Margrethe brought to tears in final act as Queen

The emotion was ‘palpable’ as Queen Margrethe II signed the keys to the Kingdom over to King Frederik X and Crown Prince Christian.

Europe’s longest-serving monarch was brought to tears as she used her final act as Queen to officially sign the future of the Denmark Royal House to King Frederik X and Crown Prince Christian.

The 83-year-old, who sat on the throne since 1972, was visibly emotional as she signed the Declaration of Abdication and stepped away from her son and grandson as the country’s new head of state and heir.

At that moment, the 52-year reign of Queen Margrethe II ended with her final words “long live the King”. It marked the first day of the reign of King Frederik X.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark signs a declaration of abdication as Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark. Picture: AFP

Prince Christian casts a comforting eye to Queen Margrethe II, who was brought to tears by her final act as Monarch. Picture: AFP

After signing the abdication, Queen Margrethe II faded into the background as King Frederik X and Crown Prince Christian stepped up to lead Denmark. Picture: AFP

“My mother succeeded like few others in becoming one with her country,” King Frederik said in his first speech as Monarch.

“My hope is to become a unifying king for the future … It’s a responsibility I assume with respect, pride and a lot of happiness,” he said, repeatedly placing his hand on his heart as the crowd cheered.

It is only the second time a Danish sovereign has stepped down — the last was Erik III, almost nine centuries ago in 1146.

Portraits and banners around the capital thanked the queen for her years of service, with cheeky signs in the metro declaring “Thanks for the Ride, Margrethe”. Others read “Long Live the King”.

Queen Margrethe II hands over the crown during a Council of State with the Prime Minister and her cabinet. Picture: AFP

Queen Margrethe in a carriage escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment's Mounted Squadron from Amalienborg Castle to Christiansborg Castle for her proclamation of abdication. Picture: AFP

After her abdication, the royal standard was then raised at the couple’s residence at the Amalienborg Palace.

Margrethe chose to abdicate exactly 52 years to the day after she took over from her father, Frederik IX.

The queen stunned Danes when she announced her abdication in her annual televised New Year’s Eve address, after having repeatedly insisted she would follow tradition and reign until her death.

Even her own family was only informed three days prior. She attributed her decision to health issues after undergoing major back surgery last year.