15 Jan 2024

King Frederik takes the Danish throne

From Morning Report, 7:44 am on 15 January 2024

King Frederik has officially ascended to the throne in Denmark, with tens of thousands of people turning out for the occasion in Copenhagen overnight.

The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Fredriksen, proclaimed the new king from the balcony of the royal palace.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK 20240114
King Frederik X waves from the balcony of Christiansborg palace in Copenhagen.
On Sunday, King Frederik X took over the throne from Queen Margrethe II. The change of throne was proclaimed from the balcony of Christiansborg Castle by Prime Minister Mette Fredrikssen.
Photo: Johan Nilsson / TT / Code 50090 (Photo by JOHAN NILSSON / TT NYHETSBYRÅN / TT News Agency via AFP)

Photo: JOHAN NILSSON / TT News Agency via AFP

King Frederik was joined by his wife - and now Queen consort, Mary - soon after, along with his four children.

His succession follows the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe, who announced her decision to step down just two weeks ago.

The BBC's Daniela Ralph spoke to Charlotte Cook from Copenhagen.