King Frederik Takes a Nervous Breath in Behind-the-Scenes Video of Denmark's Change of Reign

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There was a special view of King Frederik and Queen Mary's first balcony appearance as monarch and consort from inside the palace

<p>Patrick van Katwijk/Getty</p> King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark on Jan. 14, 2024

Patrick van Katwijk/Getty

King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark on Jan. 14, 2024

The moments before King Frederik X of Denmark's life changed forever were caught on camera.

Shortly after Queen Margrethe signed a declaration of her abdication on Sunday, making her eldest son the new monarch, the country's prime minister proclaimed Frederik, 55, as King on the balcony of Christiansborg Castle.

In a behind-the-scenes video of the balcony appearance shared on Danish royals' social media pages, King Frederik is shown in the seconds before making his first public appearance as monarch. Wearing his military uniform, the new King takes a deep breath before walking forward onto the balcony.

He smiled and waved to the cheering crowds, at points wiping away tears.

Related: Europe Now Has No Female Monarchs Following Queen Margrethe of Denmark's Abdication

The video showed a look at his family watching from inside the palace. Queen Mary had her arms around her daughter Princess Josephine, while Princess Isabella put her hands on the shoulders of her little brother, Prince Vicent. Crown Prince Christian, the new heir to the throne, also looked slightly nervous as he watched his father's big moment.

After the prime minister officially proclaimed King Frederik as monarch, he was joined on the balcony by his wife. Queen Mary, wearing a white ensemble for the special occasion, held hands with King Frederik as they continued waving then wrapped their arms around each other as their four children joined.

Inside the castle, King Frederik's younger brother, Prince Joachim, watched. Prince Joachim, who lives and works in the U.S., traveled to Denmark without his wife and children for his mother's abdication and brother's accession events.

The video also showed one of the day's highlights: a surprise kiss between King Frederik and Queen Mary!

After the balcony appearance, King Frederik and Queen Mary traveled through Copenhagen by horse-drawn carriage.

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<p>Samir Hussein/WireImage</p> King Frederik of Denmark after his proclamation on Jan. 14, 2024

Samir Hussein/WireImage

King Frederik of Denmark after his proclamation on Jan. 14, 2024

Related: Queen Mary of Denmark Doesn't Curtsy to Queen Margrethe for the First Time After Change of Reign

The festivities surrounding the change of reign continued on Monday when royal family members appeared at the Danish Parliament.

King Frederik and Queen Mary, 51, reunited with Queen Margrethe, 83, at the event — and for the first time ever, Queen Mary did not curtsy to her mother-in-law. Instead, Queen Mary said hello to Queen Margrethe with a kiss on the cheek.

As Crown Princess Mary, the Australian-born royal was known for her deep curtsies when greeting Queen Margrethe as well as monarchs and consorts from around the world. Now that she's Queen, Mary does not have to curtsy to monarchs or other consorts. However, she still may choose to do so as a sign of respect.

Others in attendance at Monday's event were Crown Prince Christian, Prince Joachim and Margrethe's sister Princess Benedikt.

<p>Sean Gallup/Getty</p> Members of Denmark's royal family on Jan. 15, 2024

Sean Gallup/Getty

Members of Denmark's royal family on Jan. 15, 2024

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