Denmark officially has a new king and queen. On Sunday, Queen Margrethe abdicated by signing some papers, and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made the proclamation: King Frederik X and Queen Mary are the new king and queen after Margrethe’s historic 52-year reign. The “handover” took place at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, then the proclamation happened on the balcony, where Mary and Frederik appeared before a loud and happy crowd. Mary and Fred even kissed on the balcony, like it was their wedding day! They both seemed into it.

Speaking of, Mary wore a white gown specially made/designed by her Danish wedding dressmaker, Soeren Le Schmidt. It was sewn by Birgit Hallstein. It’s very bridal, which I guess fits with the occasion – she wanted that kind of association, and it’s basically like she’s becoming a new person, the queen of Denmark.

This whole thing ended up being bigger than they said it would be – I thought the “coronation” was mostly going to be a bureaucratic thing, but the Danes did some pomp. The new king made a speech, lots of people came out to wish them well, there was a cannon salute, they did a carriage ride through Copenhagen and there were crowds of thousands in the streets and outside the palace. As it turns out, the Danes are monarchists.

Photos courtesy of Cover Images.

The succession of HM King Frederik X and HM Queen Mary of Denmark at Christiansborg Palace Square. Featuring: King Frederik and Queen Mary Where: Copenhagen, Denmark When: 14 Jan 2024 Credit: Cover Images

The succession of HM King Frederik X and HM Queen Mary of Denmark at Christiansborg Palace Square. Featuring: King Frederik and Queen Mary Where: Copenhagen, Denmark When: 14 Jan 2024 Credit: Cover Images

The succession of HM King Frederik X and HM Queen Mary of Denmark at Christiansborg Palace Square. Featuring: King Frederik and Queen Mary Where: Copenhagen, Denmark When: 14 Jan 2024 Credit: Cover Images

The succession of HM King Frederik X and HM Queen Mary of Denmark at Christiansborg Palace Square. Featuring: King Frederik and Queen Mary Where: Copenhagen, Denmark When: 14 Jan 2024 Credit: Cover Images

The succession of HM King Frederik X and HM Queen Mary of Denmark at Christiansborg Palace Square. Featuring: King Frederik and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen Where: Copenhagen, Denmark When: 14 Jan 2024 Credit: Cover Images

The succession of HM King Frederik X and HM Queen Mary of Denmark at Christiansborg Palace Square. Featuring: King Frederik and Queen Mary Where: Copenhagen, Denmark When: 14 Jan 2024 Credit: DDP/INSTARimages **USA RIGHTS ONLY**

The succession of HM King Frederik X and HM Queen Mary of Denmark at Christiansborg Palace Square. Featuring: King Frederik and Queen Mary Where: Copenhagen, Denmark When: 14 Jan 2024 Credit: DDP/INSTARimages **USA RIGHTS ONLY**

The succession of HM King Frederik X and HM Queen Mary of Denmark at Christiansborg Palace Square. Featuring: King Frederik X, Queen Mary, Princess Josephine, Crown Prince Christian, Princess Isabella and Prince Vincent Where: Copenhagen, Denmark When: 14 Jan 2024 Credit: DDP/INSTARimages **USA RIGHTS ONLY**