Thousands of people turn out to watch King Frederik’s succession
Blinking back tears, King Frederik told a cheering crowd outside Christiansborg Castle that he hoped to become "a unifying king" for the future.
He also praised his mother, who formally abdicated an hour earlier, ending exactly 52 years on the throne.
She is the first Danish monarch to voluntarily abdicate in over 800 years.
Despite being billed as a low-key affair, a sea of people gathered outside Christiansborg Castle to witness the succession on Sunday.
Speaking the words, "Long live king Frederik the tenth" three times in a ceremony on the balcony of the palace, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proclaimed Frederik as the King of Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
In his first speech to the people, King Frederik said his task of becoming "a unifying king of tomorrow" is something he has approached all of his life.
"It's a task I've taken on with pride, respect and joy."
He added that his mother would always be remembered as an "extraordinary" regent.
King Frederik appeared to grow emotional at the sight of the crowd, wiping away a tear as he took in the celebratory spectacle.
He was joined on the balcony by their four children, including 18 year-old Crown Prince Christian, the new heir to the throne.
And a kiss between King Frederik and his wife, the Australian-born Queen Consort Mary, was met with whoops and cheers by the crowd.
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