Queen Margrethe, Queen Mary and King Frederik of Denmark one day after the change of reign on Jan. 15, 2024.Photo:Patrick van Katwijk/Getty
Patrick van Katwijk/Getty
Things have certainly changed for the newKing FrederikandQueen Maryof Denmark!
The newly proclaimed King Frederik, 55, and Queen Mary, 51, reunited with Queen Margrethe, 83, at the event. And there was a major change in how the royals greeted each other. For the first time ever, Queen Mary did not curtsy to her mother-in-law. Instead, Queen Mary said hello to Queen Margrethe with a kiss on the cheek.
As Crown Princess Mary, theAustralian-born royalwas known for herdeep curtsieswhen greeting Queen Margrethe as well as monarchs and consorts from around the world. Now that she’s Queen, Mary does not have to curtsy to monarchs or other consorts. However, she still may choose to do so as a sign of respect.
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark curtsies to King Felipe of Spain in November 2023.LISELOTTE SABROE/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty
LISELOTTE SABROE/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty
On Monday, King Frederik greeted his mother with a hug and kisses on both cheeks.
Meanwhile, the new monarch said hello to his younger brother, Prince Joachim, with a friendly hug. As waspreviously reported, Prince Joachim, who lives and works in the U.S., traveled to Denmark without his wife and children for his mother Queen Margrethe’s abdication and brother King Frederik’s accession events.
Last year, Queen MargrethestrippedPrince Joachim’s four kids of their prince or princess titles,causing some frictionin the family.
King Frederik, Queen Margrethe and Prince Joachim of Denmark on Jan. 15, 2024.Patrick van Katwijk/Getty
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While thenew King Frederik and Queen Mary appeared on the palace balconywith theirfour childrenafter the official proclamation on Sunday, no other members of the family joined. Prince Joachim, 54, was spotted in abehind-the-scenes videoof the appearance, watching the balcony outing from inside the castle.
Members of Denmark’s royal family on Jan. 15, 2024.Sean Gallup/Getty
Sean Gallup/Getty
Queen Margrethe left the festivities after signing the abdication declaration. In an emotional moment, she stepped aside and allowed King Frederik to take her spot at the head of the table, then said, “God save the King,” before exiting the room.
Shortly after, King Frederik appeared solo on the palace balcony. He waved to the cheering crowds from the balcony, looking emotional and wiping away tears.
In a surprise moment, the crowd cheered when King Frederik and Queen Maryshared a kiss.
King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark kiss on Jan. 14, 2024.JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty
JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty
However, some wondered if Queen Margrethe’s surprise abdication — Danish rulers typically reign until their deaths — was amove to bolster her son and daughter-in-law’s marriage.
Although Queen Margrethe is no longer the monarch, she will continue to be titled as Her Majesty. She can also be installed as acting regent if King Frederik is abroad or otherwise unable to perform royal duties.
King Frederik and Queen Mary with their children after the change of reign on Jan. 14, 2024.BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty
BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty
source: people.com
