Royal family releases full succession plan as Queen Margrethe steps down

Denmark’s royal family has released its full succession plan after Queen Margrethe II announced she will abdicate on January 14 and hand the baton to her son, Crown Prince Frederik.

According to the statement issued by the Royal House of Denmark, on January 14, 2024, the Queen abdicates the position of Queen of Denmark and entrusts the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik.

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The following official events mark the succession to the throne.

Sunday, January 14

13:35: The crown couple leave Amalienborg

The Crown Prince and HRH Prince Christian drive in a car from Frederik VIII’s Palace, Amalienborg to Christiansborg Palace.

13:37: HM The Queen rides in a carriage from Amalienborg

The Queen rides in a carriage from Christian IX’s Palace, Amalienborg to Christiansborg Palace, accompanied by the Regiment of Hussar Guards.

14:00: Council of State at Christiansborg Palace

The Queen, the High Commissioner and Prince Christian sit together with the government and the secretary of the Council of State in the Council of State.

Succession to the throne takes place during a meeting of the Council of State once HM The Queen has signed her resignation.

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14:15: Queen Margrethe’s departure from Christiansborg Palace

HM Queen Margrethe drives to Christian IX’s palace, Amalienborg.

14:30: TM The King and Queen reserve mounds for special invitees

15:00: Proclamation from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace

His Majesty King Frederick X steps out onto the balcony of Christiansborg Palace, after which the Prime Minister proclaims His Majesty’s accession to the throne.

The King speaks and concludes with the motto.

15:10: Honorary cannon salute from Sixtus Battery

After the proclamation, 3 x 27 shots are fired from Sixtus Battery at Holmen, Copenhagen, in salute.

15:10: The royal standard is lowered and raised again at Amalienborg

After the proclamation, the royal standard is lowered at Christian IX’s palace and raised again at Frederik VIII’s palace, Amalienborg.

15:30: The king and queen ride in a carriage from Christiansborg Palace

After the proclamation, the King and Queen board a carriage, accompanied by the Mounted Squadron of the Hussar Guards Regiment, from Christiansborg Palace to Frederik VIII’s Palace, Amalienborg.

17:00: Carrying the royal colours

Transfer of the royal colors from the palace of Christian IX to the palace of Frederik VIII, Amalienborg.