Editor’s note
I’ve always had a soft spot for the Danes. My stepmother Janne, who I adore, has lived in New Zealand most of her life, but she’s still sooo Danish. It’s not just the lit candles on the Christmas tree or the kippers in the fridge that are tell-tale signs. She’s funny, frank and open-minded – very Danish traits I love.
And since Janne has been part of our family for more than 30 years, in which she’s made my father incredibly happy, I’ve always taken a keen interest in Danish life. Copenhagen is somewhere I’ve longed to visit.
So when a young Sydneysider stole the heart of a Scandinavian prince back in the year 2000, it was a story that captivated me. To see Mary Donaldson wed Crown Prince Frederik and become a princess ... well, for me, it was almost as wonderful to behold as Prince Harry marrying Meghan Markle. So utterly romantic!
Last week, thanks to the wonder of the internet, I watched the most breathtaking speech. It was Princess Mary’s touching and tender tribute to her husband on the occasion of his 50th birthday (page 12). There she stood in full regalia in front of a huge audience and told her husband – in perfect Danish – how much she totally and utterly adored him. I might have been following her speech with subtitles, but as Fred’s eyes welled up, so did mine. Gosh, her words were beautiful. I was transfixed.
And if there is one person in the rather stiff British royal family who could one day open their heart to speak of their love with such composure and honesty for all the world to see, I think it will be Meghan. I look forward to that day and the look of pure love on Harry’s face when it happens.
Meghan is such a breath of fresh air for our monarchy, much like lovely Mary has been for the Danes. Finding out how Meghan’s joyful and open nature has already helped heal a sorry royal family feud in this week’s cover story is fabulous.
Have a great week!