The new Danish monarch Frederik X returned to Christiansborg Palace on Monday, January 15 to visit the parliament chamber for the first time a day after he was proclaimed king.
Aside from parts of it used for royal duties, the palace also houses the chamber of the Folketing, Denmark's unicameral parliament, as well as the country's supreme court. This makes Christiansborg the center of Danish royal, political, and judicial power.
The king arrived at the palace alongside his wife, Queen Mary, and his son, Crown Prince Christian. They were greeted by parliament officials, the retired Queen Margrethe, and the king's brother Prince Joachim. The royal party then sat at the chamber's public gallery to attend the parliament's special session.
According to the Associated Press, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen read out the king's speech to MPs as per tradition.
"We begin our responsible work as Denmark's king in the belief that the Danish parliament will meet us in joint work for the good of the kingdom," Frederik's message read, using the royal "we" to refer to himself.
In response, parliament speaker Søren Gade told Frederik and Mary that he has "great confidence" the new king and queen would be an excellent head of state and consort, respectively.
Republicanist MPs Say Attendance was for Parliamentary Session
Despite the overwhelming public support for a constitutional monarchy, a minority of Danes favor a republican government, which was reflected in the parliament by nine MPs belonging to the left-wing coalition party called the Unity List.
Prominent Unity List MP Rosa Lund told reporters that her party attended the brief parliamentary session as part of their responsibilities as MPs.
"We always participate in meetings in the Folketing, that is why we were there today," she said.
Lund added that Unity List lawmakers abstained from attending a reception for the new king following the brief session in the assembly because they were Republicans.
Frederik was proclaimed king on Sunday (January 14) after Margrethe abdicated the Danish throne, ending her 52-year reign. Crowds swarmed the square in front of Christiansborg to witness Frederiksen declare the accession of the 55-year-old monarch.
The king was visibly emotional as he was greeted and cheered on by Danes, Australians, and other visitors to Copenhagen. He also shared a kiss with Mary to the delight of the crowd.
"My hope is to become an unifying king for the future," Frederik said in his first speech as king. "It's a task I've been waiting for all my life. It is a responsibility I take on with respect, pride, and great joy."
Related Article : Margrethe II Abdicates Danish Throne after 52-Year Reign
