Let’s go shopping, Princess

She’s lovely, very polite and the children are gorgeous

PRINCESS Mary couldn’t wait to hit Salamanca after coming home to spend Christmas with family.

Mary and her family arrived in Hobart on Thursday and she was quick to head for a stroll and some shopping along the Hobart waterfront yesterday with her children, including Princess Isabella.

The family mingled with locals who were stunned by the royal entourage.

PRINCESS Mary stunned onlookers as she strolled through Salamanca with her children yesterday, shopping and greeting people. Mary arrived in Hobart on Thursday to spend Christmas with her Tasmanian family.

She spent part of yesterday shopping around Salamanca, taking in Hobart’s waterfront with three of her children Isabella, Vincent and Josephine, flanked by three security guards.

They were joined by her sister Patricia Bailey and friend Amber Petty.

The Danish Royals and their friends shopped at Aspect Design, Handmark, the Faerie Shop, the Spindle Tree, Hammer and Hand as well as Plato’s in Salamanca Square. Aspect assistant manager Glenda Armstrong said it was a special visit, with Mary picking up some lavender bags, glass birds and ceramic bowls.

“She’s a regular when she’s down here,” Ms Armstrong said.

“She’s lovely, very polite and the children are gorgeous.”

Mary drew many double glances by surprised Hobart locals as she walked around Salamanca.

The princess stopped a few times — once to hug a man in Salamanca Square who appeared to be an old friend and another time to pat a couple of border collies.

The dogs’ owner Michael Bentley said it was a great experience to meet Mary.

“I thought it was just a family but then I realised who it was quickly so that was quite significant,” Mr Bentley said.

“I introduced the dogs to her and we wished each other a merry Christmas.”

Mary’s husband, Crown Prince Frederik, and eldest son Christian were not with them.

It is believed that Mary will travel to Port Arthur today.

The royals have been holidaying in Australia since early last week when they arrived in Sydney. Mary and Frederik were married in 2004 after meeting in a pub during the 2000 Sydney Olympics.