Denmark: Lovtidende announcements

Lovtidende, the Danish Legal Gazette, will normally have announcements of acts and regulations etc. on all weekdays as well as on Saturdays, with the exception of Mondays, but today, Monday 15 January 2024, it had three announcements, all more or less related to the abdication of Queen Margrethe II and King Frederik X's accession to the throne yesterday. However, the declaration of abdication was unfortunately – and strangely enough? – not among them.

The first one, BEK. no. 44 of 14 January 2024, Bekendtgørelse om stadfæstelse af bevillinger m.m.(Announcement concerning confirmation of grants etc.)  [see also link to Retsinformation] merely states by a royal resolution that all privileges, concessions. grants or pardons given or confirmed during the reign of Queen Margrethe II do not have to be sent in for confirmation during the new reign, but are confirmed by the said resolution.

The second one, BEK no. 45 of 14 January 2024, Bekendtgørelse om det kongelige navnetræk (Announcement concerning the royal monogram)  [see also link to Retsinformation] regulates the new monogram of King Frederik X, as I mentioned in on of my blog articles of yesterday.

The third one, ÅBR no. 46 of 14 January 2024, Åbent brev om Kong Frederik den Tiendes tronbestigelse (Open letter concerning King Frederik the Tenth's accession to the throne) [see also link to Retsinformation], refers to the abdication and in which the king promises to work for (the) justice, progress and welfare of the Danish people.

Åbent brev om Kong Frederik den Tiendes tronbestigelse

VI FREDERIK DEN TIENDE, af Guds Nåde Danmarks Konge, gør vitterligt:

Vor kære mor, Dronning Margrethe den Anden, har den 14. januar 2024 frasagt sig tronen, og Vi har derefter i henhold til Danmarks Riges Grundlov og tronfølgeloven besteget tronen.

Idet Vi overtager det ansvarsfulde kald som Danmarks Konge, er det Vor faste beslutning inden for Danmarks Riges forfatning og love at virke for retfærd, fremgang og velfærd for det danske folk.

Det er Vort håb, at den tillid og hengivenhed, som det danske folk viste Dronning Margrethe den Anden, må blive overført på Os og give Os styrke i varetagelsen af den gerning, Vi nu indleder.

Givet på Christiansborg Slot, den 14. januar 2024

Under Vor Kongelige Hånd og Segl

FREDERIK R.

/ Mette Frederiksen

Translation:

Open letter concerning King Frederik the Tenth's accession to the throne

WE FREDERIK THE TENTH, by the Grace of God King of Denmark, make it known:

Our dear mother, Queen Margrethe the Second, abdicated the throne on 14 January 2024, and We have thereafter, in accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Succession to the Throne Act, acceeded to the throne

As We take over the responsible calling as King of Denmark, it is Our firm decision within the Constitution and acts of the Kingdom of Denmark to work for justice, progress and welfare for the Danish people.

It is Our hope that the trust and devotion that the Danish people showed to Queen Margrethe the Second may be transferred to Us and give Us strength in carrying out the work We are now embarking on.

Given at Christiansborg Palace, 14 January 2024

Under Our Royal Hand and Seal

FREDERIK R.

/ Mette Frederiksen

Retsinformation is, by the way, the Danish legal information system.

If it was the Office of the Prime Minister's intention to let the declaration of abdication be announced in Lovtidende, it would normally, due to the chronological order, be announced before BEK no. 44, so it seems to me that the declaration will not be formally announced in the said Gazette. I really hope that the text will be made available one way or another some time in the near future, and I have asked the Office of the Prime Minister for more details in this regard.

Updated line of succession to the Danish throne

Following King Frederik X's succession to the Danish throne earlier today, the line of succession looks as follows:

1. Crown Prince Christian, b. 2005
2. Princess Isabella, b. 2007
3. Prince Vincent, b. 2011
4. Princess Josephine, b. 2011
5. Prince Joachim, b. 1969
6. Count Nikolai of Monpezat, b. 1999
7. Count Felix of Monpezat, b. 2002
8. Count Henrik of Monpezat, b. 2009
9. Countess Athena of Monpezat, b. born 2012
10. Princess Benedikte, Princess of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, b. 1944

Denmark: Congratulatory messages from Royal Europe to King Frederik X and Queen Mary

In connection with King Frederik X's accession to the throne of Denmark today, the royal couple as well as Queen Margrethe II have received messages from their royal colleagues.

