Crown Prince Christian of Denmark Steps Out for First Time as Heir Following Queen Margrethe’s Abdication

Crown Prince Christian is now the 18-year-old heir to the Danish throne.

On Sunday, Queen Margrethe signed a declaration of her abdication after 52 years of reign, and King Frederik ascended the throne. The change in the line of succession means that the eldest son of the new monarch is now the heir and known as Crown Prince Christian (after previously being known as Prince Christian).

Crown Prince Christian was in the room when his grandmother forced her to step down from the official throne. As she stood up, Christian handed Queen Margrethe a walking stick. His father, King Frederik, then took a seat at the head of the table.

He then joined his parents, King Frederik, 55, and Queen Mary, 51, and his three younger siblings for the announcement on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace on Sunday.

Crown Prince Christian, King Frederik and Queen Margrethe of Denmark as they abdicate on January 14, 2024.

MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty

5 future European monarchs posed for an epic photo at Denmark’s Prince Christian’s 18th birthday gala

In October, Christian turned 18 years old with a big celebration marking that jubilee. The gala dinner at Christiansborg Palace brought together royal families from all over the world, including some future monarchs. He posed for a group photo with the 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 celebration, Prince Christian said: “I would like to thank everyone who helped me celebrate. Both you who are here and all of you who sent cards and gifts. I will never forget today. But maybe I will. 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 the Order of the Elephant, Denmark’s highest knighthood.

Prince Christian of Denmark at a birthday party on October 15, 2023.

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Although he is now Crown Prince, Crown Prince Christian is likely to complete his studies and possibly military training before taking on full-time royal duties. During the summer, the Danish royal house announced that Prince Christian will not receive the state funds he is legally entitled to when he turns 18.

“His Royal Highness Prince Christian turns 18 on October 15, 2023,” the courtiers said in a statement on Instagram, releasing the prince’s code. “Prince Christian’s main priority in the coming year will be the completion of the prince’s upper secondary education. Following this, the Royal Palace will provide information on Prince Christian’s further youth and education courses when the time is right.”

They said the matter would be revisited when he turns 21 or if there is a change in the throne, so there may be talks behind the scenes about Christian’s role.

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Queen Margrethe, Prince Christian and Crown Prince Frederik on October 15, 2023.

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Queen Margrethe, 83, became monarch on January 14, 1972, following the death of her father, King Frederik IX, which she had ruled for exactly 52 years. The abdication came after she announced her shock decision to step down during a New Year’s speech.

“In February of this year, I underwent extensive back surgery. Everything went well, thanks to the professional medical staff who took care of me. The operation inevitably gave rise to thoughts about the future – will now be the right time to pass on the responsibility to to the next generation. I decided now is the right time,” she said, according to an English translation of the official transcript of the speech. “On January 14, 2024, 52 years after succeeding 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 their family on January 14, 2024.

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Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education