This December 31, the Danish royal family celebrates the first anniversary of the announcement of the abdication of Queen Margrethe. For the first time, it is King Frederik X who will deliver the New Year's speech, shaking up some of his mother's traditions in the process.
One year ago, on December 31, 2023, Queen Margrethe announced her abdication during her traditional New Year's speech. Two weeks later, the sovereign officially handed over to her son, making him King Frederik X and his wife, Queen Mary. A role that seems to suit them perfectly, the new sovereign having spent the year visiting Denmark, while benefiting from a popularity rating that would make other ruling families dream.
To close the year well, Frederik X is now preparing to deliver the New Year's speech which will also mark the first anniversary of his reign. And to celebrate the event, the prince has already planned some upheavals, as revealed by the princely family's Instagram account: since midday on December 31, the royal guards no longer display the queen's monogram Margrethe on their costume, but that of King Frederik. An emblem found on their shoulder pads as well as on their chest and bag.
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Another king, another place
Another major change made by Frederik X for the New Year: the location chosen for his speech. Traditionally, Queen Margrethe spoke from the reception room of the Christian IX Palace in Amalienborg, the winter residence of the Danish royal family. But this year, the website of the royal house announces that it is the Frederik VIII Palace which will serve as the setting for the king's wishes, this residence also being the place where the sovereign resides with Mary and their children.
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Finally, Amalienborg Castle Square will be open to the public who will be able to follow the sovereign's wishes live on a giant screen. A way for the king to make the monarchy more accessible and to allow Danish citizens to approach the institution more closely. The next day, the entire royal family will then meet for the traditional New Year's banquet, certain traditions still remaining well anchored, even more so when they involve bringing out the tiaras and evening dresses.