Sweden

From King Carl XVI Gustaf to Queen Margrethe II, in Swedish:

In English:

Your Majesty, 

Dear cousin Daisy!

When you resign today from your high office as Queen of Denmark, I would like to express my warm thanks for the good cooperation over the years. You now enter a changed role, but the friendship between us remains intimate 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.

CARL GUSTAF R

From King Carl XVI Gustaf to King Frederik X, in Swedish:

In English:

Your Majesty,

Dear Frederik!

When you today succeeds to the Danish throne I send my and the Swedish people's congratulations to you and the people of Denmark.

To you and Queen Mary and would also express my and my family's most sincere well wishes.

This day reminds us about the historic togetherness, closeness and warmth which unite our two countries and families.

It is my hope that the already very close Danish-Swedisn relations will deepen even further in the years ahead.

CARL GUSTAF R

Norway:

The Norwegian Royal Court has issued the following message, here I only enclose the English translation:

Congratulates the new King and Queen of Denmark

His Majesty King Harald extends his warmest congratulations to Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark.

14.01.2024 

Your Majesties,

Dear Frederik and Mary 

My family and I wish to convey our warmest congratulations to you as Denmark’s new King and Queen. 

You are succeeding a monarch who has fulfilled her function with exceptional commitment. Her Majesty Queen Margrethe has followed her country and her people through times of joy and sorrow with warmth, wisdom and dedication. For more than 50 years she has devoted herself to Denmark – with infectious humour accompanied by deep insight and knowledge. And with the staunch support of her immediate family. The close friendship between our two families means a great deal to all of us.

Now it is your turn to carry the legacy forward, and follow Denmark into a new age. I am confident that you will flourish in your new role.

My family and I hope and pray that you will be given the strength and support that you need to carry out your calling.

Harald R

United Kingdom

King Charles sent two messages to the Danish King today, published at the British Royal Family's official X (Twitter) account:

First message:

Your Majesties,

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. 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 matters so much for our countries and the wider world.

Charles R

Second message:

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 opportunites to celebrate the close connection that unites our countries and our families.

Charles R

The Netherlands

The Dutch Royal Court has issued the following message with it's X (Twitter) account:

Today, after 52 years, Denmark has a new head of state. It is with warmth and affection that we honour Queen Margrethe for her unconditional commitment and extraordinary dedication to her country. We look forward to meeting King Frederik X and Queen Mary in their new roles and will continue to cherish the deep friendship between the Netherlands and Denmark.

– King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Princess Beatrix

Belgium

The Belgian Royal Court has issued the following message at it's Facebook page:

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark abdicated today in favour of her son, bringing to an end the longest reign in Danish history. For 52 years, as Sovereign, she put the interests of the Danish nation and people first. Her way of exercising the royal function and her dedication will remain an example to us all. 

The King and Queen have warm memories of each of their encounters with the Queen. They wish King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark all the best in their new roles. May this new era for the Danish nation be filled with happiness and prosperity.

The Romanian Royal Family

The following statement has been published at the Romanian Royal Family's Instagram account (from Princess Margarita, Custodian of the Romanian Crown and her husband Prince Radu): 

Dear Frederik and Mary,

It is with admiration and affection that we write to you, to tell you that you are in our thoughts and in our thoughts and in our hearts today, on this so special moment of your life.

Given your talents and exemplary devotion, we know that you will find the strength and inspiration to accomplish your historic task, wisely and patiently.

We remember with pleasure the times we spent together and hope that our countries and our families will have, in the next years, many reasons to share our pride and happiness.

Margarita [and] Radu

Other houses have certainly sent their messages as well. I might return with more congratulatory messages in due time,

Denmark: King Frederik X has acceeded to the throne

What a historic day for Denmark! Queen Margrethe abdicated the throne and her eldest son Frederik was «signed in», so to speak, and proclaimed as King Frederik X of Denmark. Danish TV (DR) started to broadcast already from 9 a.m. and I have followed the main events from very early on, only abrupted by church service and dinner. I never missed out on the main events, of course.

It was a day I had never expected to see, as the abdication was an unneccessary break with the traditions in Denmark, but having said that, it must have been nice for the queen to be able to see her son on the throne. The ceremonies all went well and as expexted, and the crowds at Christiansborg Palace,  Amalienborg Palace and in the streets between them were impressive. We have witnessed a great celebration and demonstration of the Danish monarchy and the Danish Royal House. 

