Frederik X to become king of Denmark after mother Queen Margrethe signs abdication

Denmark's Queen Margrethe II on Sunday signed her abdication and her son, Frederik X, is set to be proclaimed king. 

Margrethe, 83, unexpectedly announced in her New Year's TV address that she would abdicate the throne on Jan. 14, which marks exactly 52 years since she ascended to the position of queen.

Citing health issues, Margrethe is the first Danish monarch in nearly 900 years to voluntarily step down since King Erik III Lam abdicated to enter a monastery in 1146, according to The Associated Press. 

After signing her abdication declaration during a meeting with the Danish Cabinet at the Christiansborg Palace at 2 p.m. local time, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is expected to announce Frederik, 55, as the next king at 3 p.m., the monarchy said on Facebook. 

Frederik's 18-year-old son, Christian, will become the crown prince of Denmark and heir to the throne.

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