queen
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen formally proclaimed Frederik as King of Denmark. Unlike in the United Kingdom, there was no coronation ceremony. Getty
King Frederik X put on his glasses to read his first official public address as monarch to a cheering crowd. Getty
Queen Mary then joined her husband on the balcony, with the couple clasping hands. AP
They then kissed for the crowd to see. WireImage
Their four children then joined them on the balcony. AP
King Frederik X officially proclaimed after Queen Margrethe II's abdication
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed King Frederik X in front of a cheering crowd on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace.
Unlike in the United Kingdom, in Denmark, there is no coronation ceremony.
Frederik waved to the crowd as he stepped through the doors, with the crowd in turn returning his greeting by waving their Danish flags.
After putting on his glasses, Frederik then proceeded to address his constituents for the first time as King, unveiling his motto in the process.
Queen Mary and their four children – Christian, 18, Princess Isabella, 16, and 13-year-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine – later joined him on the balcony, waving to a cheering crowd.
Four guns in the Copenhagen harbour then fired 27 rounds three times to mark the succession. Frederik, Mary and their children then returned by car to Frederik VIII's Palace, before Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens amusement park lit up with their biggest firework show in its 180-year history in celebration.
First official portrait of King Frederik X unveiled after proclamation
The first official portrait of King Frederik X of Denmark dropped mere moments after he left the balcony.
"The change of throne has taken place. Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II has today, 14 January 2024, signed a declaration of her abdication in the Council of State," the Danish royal family's official Instagram account wrote in the caption, which has been translated to English.
"It happened in the presence of the future king, the future heir to the throne and the government as well as the cabinet secretary.
"According to the Succession to the Throne Act, His Majesty King Frederik X is now King of Denmark and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Christian is the new heir to the throne.
"The portrait was taken by Dennis Stenild shortly before His Majesty the King (as Crown Prince) drove from Amalienborg to Christiansborg Castle."
King Charles III shares public message to King Frederik X and Queen Mary
Britain's King Charles III wrote a message sending best wishes to Denmark's new King and Queen on their accession day, with both the British and Danish royal family's Instagram accounts sharing it.
"My wife joins me in writing to convey our very best wishes on the day of your accession to the throne of the kingdom of Denmark," the message began.
"I look forward to working with you on ensuring that the enduring bond between our countries, and our families, remains strong, and to working together with you on issues which matter so much for our countries and the wider world.
"I pay tribute to the many years of service of your mother, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II, and remember fondly the frequent visits between our countries, including our visit to Copenhagen and Elsinore in 2012.
"I was delighted that Your Majesties were able to attend our Coronation last year and I much look forward to future opportunities to celebrate the close connection that unites our countries and our families," he concluded.
King Frederik X's official royal cypher revealed
As Frederik and Mary made their way home from Christiansborg Palace, the royal cypher for King Frederik X was revealed on his official Instagram account, in a post explaining the significance of the design.
"The royal name feature was determined by His Majesty the King in the Council of State on 14 January 2024," the caption, translated to English, reads.
"The royal name feature, also called monogram, consists of two mirrored Fs, between which is placed the Roman numeral X (10), the whole crowned by the royal crown.
"The name feature has been chosen by the King and was designed and drawn by Kgl. gun painter Ronny Skov Andersen with digital assistance from artist Stefan Lægaard."
Frederik's cypher will gradually replace his mother's on royal rescripts, the Lifeguard's painting houses and shoulder straps, on the Gardehussar regiment's saber pouches and valdrap (saddle cover), and more.
Harald V of Norway pays tribute to Queen Margrethe II, King Frederik X and Queen Mary
"My family and I send you our warmest congratulations as Denmark's new royal couple," King Harald V of Norway's message, translated to English, reads on the Danish royal family's official Instagram page.
"You are succeeding a monarch who has fulfilled her role admirably. With warmth, wisdom and commitment, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe has accompanied her country and her people through joys and sorrows," the message continued.
"For more than 50 years, she has been able to be a present monarch – with an infectious mood and great knowledge. And with good support from her immediate family.
"The close friendship between our two families means a lot to all of us. Now you will carry on the legacy, and follow Denmark further into a new era. I am convinced that you will fulfill your new roles in an excellent way. My family and I hope and pray that you will receive the strength and support you need in your deed."
Danish royal family pays tribute to Queen Margrethe II's reign
The official Instagram account for the Danish royal family reflected on Queen Margrethe II's 52-year reign, paying tribute to the soon-to-be-former monarch ahead of her abdication.
"One term has come to an end and a new one can begin," the caption, translated to English, reads.
"The State Council will be held today at 14.00 in the State Council Hall at Christiansborg Castle. At the Council of State, Her Majesty The Queen will sign her abdication declaration.
"With the language of choice 'God's help, the love of the people, the strength of Denmark', the Queen has been the head of state for Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland for five decades.
"The new king of the Kingdom of Denmark will be proclaimed by the Prime Minister at 15.00 from Christiansborg Castle."
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden pays tribute to his 'Dear Cousin Daisy'
A telegram written by Queen Margrethe II's first cousin, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, to the soon-to-be-former monarch was shared to Instagram by the Swedish royal family ahead of her abdication.
"Your Majesty, Dear Cousin Daisy! When you resign today from your high office as Queen of Denmark, I want to express my warm thanks for the good cooperation over the years," his message, translated to English, reads.
"You now enter a changed role, but the friendship between us remains – heartfelt and constant.
"As Denmark's Queen, you have been a guarantor of the closeness and affection that today prevails between our countries and houses. For this I want to thank You in particular.
"On this historic day, my family and I wish you all happiness and prosperity in the future."
The Swedish royal family's Instagram page also paid tribute to Queen Margrethe II's reign with a series of photos.
Queen Mary is the first Australian-born Queen Consort of a ruling King in the history of the world. Getty
How an Aussie girl grew up to be a ruler of a nation
It's the stuff of fairytales, only in real life.
Tasmanian-born Mary Donaldson was celebrating the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000, like many revellers, at a pub.
But this particular pub – the Slip Inn in King's Cross – was different. It had a future King in attendance. And the rest, as they say, is history.
In October 2003, Mary and Frederik announced their engagement, marrying in May 2004.
They share four children: Crown Prince Christian, 18, Princess Isabella, 16, and 13-year-old twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent.
Click here to read Mary and Frederik's love story.
How King Frederik X and Queen Mary's ascension unfolded
Nine/ Tara Blancato
Denmark's line of succession with King Frederik X as head of the monarchy
9Honey/ Tara Blancato
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