Queen Mary, King Frederik X coronation: Telling moment as crowd goes ‘crazy’

A key reaction by the tens of thousands camped out for a glimpse of the new King and Queen has confirmed recent speculation.

It’s the role he was born to do, but when Frederik X appeared on Christiansborg Palace balcony to mark his proclamation as King, it seems he was quickly outshone.

In footage of the event, widespread cheers can be heard as the new monarch waves to the thousands of people gathered below, but their enthusiasm ramps up significantly as his Australian-born wife, Mary, the new Queen of Denmark, steps out to join him.

“King Frederik X was loudly cheered upon his appearance on the balcony. But the crowd really went crazy when their new Queen, Mary, joined him,” Danish royal journalist Wim Dehandschutter posted on X, alongside the clip.

“She was already (one of the) most beloved member(s) of the Danish royal family. She’s the real star now.”

The new King and Queen of Denmark. Picture: Thomas Traasdahl/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP

Huge crowds turned out to show their support. Picture: Claus Bech/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP

They braved almost freezing conditions to join the celebration. Picture: Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP

The telling moment comes after a survey carried out last week confirmed that while both are very popular among the Danish people, it was Mary in whom people apparently had the most faith.

🇩🇰🇦🇺 My impression? King #Frederik X was loudly cheered upon his appearance on the balcony. But the crowd really went crazy when their new Queen, #Mary, joined him. She was already (one of the) most beloved member(s) of the Danish royal family. She’s the real star now #tronskiftepic.twitter.com/zh5UW9G837

— [Wim Dehandschutter] (@WDehandschutter) January 14, 2024

The poll, conducted by news agency Ritzau, asked how well-suited Frederik and Mary were to becoming King and Queen, with 82 per cent backing Frederik’s abilities, and 86 per cent behind his wife.

Based on the reaction of the crowds in Copenhagen on Sunday, that appears to be an accurate snapshot.

The pair shared a kiss, much to the delight of onlookers. Picture: Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP

At one point, Frederik became visibly emotional. Picture: Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP

Her ascension marked the culmination of a 19-year apprenticeship as Crown Princess of Denmark, a title bestowed upon Mary upon her marriage to Frederik in 2004.

Since joining the royal family she’s been widely praised for her dedication to public duty and commitment to learning the notoriously challenging local language.

During Sunday’s proclamation, King Frederik was visibly overcome with emotion as he delivered his speech from the balcony.

“My hope is to become a unifying king of tomorrow,” he said.

“It’s a task I’ve approached all my life. It’s a task I’ve taken on with pride, respect and joy.”

His wife smiled and held his hand before kissing him as she showcased her support.

It comes only a fortnight since Margrethe II, 83, announced her decision to step down from the throne after more than half a century.