Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II, aged 83, made history by signing her abdication, paving the way for her son, Frederik X, to ascend to the throne immediately, according to Danish broadcaster DR. This momentous event marks the first time in nearly 900 years that a Danish monarch has voluntarily relinquished the throne since King Erik III Lam in 1146.
The historic abdication took place at the Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen during a meeting with the Danish Cabinet. The palace, a sprawling complex, houses the Royal Reception Rooms, Royal Stables, Danish Parliament, the prime minister’s office, and the Supreme Court.
Queen Margrethe II signed the abdication document at a massive table covered in red cloth, surrounded by royals and members of the Danish government.
In attendance was Frederik, 55, the Queen’s son, who will soon be proclaimed king by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on the palace balcony before a crowd of thousands. Frederik’s 18-year-old son, Christian, also present, assumes the role of Denmark’s crown prince and heir to the throne.