Queen Margrethe II signed the declaration of abdication in the Council of State room at Christiansborg Palace and left her chair to new new King Frederik X. The new Crown Prince Christian also moved to the seat his father had just left, after having fetched the walking stick for his grandmother. When Frederik had taken his seat, Queen Margrethe said «God save the King» and left the room. Both King Frederik X and his mother were visably moved, and it was all very moving to watch. We were not allowed to watch the the Council of State «live», but film coverage was made available soon after the meeting had taken place. We don't know much about what happened after Queen Margrethe had left the room, but we have learned from the Danish Royal Court's Facebook page that the new king's monogram was formally decided on. We still have to wait for the text of the declaration of abdication, however. I find it a bit strange that the document could not be published sooner, but hopefully it will be available tomorrow.

Following the Council of State the new king held a levee for a small circle of guests. Besides King Frederik and Queen Mary the following were present: 

• Crown Prince Christian, 
• Prince Joachim, 
• Jane Stephens (sister of Queen Mary), 
• Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, 
• Speaker of Folketinget (the Danish Parliament), Søren Gade 
• President of the Supreme Court, Jens Peter Christiensen, 
• Chief of Defence, General Flemming Lentfer 
• The Permanent Secretary of State, Barbara Bertelsen 
• The National Police Commissioner, Thorkild Fogde 
• The Bishop of the Diocese of Copenhagen and primus inter pares of the Church of Denmark, Peter Skov-Jakobsen, 
• Chairman of the Government of Greenland (Naalakkersuisut), Múte I.B. Egede
• Lagmand (Prime Minister( of Cabinet of the Faroe Islands (Føroya landsstýri), Aksel V. Johannesen 
• Representatives of the Danish Royal Court.

At 3 p.m. King Frederik X entered the balcony and greeted the crowd, followed by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who held a short speech and proclaimed the new king. Frederik IX then held a short speech on his own where he expressed his ambition to be «a unifying king of tomorrow» and presented his motto, «Forbundne, forpligtet, for Kongeriget Danmark» (which could be translated into something like «Bound together, obliged, for the Kingdom of Denmark»). King Frederik was then joined by his wife Queen Mary and their four children Crown Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. When the royal family reappeared on the balcony shortly after, the king and queen even kissed, to the great joy of the crowd.

The Royal Family then returned to Amalienborg where they made a surprise appearance at the balcony of Frederik VIII’s Palace. Later, at 5 p.m., we could witness the transfer of the royal colours (the royal banners) from Christian IX’s Palace to Frederik VIII’s Palace.

All in all we witnessed a historic day. Queen Margrethe II has abdicated. Long live King Frederik X!

Updated on Monday 15 January 2024 at 18:15 (English title of one of the guests at Christiansborg was corrected).

Denmark: Program for the succession of the throne

The Danish Royal Court has today, 8 january 2024, published a more detailed program* for the Accession Day on 14 January 2024, when Crown Prince Frederik succeeds to the throne following the abdication of Queen Margrethe II, and the following days:

Programme for the succession of the throne

On 14 January 2024, Her Majesty The Queen steps down as Queen of Denmark and entrusts the throne to His Royal Highness The Crown Prince. The following official events mark the succession of the throne.

Sunday 14 January 

13:35 The Crown Prince Couple leave from Amalienborg

The Crown Prince Couple and HRH Prince Christian ride in a motor car from Frederik VIII’s Palace, Amalienborg to Christiansborg Palace. 

Route: Frederiksgade, Bredgade, Kongens Nytorv, Holmens Canal, Prince Jørgen’s Courtyard (link to map of the route)

13:37 HM The Queen rides in a carriage from Amalienborg

HM The Queen rides in a carriage from Christian IX’s Palace, Amalienborg to Christiansborg Palace, escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment.

Route: Frederiksgade, Bredgade, Kongens Nytorv, Holmens Canal, Prince Jørgen’s Courtyard (link to map of the route)

14:00 Council of State at Christiansborg Palace

HM The Queen, HRH The Crown Prince and HRH Prince Christian participate together with the Government and the Council of State secretary in the Council of State.

The succession of the throne takes place during the Council of State meeting at the moment when HM The Queen has signed a declaration of her abdication.

14:15 HM Queen Margrethe’s departure from Christiansborg Palace

HM Queen Margrethe rides in a motor car to Christian IX’s Palace, Amalienborg.

