COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Danish Prime Minister Frederik on Sunday

Margrethe, 83, is the first Danish monarch in almost 900 years to voluntarily abdicate the throne. Many thousands of people gathered in front of the palace where the royal succession took place. The mood was jubilant as the Nordic nation saw its first royal succession to the throne in more than half a century, and not through the death of a monarch.

The Danish monarchy dates back to the 10th century Viking king Gorm the Old, making it the oldest in Europe and one of the oldest in the world. Today, the duties of the royal family are largely ceremonial.

Margrethe signed her abdication during a meeting with the government at Christiansborg Palace, a vast complex in Copenhagen that was the seat of Danish power for centuries. It now houses the royal reception rooms and royal stables, as well as the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Supreme Court.

Next, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed Frederik king from the palace balcony in front of the cheering crowd.

According to tradition, Frederiksen read the proclamation three times while Frederik stood next to her, wearing a ceremonial military uniform decorated with medals. He was then joined on the balcony by the newly crowned Australian-born Queen Mary and the couple’s four children, and the crowd spontaneously sang the national anthem.

“My hope is to become a unifying king of tomorrow,” said Frederik. “It’s a job I’ve pursued my entire life.”

It is customary for each new ruler to adopt a royal motto as a guiding principle for their rule, and Frederik’s motto is: “United, Committed, for the Kingdom of Denmark.”

“I want to return the trust that has been placed in me,” said the new king. “I need the trust of my beloved wife, of you, and of that which is greater than us.”

Frederik kissed Mary, the queen, who was wearing a white dress with a sash over her shoulder, and another huge cheer rose from the crowd.

They then left Christianborg Castle in a horse-drawn carriage as the church bells rang and made their way to their residence in Amalienborg, where they performed again in front of cheering people and waved the country’s flag with a white cross on a red background.

Frederik, who was visibly touched, placed both hands on his heart in thanks.

The abdication document was previously presented to Margrethe as she sat at a huge table covered in red cloth, around which sat members of the royal family and members of the Danish government. Frederik sat next to her.

After signing it, Margrethe, dressed in a magenta skirt suit, stood up and motioned for Frederik to take her place. “God save the king,” she said as she left the room, supporting herself on a stick.

The abdication leaves Denmark with two queens: Margrethe retains her title, while Frederik’s wife becomes Queen Mary. Frederik and Mary’s eldest son Christian, 18, has become crown prince and heir to the throne.

Citing health problems, Margrethe announced her resignation on New Year’s Eve, stunning a nation that had expected her to live out her days on the throne, as is tradition in the Danish monarchy. Margrethe underwent serious back surgery last February and did not return to work until April.

Even the Prime Minister was unaware of the Queen’s intentions until shortly before the announcement. Margrethe had only informed Frederik and his younger brother Joachim three days earlier, wrote the Berlingske newspaper, citing the royal palace.

People from all over Denmark gathered in front of the parliament, and many streets were decorated with red and white Danish flags. Several shops hung photos of Margrethe and Frederik, while city buses were decorated with small Danish flags, as is usual at royal events. Many others across the kingdom of nearly 6 million people watched the historic event broadcast live on television.

“The four hours of waiting were worth it,” said Anders Pejtersen, 25. He traveled from Aalborg in northern Denmark to attend Frederik’s proclamation. His mother, Helle Pejtersen, said: “It was intense.”

Marina Gregovic, 32, a Copenhagen resident, said she believes Frederik “will be fantastic.” And we loved his speech.”

Royals from across Europe sent their congratulations, including Britain’s King Charles III, whose late mother Queen Elizabeth II and Margrethe were third cousins.

Charles said he was committed to working with them “to ensure that the enduring bond between our countries and our families remains strong.”

Earlier in the day, the Royal Guard band led its daily parade through downtown Copenhagen, but wore the red jackets used at major events instead of the usual black one.

The last time a Danish monarch voluntarily resigned was in 1146, when King Eric III. Lam resigned to enter a monastery. Margrethe abdicated on the same day in January that she ascended the throne following the death of her father, King Frederik IX, on January 14, 1972.

Australians also took to the streets of Copenhagen to celebrate the coronation of one of their own queens.

“I think it’s good that she’s not from royalty and has a normal Australian background. We can relate to that more because she comes from a middle class background and that applies to us too,” said Judy Langtree, who made the long journey from Brisbane with her daughter to attend the royal event.

A poll released on Friday – commissioned by Danish public broadcaster DR – found that 79% of 1,037 people surveyed by pollster Epinion said they believed Frederik was ready to take over the reign, and 83% said they believed that his wife Mary was ready to take over as queen. The poll’s margin of error was 3 percentage points, DR said.

Although a hereditary monarchy may be at odds with the egalitarian principles of contemporary Denmark, the royal family remains very popular and the anti-monarchist movement is small.

“The Republicans in Denmark have no future,” said former parliamentary speaker Pia Kjærsgaard on public television.

___

Aleksandar Furtula contributed to this report.