Thousands gather as Denmark’s Queen Margrethe prepares to abdicate

People try to get a view as Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik arrives at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Thousands of people have gathered in Copenhagen to witness a royal succession in one of the world’s oldest monarchies.

Queen Margrethe II will sign her abdication at a meeting with the Danish Cabinet following more than five decades of service. About an hour later, her 55-year-old son and crown prince Frederik will be proclaimed king before the people on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace in the heart of the Danish capital.