Australian-born Crown Princess Mary set to make history as Denmark's first Queen
Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth of Denmark, an Australian-born sales executive, is about to achieve the extraordinary feat of becoming the country's Queen Consort Witness the enchanting journey of a beloved royal figure as she ascends to this prestigious position
Australian sales executive ascends to European royalty as Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth of Denmark prepares to become the country's Queen Consort. The final step of Mary's journey from Tasmania to the Danish throne was made possible by the unexpected abdication of Queen Margrethe II on New Year's Eve, with her stepping down on January 14.
This move is extremely rare in Denmark, as a monarch has not abdicated since 1146 when King Eric III relinquished the crown to enter a monastery, as stated by the Royal House. Margrethe's oldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, will ascend to the throne, and his wife, Crown Princess Mary, will become the first Australian to be named Queen, a development that has pleased her supporters in Australia.
Many of Mary's fans in Australia see this as a perfect ending to a well-known love story that started in a lively Sydney pub during the 2000 Olympics. The couple first met at the Slip Inn, an unexpected location for a Danish royal, but it was the beginning of a future King and Queen of Denmark.
In 2004, millions of people witnessed the wedding of the couple. Twenty years later, their upcoming coronation is anticipated to mesmerize viewers worldwide - from Copenhagen to the Tasmanian capital of Hobart, where Mary originated.
Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Australian born Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth Donaldson married in May 2004.
Bjarke Orsted/Scanpix/AFP/Getty Images
In a statement on Monday, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff expressed great pride in Crown Princess Mary, applauding her humility, grace, and kindness. He voiced confidence that the people will welcome her as Queen alongside her husband, King Frederik, once the proclamation is made later this month.
"I look forward to watching the next generation, and Tasmanias own-born Queen, lead Denmarks future."
A royal abdication
In her New Year's Eve speech, Queen Margrethe largely focused on the traditional role of a monarch reflecting on the past year. She addressed the tragic losses in Gaza, the rise of antisemitism, and Denmark's commitment to supporting Ukraine. Additionally, she discussed the pressing issues of climate change and the complexities of artificial intelligence. The Queen also expressed her pride in her grandson, Prince Christian, who recently reached the age of 18.
Afterward, the ruler reflected on her personal journey and the impact of her recent, triumphant back operation on her perspective of the future. She mentioned contemplating "whether the present moment is fitting to hand over the reins to the next generation," and ultimately determined that "the time is now."
Queen Margrethe II gives a New Year's speech and announces her abdication from Christian IX's Palace, Amalienborg Castle, in Copenhagen, Sunday 31 December 2023.
Keld Navntoft/Ritzau Scanpix/Reuters
Danish Queen Margrethe shocked the nation by announcing her abdication after a reign of 52 years, stating, "On January 14, 2024, I will step down as Queen of Denmark and pass the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik, following in the footsteps of my beloved father."
The announcement caused a temporary halt to New Year's celebrations in Denmark, leading royal correspondents to quickly gather more information.
"No one had any idea," remarked Kristian Ring-Hansen Holt during an interview on ABC breakfast television in Australia.
Juliet Rieden, editor-at-large for The Australian Womens Weekly, noted that many Danes initially expected Queen Margrethe to reign for life, similar to Britains Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in September 2022. However, Rieden observed that certain decisions made by Queen Margrethe hinted that she was preparing to step aside. This included her efforts to streamline the royal family and remove royal titles from the children of her youngest son, Prince Joachim, and his wife, Princess Marie, who expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision and subsequently moved to the US.
"She may have done it so that her son, Crown Prince Frederik, wouldn't have to deal with it at the beginning of his reign. This way, she could handle it all beforehand and he could start with a clean slate," Rieden explained.
Rieden also noted that it demonstrates the practical thinking of a monarch who wanted to show that the royal family offers good value for the taxpayers, led by two of their most beloved members.
Rieden stated that the royal family's popularity in Denmark is at an impressive 82%, a level of support that politicians can only hope for. The Danish monarchy has a restricted role within the country's constitution, as parliamentary power prevails. In addition to their role as important ambassadors, monarchs also approve new legislation.
A popular royal
Mary, the daughter of a Scottish mathematics professor and a British executive assistant, entered the world in 1972. Her educational journey began in Houston, Texas before transitioning back to Hobart for her schooling and university studies, as documented in her official biography.
Mary's foray into the professional world began with jobs as an advertising executive and extensive travel throughout Europe. Eventually, she found her way to a position at a property firm in Sydney where she crossed paths with Frederik, a young Danish prince whom she would later wed in a grand ceremony at Copenhagen Cathedral, broadcasted globally. The couple went on to have four children, including Prince Christian, who is now the heir to the throne.
Danish Crown Princess Mary photographed during the Copenhagen Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 18 on January 30, 2018 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Mary has not only received acclaim for her grace and style, but she has also garnered a loyal following for her unwavering dedication to social causes through The Mary Foundation, which was founded in 2007.
"Rieden said that she is a strong supporter of sexual rights for women and girls, as well as an advocate for refugees. She has proven herself to be a significant role model and leader in Denmark, and I believe that Australia can take pride in the kind of royal she has become."
"Visits back home usually make local news, although not all of them have been well-received."
Last year, the media reported on Prince Frederik's rumored relationship with Mexican actress Genoveva Casanova. Casanova denied the allegations and threatened legal action against the Spanish magazine, Lecturas, for publishing images of them together. The Royal House has not responded.
Rieden expressed his belief that the incident was likely an irritation for the Danish royals, who adhere to the principle of never complaining or explaining. For them, it seemed like a non-issue. When the next generation of Danish royals take the throne, their coronation will be without the grandeur and ceremonial display seen at the crowning of King Charles III of Britain in May.
The Royal House has not confirmed the details, but Queen Margrethe is set to abdicate at the Council of State, an advisory body for the monarchy. Rieden speculates that on January 14, the new King and Queen will likely appear on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace with the Danish prime minister, and may also wave from Amalienborg, the royal family's official residence in Copenhagen.
"We may witness Mary and Frederik on the balcony with their entire family, representing the new modern monarchy of Denmark. This powerful image is likely to generate significant interest in Mary in Australia," Rieden commented, noting that featuring the princess on the cover of The Australian Women's Weekly magazine usually boosts sales.
"Given her popularity as a cover star, I believe that it will only grow now that she is set to become a Queen," she remarked.
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