Crown Prince Christian joins family for King Frederik’s proclamation on Jan. 14, 2024.Photo:BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty
BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty
Crown Prince Christianis now the 18-year-old heir to Denmark’s throne.
On Sunday,Queen Margrethesigned adeclaration of her abdicationafter a 52-year reign, andKing Frederikacceded to the throne. The shift in the line of succession means that the new monarch’s eldest son is now heir and known as Crown Prince Christian (after being previously known as Prince Christian).
Crown Prince Christian was in the room when his grandmother made her step down from the throne official. As she stood up, Christian handed Queen Margrethe her walking cane. His father, King Frederik, then took the spot at the head of the table.
He then joined his parents, King Frederik, 55, and Queen Mary, 51, and his three younger siblings at the proclamation on the balcony of Christiansborg Castle on Sunday.
Crown Prince Christian, King Frederik and Queen Margrethe of Denmark as she abdicates on Jan. 14, 2024.MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty
MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty
In October, Christian turned 18 with agrand celebrationto mark the milestone. A gala dinner at Christiansborg Palace gathered royals from around the world, including some fellow future monarchs. He posed for agroup photowith future queens Princess Estelle of Sweden, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium.
In his first public speech at the birthday gala, Prince Christian said, “I would like to thank everyone who helped celebrate me. Both you who are here and all of you who have sent greetings and gifts. I will never forget today. But maybe I will remember it as less challenging already tomorrow. I have to find my way, even if it leads to a familiar place. I have roots in many places in the world, and I enjoy traveling. But home will always be here. Because I love my country.”
Around the time of the birthday milestone, Queen Margrethe also awarded her grandson with the Order of the Elephant, Denmark’s highest honor of chivalry.
Prince Christian of Denmark at his birthday gala on Oct. 15, 2023.Patrick van Katwijk/Getty
Patrick van Katwijk/Getty
“His Royal Highness Prince Christian turns 18 on 15 October 2023,” courtiers said in a statement onInstagram, posting the prince’s cypher. “Prince Christian’s main priority in the coming year will be the completion of the Prince’s upper secondary education. In continuation of this, the Royal Palace will provide information on Prince Christian’s further youth and education courses when the time is right.”
They said the issue would be revisited when he turned 21 or if there was a change of throne, so there may be conversations now going on behind the scenes about Christian’s role.
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Queen Margrethe, Prince Christian and Crown Prince Frederik on Oct. 15, 2023.Patrick van Katwijk/Getty
Queen Margrethe, 83, became monarch on Jan. 14, 1972, following the death of her father, King Frederik IX, making her reign exactly 52 years. Her abdication came after sheannounced her shocking decisionto step down during herNew Year’s speech.
“In February this year, I underwent extensive back surgery. Everything went well, thanks to the competent health personnel, who took care of me. Inevitably, the operation gave cause to thoughts about the future — whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation. I have decided that now is the right time,” she said, per an Englishtranslation of the official speechtranscription. “On 14 January 2024, 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father, I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I leave the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik.”
King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark with family on Jan. 14, 2024.Sean Gallup/Getty
Sean Gallup/Getty
source: people.com
