Queen Mary doesn't curtsy to Queen Margrethe for the first time

Queen Mary hasn't curtseyed to Queen Margrethe for the first time following the former monarch's abdication after 52 years of rule.

All eyes were on the newly-proclaimed Queen as she approached her mother-in-law ahead of a Danish Parliament celebration of the new reign.

King Frederik, 55, and Queen Mary, 51, arrived at parliament to greet Queen Margrethe, 83. Instead of her usual curtsy, Queen Mary reached out to Queen Margrethe and kissed her on the cheek.

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The pair were seen smiling widely at each other, perhaps acknowledging the major change.

The parliamentary celebration was also attended by Prince Joachim, Princess Benedikte, Queen Margrethe's sister, and Crown Prince Christian, 18, who is now heir to the throne.

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Frederik and Mary waved to the gathered crowd as they entered parliament.

Queen Mary was dressed in a navy suit with matching gloves and hat. She was holding bright flowers given to her by a royal fan.

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Queen Margrethe is the first Danish monarch in almost 900 years to voluntarily abdicate, sharing her decision during her New Year's Eve address in 2023.

She had reigned for 52 years since the death of her father, Frederik IX of Denmark

Queen Margrethe signed a declaration of her abdication on January 14, with Denmark's prime minister Mette Frederiksen proclaiming the new monarchs.

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Denmark has a constitutional monarchy meaning the monarch, as head of state, must sign new laws before they come into force, however the formal power remains with government and the elected parliament.

King Frederik didn't speak in parliament on Monday. The Speaker of the Parliament and Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen delivered speeches celebrating Mary and Frederik's succession.

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The gathering was followed by a reception which was hosted for members of parliament and the Danish royal family in the Landstingssalen, which is the former Upper Chamber.

Frederiksen delivered a speech on behalf of Frederik, which read, "We begin our responsible work as Denmark's King in the belief that the Danish parliament will meet us in joint work for the good of the kingdom."

In King Frederik's speech, delivered following his accession, he spoke of his hope to become "a unifying king of tomorrow."

"It's a task I've approached all my life. It's a task I've taken on with pride, respect and joy," he said.

"I need all the support I can get. From my beloved wife, from my family, from you and from that which is greater than us. I face the future knowing that I am not alone.

"Bound, committed, for the Kingdom of Denmark."