Danish Queen Margrethe II will officially step down today (January 14) after 52 years on the throne.
The monarch announced on New Year's Eve that she would become the first in almost 900 years of Danish history to renounce the title, citing her recent back surgery as one of the factors in her decision.
Today he will sign an abdication at a state council, making Crown Prince Frederik the new king.
The Danish Prime Minister will mark Frederik's new reign from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace and the King will take part in a carriage ride, although there will be no major ceremony, unlike in the UK.
Local news sources reported that Frederik only learned of Queen Margaret's decision three days before it was made public.
Frederik has trained in all three branches of the Danish Armed Forces and has been a strong advocate for sustainability issues and women's rights.
