King Frederik X greets the crowd after a church service at Aarhus Cathedral on Jan. 21.Photo:MIKKEL BERG PEDERSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty
MIKKEL BERG PEDERSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty
King Frederikof Denmark’s elevated royal role comes with a meaningful new signature.
On Tuesday, the Danish Royal House unveiled the King’s new way of writing his name on a 100th birthday card. King Frederik, 55, succeeded his motherQueen Margretheas monarch upon herabdicationon Jan. 14, and courtiers said he will continue the tradition of sending well-wishes for banner birthdays and wedding anniversaries.
“On the occasion of your 100th birthday, I send my heartfelt congratulations,” read the message in a snap shared toInstagram, signed “Frederik R.” The “R” stands for “Rex,” which means King in Latin, andKing Charleshas signed his name thesame waysince he acceded to the throne in September 2022.
Queens like King Frederik’s mother, Queen Margrethe, and King Charles’ late mother,Queen Elizabeth, (who are third cousins!) have also used the regnal signature, with the “R” after their first name signifying “Regina,” meaning Queen in Latin. King Charles’ wifeQueen Camillahas alsosigned her nameas “Camilla R” since her husband’s accession, though she is a queen consort rather than a queen regnant, or female monarch.
The stationery suite for King Frederik’s birthday card to the centenarian in Northern Jutland also included his new royal monogram. On his Jan. 14 accession day, the Danish Royal Houseunveiledthe new cipher for King Frederik’s reign. The regal design features the letter “F” interlocked and mirrored around the Roman numeral X for 10, for King Frederik X of Denmark, below the royal crown. Just like thereign changefrom Queen Elizabeth to King Charles in Great Britain, Danish courtiers said that King Frederik’s cipher would slowly replace his mother’s monogram in places like military uniforms.
According to the court, the new Danish sovereign will also continue the custom of sending letters for special occasions.
“The King has decided to continue the tradition of His Majesty sending congratulations to citizens who turn 100, 105 and 110 years old. In addition, the King will also continue to send congratulations on the occasion of diamond, crown diamond, iron and nuclear weddings for 60, 65, 70 and 75 years of marriage respectively,” the Instagram caption read.
“The tradition of greetings from the Majesty on special anniversaries goes back many years. It used to be started with telegram greetings that were sent, written down and read out to the birthday person in question on the day,” the court said.
Queen Margrethe signs a declaration of abdication as Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark becomes King Frederik X of Denmark and Prince Christian of Denmark watches on during the Council of State at the Christiansborg Castle on Jan. 14.MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty
MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty
Queen Margrethe cited health concerns in her annual New Year’s speech where she firstannounced her shock abdication, explaining that she decided “now is the right time.”
Shortly after,the new King Frederikstepped out solo on the palace balcony. He waved to the cheering crowds gathered below, looking emotional and wiping away tears.
King Frederik X of Denmark and Queen Mary of Denmark at the proclamation in Copenhagen on Jan. 14.Patrick van Katwijk/Getty
Patrick van Katwijk/Getty
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Queen Margrethe’sunexpected abdication, which she announced on New Year’s Eve, brought great change for Frederik and Mary’s family.
The royal couple’s 18-year-old son becameCrown Prince Christian, taking his father’s former title as heir to the throne, while their three younger childrenPrincess Isabella, 16, and twinsPrince VincentandPrincess Josephine, 13, all moved up a spot in the line of succession.New portraitsof the royals were unveiled a few days later, including a family shot.
Dennis Stenild, Kongehuset
source: people.com
