Frederik X of Denmark won't have a coronation: here's why

A few days after the announcement of the queen's abdication Margrethe II of Denmarkarrived by surprise live on TV during the traditional New Year's speech, the country is preparing to celebrate the new king, Frederik The big day will be next January 14, when the current sovereign, who celebrated 50 years on the throne in 2022, will officially hand over the scepter to her firstborn, on the same day she succeeded her father. An undoubtedly emotional date, as well as a sign of continuity, even if – as specified by the Royal House in a note – this time there will be some important differences.

Frederik meeting of the Council of State, during which the mother will sign the documents making the choice to abdicate official. The meeting is scheduled at Christiansborg Palace, where Frederik will enter as a prince and leave as a king. Change of titles also for his wife Mary, queen, and for his firstborn Christian, who will officially become Crown Prince, i.e. heir to the throne and first in line of succession. Margrethe II will not lose her title and will continue to hold it until her death, as happened with Beatrix of Holland, who abdicated in 2013 in favor of her firstborn Willem Alexander, and Sofia of Spain, wife of King Emeritus Juan Carlos.

In short, 2024 will not offer royal watchers another coronation in grand style like that of Charles III, but not only because an abdication is involved. In Denmark sovereigns have not been crowned for centuries. Until 1660 they entered the church with the crown already on their heads and were anointed, then this rite was also eliminated starting from the mid-nineteenth century, with the accession to the throne of Frederik VII. The new sovereign is simply proclaimed, as happened to Queen Margrethe, the day after her father's death. In the case of Frederik A new royal page begins.