ARHUS, Denmark (AP) — Amidst grandeur and tradition, Denmark's royal family graced a special celebratory church service at Aarhus Cathedral, commemorating King Frederik X's first official visit outside the capital. The event, attended by the new king, his wife Queen Mary, and mother Queen Margrethe, unfolded in Aarhus, the country's second-largest city.

The royal procession, covering 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles), paraded through Aarhus, beginning at the regal Marselisborg Castle and culminating at the towering 12th-century Aarhus Cathedral. The journey unfolded exactly a week after the formal proclamation of King Frederik, 55, following Queen Margrethe's abdication at the age of 83.

Aarhus residents and onlookers gathered along the royal route, with an estimated 70,000 people expected by the police. The crowd eagerly awaited a glimpse of the new king, underlining the significance of the occasion. Christina Elmstroem, a local resident, expressed her excitement, bringing her children to witness this "big, major event" and anticipating the unique impact King Frederik and Queen Mary might have on the Danish monarchy.

The hour-long church service, meticulously planned within a short timeframe, marked King Frederik's active involvement. Bishop Henrik Wigh-Poulsen of the Diocese of Aarhus shared insights into the planning process, revealing the king's personal choices in hymn selection. Despite the time constraints, the service unfolded seamlessly, underscoring the collaborative effort to create a meaningful ceremony.

Reflecting on the future reign, Aarhus resident Charlotte Houman shared her expectations, envisioning King Frederik as a monarch of the people. She anticipated a ruler who embraces diversity and engages with the public in a different, more approachable manner. Houman emphasized a shift from a top-down approach to a more inclusive and relatable style of leadership.

In the midst of the grandeur and enthusiastic public turnout, the celebration at Aarhus Cathedral becomes a pivotal moment in Denmark's royal history. King Frederik's journey beyond the capital symbolizes not only a geographical expansion but also the beginning of a new era in the Danish monarchy, characterized by inclusivity and a connection with the people.

Source: Yahoo News