Frederik X becomes Denmark’s king after mother’s abdication

Thousands of well-wishers flooded the streets of Copenhagen.

Denmark entered a new era Sunday as King Frederik X was proclaimed king after his mother Queen Margrethe abdicated.

After more than five decades on the throne, 83-year-old Queen Margrethe stunned the nation when she announced her abdication this month — the first Danish monarch to step down in nearly 900 years.

Several thousand well-wishers flooded the streets of Copenhagen to pay tribute to the outgoing monarch and the new king, according to The Copenhagen Post. More than 100,000 Danes also tuned in to watch the handover.

People from across Denmark gathered in front of the Christiansborg Palace, waving red and white Danish flags and holding signs thanking the retiring queen.

After a procession in a horse-drawn carriage through the streets of Copenhagen, Queen Margrethe signed a declaration of abdication at the palace, making her son monarch. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen then proclaimed Frederik X king from the balcony of the palace.

This is only the second time a Danish monarch has stepped down. The last one was Erik III in the 12th century.

A survey commissioned by Danish broadcaster DR showed that 79 percent of Danes supported the royal handover.