KING & QUEEN AT LAST!
Denmark celebrates as Queen Margrethe hands over the throne to her son and Aussie daughter-in-law
It’s a sight Denmark hasn’t seen since Australian Mary Donaldson married into the royal family in a wedding like no other back in 2004. Last week, Danish flags lined the streets once more as thousands flocked to Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, this time to welcome Mary – now arguably the hardest working and most loved member of the Danish royal family – as their new queen. As the Tasmanian-born royal celebrated her husband Prince Frederik’s 50th birthday in a lavish week-long party, royal watchers and the public alike were also celebrating a new era – with the palace all but confirming Fred and Mary are finally set to take the throne in a matter of weeks. Word out of Denmark is that Fred’s mother Queen Margrethe is busy preparing for her abdication in mid-august, handing the throne to the next generation. It’s why Margrethe, 78, has gone to such extravagant lengths to celebrate her son’s milestone birthday, inviting the public to join the entire family in embracing their future king. Royal watchers have been quick to point out there’s a noticeable gap in the royals’ calendar in August, and while last week’s celebrations are a big hint of what’s to come, many are tipping the family will choose to keep the tradition-breaking coronation a secret until the very last minute.
“There is an opening in their calendar in August, where no one knows the plan, which is very strange and never happens,” one royal watcher tells Woman’s Day exclusively. “The palace would not tell the public if Margrethe plans to abdicate – not until the last moment. As the head of the oldest monarchy, she is bound by old traditions, and when you’re a royal, there’s no such thing as, ‘I can’t do this anymore,’ or ‘I don’t want to be Queen’.
“But Margrethe is tired and at Fred’s birthday celebrations she was limping. Fred and Mary are so ready and the public are ready for a change, too. Everyone is saying Fred is going to be the People’s King.
‘Fred and Mary are so ready, and the public are ready, too’
It’s the reason why they’ve had d all these events for Fred’s birthday. He and Mary will never be more ready to take the throne – it’s the perfect time!”
Rumours that Margrethe plans to abdicate have been swirling for a number of years, but it was the passing of her husband Prince Henrik in February that has seen the monarch step back and let her son and daughter-inlaw take the reins more so than ever. The couple, who have four children – Christian, 12, Isabella, 11, and seven-year-old twins Vincent and Josephine – have been working around the clock in recent months, taking on a number of official duties previously performed only by Margrethe herself.
Though Fred famously struggled with the idea of being the monarch, there’s no doubt Mary, 46, has helped him grow into a true leader.
Last week, in a touching tribute to her husband as he celebrated his half century, Mary proved they’re still just as in love as when they met at Sydney’s Slip Inn in 2000, and assured the people of Denmark she and Fred will be leaders together.
“You invited me into your world and the world of the Danes, after we had only known each other for a short time. And there were, indeed, many unsure steps when we started our common journey, side-by-side and separated at one and the same time,” Princess Mary said. “We dared to lose that part of our heart, which we allowed the other to hold in their hands.
“It takes courage to dare, but without daring we lose what could have been. I am so happy that you swept me off my feet and that we dared to fall for each other – not for a moment, but for life.”
And as they prepare to start their life together as queen and king of Denmark, our source says Mary and Fred have the full support of the people. “Just like Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding broke old traditions, it is time for a change in our royal house. The people are ready.”
‘You invited me into your world and the world of the Danes’’