Denmark: The declaration of abdication

In my blog article titled Denmark: The declaration of abdication exempted from publicity published on 22 January 2024 I expressed my astonishment that the text of the declaration, which Queen Margrethe signed on 14 January 2024, was not made public. When the National Archives of Denmark wrote at its Facebook page on 19 January that the document had been received, it also informed that «The declaration of abdication is being physically kept in the National Archives and is not scanned and made public.» When asked why, the representative referred to the archives act. The same information was also given in the media, for instance at msn.com (Ritzau) 16 January 2024 and tv2kosmopol.dk 21 January 2024, so there was nothing wrong with my understanding or translation. It could be, however, that the National Archives was only commenting on the access to the original document kept in the archives and nothing else.

On 15 January 2024 I e-mailed the Danish Prime Minister's Office and asked if the declaration of abdication would be published in one way or another, referring to my interest in constitutional history and expressing my wish to read the text. As an historian specialising among others in the constitutional aspects of the monarchies, I am of course interested in the process of succession to the throne and how things are actually carried out when a monarch decides to abdicate the throne.

Today I received a reply from the PMO.  The office had generously interpreted my e-mail as a request for document access (anmodning om aktindsigt) and had decided to accomodate it. Enclosed was the scanned copy of the abdication document, including Queen Margrethe's signature.

In translation:

We, Margrethe Alexandrine Þórhildur Ingrid, by the Grace of God Queen of Denmark, hereby announce that We, with Our signature on this document, abdicate Our Throne.

[Signed.]

Given at Christiansborg Palace, 14 January 2024.

The document also say it has been «Issued in two identical copies». As I explained last week, one copy is kept by the archives of Folketinget (the Danish Parliament) and the other by Rigsarkivet (the Danish National Archives).

Besides the scanned copy of the declaration of abdication, I also received a «file overview» (aktoversigt), referring to the enclosed declaration as document no. 91/2024, that it was categorised as «internal» and that it had the id number 572976.

I am of course  very pleased that I have received the document, even though I am still wondering why the declaration was never considered for announcement in Lovtidende (the Danish Legal Gazette) or in any other form, such as at the website of the PMO. How can the declaration be deemed less important/«Lovtidende worthy» or less relevant than for instance the announcement of King Frederik's monogram? It is, as I have written earlier, after all a constitutional act which relates to who the head of state is and from when. But having now received the document, I hereby promise not to question the Danish ambitions of transparency too much in the future!

Updated on Thursday 1 February 2024 at 08:30 (minor correction to the translation of the declaration).

Denmark: The declaration of abdication exempted from publicity

In connection with Queen Margrethe II's abdication on 14 January 2024, I expected that the text of the declaration of abdication would be made public some way or another later the same day, or at least be announced in Lovtidende, the Danish Legal Gazette, at the first opportunity. But when it was not announced on 15 January, as I wrote about the same day, I started to wonder if the declaration was to exempted from publicity. I sent an e-mail to the Prime Minister's Office about it, but has so far not received a reply.

Last Friday, 19 January 2024, Rigsarkivet, the Danish National Archives, confirmed on it's Facebook page that the declaration had been received:

ABDIKATIONSERKLÆRINGEN – EN DEL AF DANMARKS HUKOMMELSE

Rigsarkivaren har modtaget den abdikationserklæring, som Dronningen underskrev under Statsrådet på Christiansborg Slot, hvor Kronprinsen overtog tronen som H.M. Kong Frederik 10. Vi har set frem til at modtage erklæringen, og nu har vores arkivarer registreret og lagt den i Rigsarkivets sikrede magasiner, så den er blevet en del af Danmarks hukommelse.

In translation:

THE DECLARATION OF ABDICATION – A PART OF DENMARK'S MEMORY

The National Archivist has received the declaration of abdication which the Queen signed during the Council of State at Christiansborg Palace, where the Crown Prince acceeded to the throne as H.M. King Frederik 10. We have looked forward to receiving the declaration, and now our archivists have registered and stored it in the National Archives's secured stockroom, so it has become a part of Denmark's memory. 

When someone asked to see the declaration, the reply was that «Abdikationserklæringen opbevares fysisk i Rigsarkivet og scannes og offentliggøres ikke.» («The declaration of abdication is being physically kept in the National Archives and is not scanned and made public.»). When asked why, Rigsarkivet referred to the archives act. At Rigsarkivet's website we are informed that cases (documents) concerning the Royal House have a 100 years long publication ban, so unless decided otherwise the text of the declaration of abdication will not be made public until 2124!

