Submitted by Emma Reed on the 2024 Spring program in Copenhagen, Denmark…
The days leading up to departure for the Spring 2024 semester, we got an email from DIS that there would be a coronation of the new crowned monarch, King Frederik X. About over a week go, on January 14th, this is when this coronation took place, however the reasoning is unusual from the past: his mother, Queen Margrethe II, surprised the public with her abdication, due to her recent back surgery, as well as other ailments that left her unable to undertake as much as she had in her 52-years worth of reigning the country of Denmark. My Living Learning Community was fortunate enough to witness this in the Danish capital, and it was amazing to see such a joyous sight. This picture I’ve provided is of one of the city squares throughout Copenhagen, and while it is very picturesque that they have the Danish flag hung on all of the streets, it was simply for the coronation of the new King. Again, it was heart-warming to see a country come together and be a harmonious community when celebrating the new leader of their country, something we have not seen in the States for a long time unfortunately. It definitely made me think about how America’s political system differs from Denmark’s, especially how the public reacts to the election of a new leader – The coronation of the new King, while exciting, Danes were very respectful and quiet during the ceremony, and only hollered and celebrated. (Submitted on January 22, 2024)