MARY’S QUEEN AT LAST!
The official documents are signed, and the Aussie is named head of the Danish royal family
In an historic official announcement in Denmark, Amalienborg Palace has declared that it’s time for Australian-born Princess Mary to step up and take the crown from her ailing mother-in-law, Queen Margrethe.
The news, made official as Woman’s Day was going to print late last week, has prompted joyful celebrations in Copenhagen, where Mary is a beloved public figure who royal fans believe is responsible for single-handedly winning back the affections of the Danish public.
As part of the landmark decision, it’s been decreed that Mary is able to fill the role of Queen of Denmark when 79-year-old Margrethe is unable to uphold her responsibilities, whether it’s due to her being otherwise engaged, or feeling poorly.
And when Margrethe and Mary’s husband Prince Frederik are both out of the country, Mary will officially be the head of the Danish royal family.
In a statement, the palace said, “As regent, the Crown Princess will, from now on, be able to attend the Queen’s duties as head of state when the Queen is prevented from doing so.”
Just hours later, they released a photo showing the signing ceremony attended by Mary, Frederik and Margrethe. Just days earlier, the Danish monarch was spotted tenderly embracing her daughter-in-law – and successor – outside parliament.
According to Woman’s Day’s exclusive source from within the palace, it’s an honour so rarely afforded.
“This is kind of a big thing, because not even Henrik [Margrethe’s late husband] had that title on him, and it’s a huge deal for Queen Margrethe to give it to Mary.”
It’s not a bad rise to the top for a down-to-earth girl from Tasmania.
Now etched into Australian and Danish history books is the fairytale night she met her prince over margaritas at the Slip Inn during the 2000 Sydney Olympics, after which Fred whisked her back to the palace and married her four years later.
Mary, 47, and Fred, 51, who will take over as king and queen when
‘It’s a huge deal for the Queen to give such an honour to Mary’
Margrethe dies or abdicates, are parents to Prince Christian, 13, Princess Isabella, 12, and eightyear-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.
It’s believed Mary shares an incredibly close bond with her mother-in-law.
“This decision has been a long time coming,” says our source.
“Margrethe saw something special very early on, and took Mary under her wing. The two have become great colleagues, confidants and friends.
“Margrethe has taught Mary everything she knows in the past 15 years, and is comfortable that she is ready to take the crown. She owes so much to Mary, and is keen to reward her while she’s still around to see it happen.”