I know that the Danish royal house is very secretive and the admission to reading documents in the royal archives are severly restricted, but not making the declaration of abdication public, it is after all a constitutional act which relates to who the head of state is and from when, is just absurd. I am a bit surprised that the question of making the declaration public has not been debated in the Danish media and by scholars (historians, jurists, political scientists). 

By the way, Queen Margrethe signed two copies of the declaration of abdication, as seen on TV. One copy is kept by the National Archives, while the second, as far as I understand it, is kept by the archives of Folketinget, the Danish Parliament.

- - -

NB! Please see follow-up article published 31 January 2024 where the declaration of abdication is included.

Updated on Thursday 1 February 2024 at 11:00 (link to follow-up article added).

Denmark: New church prayer for the King and the royal house

Last week I wrote about Lovtidende (Danish Legal gazette) announcements related to King Frederik's accession to the Danish throne.

I have now been informed that the king during the Council of State of 14 January 2024 also decided on the new church prayer for the king and the royal house. Circulars are apparently not announced in Lovtidende, which is why I was not made aware of it. Anyway, Cirkulære om kirkebønnen for Kongen og det kongelige hus (CIR1H no. 9009 of 14 January 2024), Circular concerning the church prayer for the King and the royal house, was published at Retsinformation.dk, the Danish legal information system, on 15 January 2024.

The circular, which was addressed to bishops, deans, priests and parochial church councils, informs that «der skal bedes for Kong Frederik den Tiende, Dronning Mary, Kronprins Christian, Dronning Margrethe og hele det kongelige hus, når navne nævnes i den anordnede kirkebøn.» («one should pray for King Frederik the Tenth, Queen Mary, Crown Prince Christian, Queen Margrethe and the whole royal house when names are to be mentioned in the ordered church prayer»).

By the said royal resolution Cirkulære om kirkebønnen for Dronningen og det kongelige hus (CIR1H no. 9067 of 15 February 2018), Circular concerning the church prayer for the Queen and the royal house, was repealed. The latter circular – «der skal bedes for Dronning Margrethe II, Kronprins Frederik, Kronprinsesse Mary og hele det kongelige hus» («one should pray for Queen Margrethe II, Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary and the whole royal house when names are to be mentioned in the ordered church prayer») – came about when Prince Henrik had died and his name was left out of the church prayer. The circular of 2018 repealed the circular of 17 May 2004 by which the name of the then Crown Princess Mary, née Mary Donaldson, was added following her marriage to Crown Prince Frederik.

I heard new church prayer for the first time yesterday when I watched the broadcast of the celebratory church cervice at Aarhus Cathedral.

Corrected on Monday 22 February 2024 at 22:25 (link corrected).

Denmark: Celebratory church service at Aarhus Cathedral

Following King Frederik X's accession to the Danish throne last Sumday, a celebratory church service took place at Aarhus domkirke (Aarhus Cathedral) today at 2 p.m. Around 1000 people attended the service, including 600 people representing the official Denmark, while the other 400 were "ordinary citizens" who had got registered in advance.

The following members of the Danish Royal Family attended the church service:

• King Frederik X
• Queen Mary
• Crown Prince Christian
• Princess Isabella
• Prince Vincent
• Princess Josephine
• Queen Margrethe
• Princess Benedikte

King Frederik's first cousin once removed, Count Ingolf of Rosenborg and his wife Countess Sussie were also in attendance. The church service was officiated by Royal Chaplain-in-Ordinary and Bishop of the Diocese of Aarhus, Henrik Wigh-Poulsen. Besides the royal family, there were representatives from among others Folketinget (the Danish Parliament), the government (but not the prime minister), the Danish Royal Court, the Church of Denmark (but also representatives of other churches and other religions), the Danish Armed Forces, the Faroe Islands and Greenland and many municipalities in Denmark. The full guest list can be found here (at the website of the Diocese of Aarhus), while the program (in Danish only) can be viwed here (also at the website of the Diocese of Aarhus) or here (official website of the Danish Royal Family). The service lasted around an hour before the members of the royal family returned by car to Marselisborg Palace.

