King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark on Jan. 14, 2024.Photo:Patrick van Katwijk/Getty
Patrick van Katwijk/Getty
The moments beforeKing Frederik Xof Denmark’s life changed forever were caught on camera.
Shortly afterQueen Margrethesigned adeclaration of her abdicationon Sunday, making her eldest son the new monarch, the country’s prime minister proclaimed Frederik, 55, as King on the balcony of Christiansborg Castle.
In abehind-the-scenes videoof the balcony appearance shared on Danish royals' social media pages, King Frederik is shown in the seconds before making his first public appearance as monarch. Wearing his military uniform, the new King takes a deep breath before walking forward onto the balcony.
He smiled and waved to the cheering crowds, at points wiping away tears.
The video showed a look at his family watching from inside the palace.Queen Maryhad her arms around her daughter Princess Josephine, while Princess Isabella put her hands on the shoulders of her little brother, Prince Vicent. Crown Prince Christian, the new heir to the throne, also looked slightly nervous as he watched his father’s big moment.
Inside the castle, King Frederik’s younger brother, Prince Joachim, watched. Prince Joachim, who lives and works in the U.S.,traveled to Denmark without his wife and childrenfor his mother’s abdication and brother’s accession events.
The video also showed one of the day’s highlights: asurprise kissbetween King Frederik and Queen Mary!
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King Frederik of Denmark after his proclamation on Jan. 14, 2024.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Samir Hussein/WireImage
The festivities surrounding the change of reign continued on Monday when royal family membersappeared at the Danish Parliament.
King Frederik and Queen Mary, 51, reunited with Queen Margrethe, 83, at the event — and for the first time ever, Queen Mary did not curtsy to her mother-in-law. Instead, Queen Mary said hello to Queen Margrethe with a kiss on the cheek.
As Crown Princess Mary, theAustralian-born royalwas known for herdeep curtsieswhen greeting Queen Margrethe as well as monarchs and consorts from around the world. Now that she’s Queen, Mary does not have to curtsy to monarchs or other consorts. However, she still may choose to do so as a sign of respect.
Others in attendance at Monday’s event were Crown Prince Christian, Prince Joachim and Margrethe’s sister Princess Benedikt.
Members of Denmark’s royal family on Jan. 15, 2024.Sean Gallup/Getty
Sean Gallup/Getty
source: people.com
