As a teenager, Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik felt uncomfortable being in the spotlight and wondered whether there was any way he could avoid becoming king. Such doubts have been swept aside as the 55-year-old takes over the crown on Sunday from his mother, Queen Margrethe II, who is breaking with centuries of Danish royal tradition and retiring after a 52-year reign. The crown prince will become King Frederik X.
Transitioning from a rebellious teenager to a popular family man, Crown Prince Frederik is soon-to-be king of Denmark following Queen Margrethe II's surprise abdication.
Denmark's 86-year-old monarch Queen Margrethe II announced that she is abdicating the throne during a speech on Sunday, surprising her Danish subjects.