See photos from the event at the websites of Din Avis Aarhus or the Danish Royal House's Facebook page.

Denmark: King Frederik's first visit to Folketinget after his accession to the throne

King Frederik X and Queen Mary today made their first visit to Folketinget, the Danish Parliament, in their new roles, to mark the accession the throne yesterday. Their Majesties were accompanied by Queen Margrethe II, Crown Prince Christian, Prince Joachim and Princess Benedikte.

The Speaker of Folketinget, Søren Gade, and the Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen gave speeches. The prime minister also delivered a message from the king to the parliament.

After the meeting in the Chamber there was a reception in the Landsting Hall for members of Folketinget and invited guests. I have notg seen any guest list being published, however.

The Danish Royal Court's official website was down for most of Sunday, so I missed out on a few press releases when I published my first blog article yesterday, although some of the information was given during the TV broadcast. Now, I normally write about the things that interest me the most, so I will of course not blog about everything related to King Frederik's accession, so I will just mention – for the record – some of the information given by by the court.

The Danish Royal Court among others informed that the new king had been appointed to the highest military rank in the Army, the Navy and the Air Force respectively. As admiral and general, His Majesty is now of the same rank as the Chief of Defence. The court also gave more details about the king's full-dress uniform. The official website of the Danish Armed Forces has published an article about King Frederik and his relationship with the military, but in Danish only.

In connection with King Frederik's accession to the throne, yesterday, his three younger children – Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine – became Knights of the Order of the Elephant, but will not wear the order's insignias until they turn 18. 

According to the statutes of the order, all children of the monarch receive the order automatically, so obviously the accession day was the first opportunity. Crown Prince Christian received his on 15 October 2023 when he celebrated his 18th birthday.

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.

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).

Denmark: Background on succession to the throne

When the Danish Royal Court in the early evening of 31 December 2023 announced that Queen Margrethe II had decided to abdicate on 14 January 2024, it promised that it's website www.kongehuset.dk was going to «be updated regularly with information regarding the succession of the throne». Since then four articles/press statements have been published, and I made links to three of them in my article on Queen Margrethe's abdication plans yesterday.

Today, 3 January 2024, the Danish Royal court has published an article called «Background on succession to the throne», which addresses at least one of the questions I asked yesterday:

Background on succession to the throne

Since the 1600s, the Danish monarchy has been a so-called hereditary monarchy, in which the Crown is inherited upon the death of the sovereign.

The Act on Succession to the Throne of the Kingdom of Denmark from 1953 thus stipulates that the Danish throne is inherited within the descendants of Christian 10. and Queen Alexandrine.

Until 1953, only male descendants of the king were able to inherit the throne. That was changed in 1953, when, following a referendum, it was determined that female descendants should also be able to inherit the throne, but in such a way, however, that male descendants should have precedence.

It was the amendment of the rules for succession in 1953 that prepared the way for HM The Queen to be able to assume the throne after the death of her father, Frederik 9., on 14 January 1972.

With the most recent amendment of the Act of Succession in 2009, equality in the succession to the throne was implemented. This means that the throne is now inherited by the sovereign’s oldest child – regardless of gender.

In Denmark, the tradition up to the present has been that the succession to the throne takes place upon the death of the sovereign, as was the case most recently in 1972. In these instances, the succession occurs the moment the sovereign dies.

The upcoming succession to the throne will be different. This time, the succession will first take place during the meeting of the Council of State at the moment The Queen has signed a declaration of her abdication. 

HRH The Crown Prince will thus arrive at Christiansborg Palace as a crown prince and leave it as King. Likewise, HRH The Crown Princess will arrive as a crown princess and depart as Queen. HRH Prince Christian will leave Christiansborg Palace as Crown Prince (heir to the throne). 

Upon the succession to the throne, the new sovereign takes charge of all of the functions which, according to the constitution, are incumbent on the head of state.

From this article we learn that the relevant Danish authorities believe that the abdication will come into force during the meeting of the Council of State the very second the queen has signed a declaration of her abdication. I don't know enough about Danish constitutional law to oppose this view, but it would be interesting to know more about what the view is based on, legally speaking. To me it would be more logic if the said declaration of abdication came into force the second it was announced in Lovtidende (the Danish Legal Gazette) and/or added to the Protocol. Again, as I also wrote yesterday, I hope we are going to get more details on the legal procedure before the Council of State takes place.

