Australians awoke today to the enchanting news that one of their own, Princess Mary, has gracefully ascended to the throne as the new Queen of Denmark alongside her husband King Frederik.
The momentous occasion unfolded mere weeks after Queen Margrethe II, Europe’s longest-serving monarch, announced her abdication after an illustrious 52-year reign.
In a ceremony rich with tradition and historical significance, Queen Margrethe II signed the declaration that would reshape Danish history.
After signing the declaration, the queen rose and gestured to Frederik to take her seat, proclaiming “God save the King” before leaving the room. Against the backdrop of Christiansborg Castle, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed Frederik as the new King of Denmark with the words “Long live his majesty King Frederik the 10th”.
Frederik was joined on the balcony by his Australian-born wife Mary, 51, who is now Queen, and their children: Christian, 18, who is the new heir to the throne, Princess Isabelle, 16, and 13-year-old twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent.
Addressing the captivated crowd in Copenhagen, King Frederik voiced his aspiration to be a unifying monarch for the future, a role he had been preparing for his entire life.
“My hope is to be a unifying King of tomorrow,” he told the crowd.
“It’s an assignment I’ve been preparing for my entire life.
“It’s a responsibility I’m taking on with respect, pride and immense joy.”
The 55-year-old King said he started this new journey comforted by the fact that he had his wife and family by his side.
“I need all the support I can get from my beloved wife, my family and from God,” he said.
As Queen Mary and King Frederik shared a kiss on the balcony, the crowd erupted into cheers as the Danish national anthem echoed through the capital. Among the sea of red and white Danish flags, sporadic Australian flags paid homage to Mary’s homeland.
In the sea of thrilled onlookers was Ebony Wilson, a 25-year-old biomedical science graduate from Brisbane, who, alongside her grandmother Judy, seized a last-minute opportunity to witness this historic moment.
“I was thinking about it and then I thought, why not be spontaneous? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Wilson told AAP in Copenhagen.
The royal couple will commence their new roles on Monday, January 15 with a reception at the Danish parliament.
As Queen Mary ascends to her new role, the world eagerly anticipates the contributions she will bring to her realm. Known for her philanthropic endeavours and commitment to social causes, Queen Mary is poised to infuse the Danish monarchy with a modern and compassionate touch.
-with AAP and Reuters.