Queen Margrethe II is Denmark's longest-reigning monarch (Reuters)
Danes flocked to parliament building in Copenhagen early Sunday to watch Queen Margrethe II, Denmark's longest-serving monarch, hand over the throne to her eldest son Frederick.
The queen surprised the country of about 6 million people on New Year's Eve with the decision to abdicate after 52 years, becoming the first to abdicate Denmark in nearly 900 years.
People from all over Denmark flocked to the capital, reflecting the royal family's immense popularity.
Anna Karina Lürssen, 59, said: "The royal family means everything Danish. It's fairy tales and traditions."
Danish Guards line up near the start of the new king's accession ceremony (French)
No coronation ceremony
There will be no coronation ceremony like in Britain, but the inauguration takes place the moment Queen Margaret signs her abdication document to the 55-year-old crown prince.
It will happen during a meeting of the State Council in parliament that will be attended by the government, Frederick and his eldest son Christian, 18, the next heir to the throne.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will then announce the inauguration of the new king on the balcony of parliament, where Frederick will deliver a short speech before boarding the horse-drawn carriage on the way back to the palace with his wife.
Margaret, who has said in the past she will remain on the throne for life, did not give a specific reason for her decision, but said a major back surgery she underwent in February made her think about the future.
The new king will take the throne at a time when the monarchy is very popular. The latest poll conducted after the Queen announced she would abdicate found that 82% of Danes expected Frederick to succeed in his new role, while 86% expected the same for his wife Mary, 51.
Source: Reuters