Denmark: Queen Margrethe II to abdicate on 14 January 2024

On Sunday 31 December 2023, Queen Margrethe II announced in her televised new year's speech that she had decided to abdicate on 14 January 2024.

The relevant part of the speech said:

Tonight, I would like to express a very special thank you. Thank you for the warmth and devotion which I and my family have received throughout many, many years. 

In two weeks time I have been Queen of Denmark for 52 years. Such an amount will leave its mark on anybody – also on me! The time takes its toll, and the number of “ailments” increases. One cannot undertake as much as one managed in the past. 

In February this year I underwent extensive back surgery. Everything went well, thanks to the competent health personnel, who took care of me. Inevitably, the operation gave cause to thoughts about the future – whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation. 

I have decided that now is the right time. On 14th January, 2024 – 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father – I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I will hand over the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik. 

Tonight, I first and foremost would like to express my thanks. Thank you for the overwhelming warmth and support which I have received during all these years. Thank you to the changing governments with whom the collaboration always has been rewarding, and thank you to The Parliament, who have always vested their confidence in me. 

Thank you to the many, many people who on special occasions and in everyday life have embraced me and my family with kind words and thoughts, turning the years into a string of pearls. 

The support and assistance which I have received throughout the years, have been crucial to the success of my task. It is my hope that the new King and Queen will be met with the same trust and devotion which have fallen to my lot. 

They deserve it! Denmark deserves it!

The Royal Court followed by the issuing the following press statement:

Her Majesty the Queen has tonight, in her New Year's Address, announced that Her Majesty will step down as Queen of Denmark on 14th January, 2024 and will hand over the throne to HRH the Crown Prince. 

The Danish Royal Court’s website www.kongehuset.dk will be updated regularly with information regarding the succession of the throne.

On 1 January 2024 the court gave some historical details on the subject of abdication, and today we learned that there will be changes in the Royal House of Denmark's leadership in connection with the change of monarch. The current Chief of the Court of TRH The Crown Prince and The Crown Princess, Christian Schønau, will assume the position of Lord Chamberlain of The Royal House of Denmark on 14 January, replacing Kim Kristensen, who has served as Lord Chamberlain since 2021.

We were all very surprised by the abdication news, as the queen on several occasions in the past has ruled out the possibility. Her ailing health made her to change her mind. So on 14 January 2024, on the day 52 years since she succeeded to the throne of Denmark after the death of her father, King Frederik IX, Queen Margrethe II will formally abdicate and be succeeded by her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, b. 1968, who will reign under the name Frederik X. His wife, the current Crown Princess Mary, b. 1972, becomes Queen and Prince Christian, b. 2005, becomes Crown Prince. Queen Margrethe will after her abdication continue to be styled Majesty, cf. the press statement from the Prime Minister's Office and of the royal court, but will not be formally titled Her Majesty The Queen anylonger, but «only» HM Queen Margrethe.

The possibility to abdicate the throne, even if it is regulated in the Act of Succession section 6, is not a tradition in Denmark, and we have to go back to 1146 to find the last time someone voluntarily gave up the throne. King Erik III Lam, who decided to become a munk, was allegedly of poor health and died later the same year. Christian II (1481–1559) was deposed in 1523 and was thus the last monarch of Denmark not to have died while reigning.

We will surely learn more about how the abdication is carried out legally in due time. One thing is to announce your intention to abdicate, another is how this intention become law. The Act of Succession Section 6 only says that «The provisions of Sections 2-5 shall apply correspondingly in the case of the abdication of a King.» I gather that Queen Margrethe II in the Council of State on 14 January 2024 will give a written and signed declaration of abdication and that this will be added to the Protocol. While abdication has been unheard of in modern Denmark, we have examples of royal members who have renounced their rights to the throne – Prince Carl in 1905 when he became King of Norway, and Princess Anne-Marie when she was to marry King Constantine II of the Hellenes in 1964. Both renunciations were added to the Protocol. As far as I understand, this is the same protocol that is called «Slegt Register over Fødselen i den Kongelige Familie» («Family Register of the Birth in the Royal Family») and is regulated by royal resolution of 25 February 1779. I have never seen the text of this resolution though, so it is possible that also customary law applies. Again, we will surely get more details soon.