New Idea

WHY MARY REALLY RETURNED TO OZ!

UNDER A SHROUD OF SECRECY, THE DANISH ROYAL FLEW INTO AUSTRALIA WITHOUT HER HUSBAND OR KIDS

-

At long last, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark made a return to her native Australia – albeit under a cloud of secrecy.

The Tasmanian-born royal surprised onlookers when she was spotted out and about in Melbourne alongside close friends on March 31. Joining Mary was her long-time best friend, Amber Petty, who was one of her bridesmaid­s at her 2004 wedding to Crown Prince Frederik.

Mary, 50, and Amber were seen driving around in Amber’s unassuming red Hyundai. They then got lunch together at a local cafe.

Sources tell New Idea, Mary, who was in Australia without Prince Frederik or their four children, also caught up with one of her closest confidante­s, Josephine Rechner, while in town. The Melbourneb­ased businesswo­man is godmother to Princess Josephine.

“While other friends have made no secret about their royal connection, Ms Rechner has never spoken of her famous friend. She remains extremely private and closely guards her relationsh­ip with Mary,” a source close to the royal household explains.

The friendly outing in Brighton reportedly came after Mary paid a top-secret visit to her home town of Hobart, where she enjoyed a happy reunion with her older sisters, Jane and Patricia, and brother John.

Mary’s homecoming is said to have been delayed by the COVID outbreak several times over the past few years, so no doubt she was thrilled to finally catch up with her many Aussiebase­d nieces and nephews.

Although Mary was in Australia on personal business, the future Queen of Denmark was still discreetly tailed by her royal protection detail, who made sure Mary was always safe and secure.

 ?? ?? Mary was seen being driven around by her best friend and bridesmaid, Amber Petty, while in Melbourne.
Mary was seen being driven around by her best friend and bridesmaid, Amber Petty, while in Melbourne.
 ?? ?? Mary caught up with her friend Josephine Rechner (far right), who is godmother to Princess Josephine.
Mary caught up with her friend Josephine Rechner (far right), who is godmother to Princess Josephine.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia