Frederik X becomes king of Denmark after his mother, Queen Margrethe II, abdicates throne

The 83-year-old is the first Danish monarch to voluntarily relinquish the throne in about 900 years, according to The Associated Press. King Eric III gave up the throne in 1146 to join a monastery, CNN reported.

Margrethe signed the abdication during a meeting with the Danish Cabinet at the Christiansborg Palace, the AP reported. After she signed the abdication, she stood up and gestured to Frederick. She said “God save the king,” and left the room.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen then proclaimed Frederik king from the balcony at the palace. This was done in front of thousands of people, the AP reported. This has been a tradition since the constitution of 1849, CNN reported.

[ Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announces in New Year’s speech decision to abdicate throne ]

Margrethe will continue to be titled Majesty and will become an acting regent, the Danish Royal House said, according to CNN. This will allow her to perform duties as head of state when both King Frederik or Crown Prince Christian are unavailable. Others to receive a similar role as acting regent if needed included Mary, Frederik’s brother Prince Joachim and his aunt, Princess Benedikte.

“It’s the first time in 900 years a Danish king or queen has abdicated. It will be a more festive occasion than the last time when a young Margrethe took over,” Birgitte Borup, culture editor at Danish newspaper Berlingske, told CNN. “The queen’s decision to abdicate was shocking but most Danes seem to understand that she wants to pass on the torch due to declining health.”

Jan. 14 is significant for these events to take place because it happens to be the 52nd anniversary of her father, King Frederik IX’s death and her succession to the throne, the AP reported.

Margrethe became queen at the age of 31.