Route: Prince Jørgen’s Courtyard, Holmens Bridge, Holmens Canal, Kongens Nytorv, Bredgade, St. Annæ Square, Amaliegade, Amalienborg (link to map of the route)

14:30 TM The King and Queen hold a levee for specially invited persons 

15:00 Proclamation from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace

His Majesty King Frederik X steps out on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace, after which the Prime Minister proclaims His Majesty’s accession to the throne. 

The King speaks and concludes with the motto.

15:10 Honorary cannon salute from the Sixtus Battery 

After the proclamation, 3 x 27 shots are fired from the Sixtus Battery on Holmen, Copenhagen, in salute.

15:10 The royal standard is lowered and reraised at Amalienborg

After the proclamation, the royal standard is lowered at Christian IX’s Palace and reraised at Frederik VIII’s Palace, Amalienborg.

15:30 The King and Queen ride in a carriage from Christiansborg Palace

After the proclamation, The King and Queen ride in a carriage, escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment’s mounted squadron, from Christiansborg Palace to Frederik VIII’s Palace, Amalienborg. 

Route: Prince Jørgen’s Courtyard, Holmens Bridge, Holmens Canal, Kongens Nytorv, Bredgade, St. Annæ Square, Amaliegade, Amalienborg (link to map of the route)

17:00 Transfer of the royal colours 

Transfer of the royal colours from Christian IX’s Palace to Frederik VIII’s Palace, Amalienborg.

Monday, 15 January

10:00 Reception in the Danish Parliament

The Royal Family participates in the Danish Parliament’s celebration of the succession of the throne. During a meeting in the Chamber, the Speaker of the Parliament and the Prime Minister will deliver a speech, and in that connection, the Prime Minister offers a verbal announcement from The King to the Danish Parliament. Afterwards, The Royal Family takes part in a reception in the former Upper Chamber.

Sunday, 21 January

14:00 Celebratory church service at Aarhus Cathedral

The Royal Family participates in a celebratory church service at Aarhus Cathedral. In connection with the succession of the throne, a celebratory service is held at Aarhus Cathedral with representatives of official Denmark and representatives from the City of Aarhus. The service is led by Royal Chaplain-in-Ordinary and Bishop of the Diocese of Aarhus Henrik Wigh-Poulsen.

*The court has chosen to write "programme", while I prefer "program" ...  I keep the spelling "programme" when quoting, of course!

Denmark: Agenda of Accession Day announced

The Danish Royal Court announced today the agenda of 14 January 2024 when Queen Margrethe II will abdicate the throne and be succeeded by her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik.

Yesterday we were informed that Crown Prince Frederik will succeed to the throne as King Frederik X the very second the queen has signed the declaration of abdication in the Council of State.

According to today's press release, the Council of State will take place at Christiansborg Palace on 2 p.m. on Sunday 14 January 2024. The proclamation of King Frederik X from the balcony at Christiansborg Palace will take place at 3 p.m., while the transfer of the royal banners from Christian IX's Palace to Frederik VIII's Palace at Amalienborg will start at 5 p.m. Christian IX's Palace is used as Queen Margrethe II's winter residence, while Frederik VIII's Palace is the current Crown Prince couple's private residence.

It goes without saying that it will be the first time a Danish monarch is being proclaimed by a female prime minister. Mette Frederiksen, who has served as Prime Minister since 2019, is the second female Prime Minister of Denmark, the first was Helle Thorning-Schmidt from 2011 to 2015. When Margrethe II was proclaimed as Denmark's new monarch on 14 January 1972, Jens Otto Krag was the prime minister.

When Queen Margrethe II abdicates the throne it also means that all the monarchs of Europe will be male, something we have not experienced since King William IV's of the United Kingdom's death in 1837. But as you all know, the future of monarchical Europe will have a great female influence, as Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden all have female heir apparents, while Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexandra is 2nd in line. And of course the second in line to the Swedish throne is Princess Estelle, the eldest daughter of Crown Princess Victoria.

Correction: Obviously I didn't look into the question of when we last time experienced that Europe had no female sovereigns thoroughly enough. The correct answer seems to be 25 February 1730, the day before Empress Anna of Russia's accession. Se the blog The Genealogy Corner 15 January 2024 for more details.

Updated on 31 January 2024 at 08:50 (correction paragraph added).