SYDNEY (AP) — A day after an Australian was sworn in as Queen of Denmark. Her hometown celebrated an unlikely fairy tale Monday with cocktails, picnics and a “Danish Fiesta.”
Mary Donaldson’s journey from Tasmania to become the world’s first Australian-born queen captivated both Danes and Australians. People gathered across Australia to mark the occasion, including in Hobart, the capital of the southern island state of Tasmania, home of Queen Mary.
In Melbourne, large crowds gathered at Denmark House, one of Melbourne’s oldest social clubs, to celebrate the coronation with a special cultural event.
“It’s not something that happens every day when an Australian becomes queen. I don’t know if something like this will happen again,” Danish club vice president Rikka Volp told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Mary’s husband, Prince Frederick, declared king On Sunday, two weeks after her 83-year-old mother, Queen Margrethe II, announced she would become queen, European countries First Danish royal to abdicate About 900 years later.
Several Hobart landmarks were lit up in Danish colors of red and white, and many residents celebrated with picnics and high tea at Talona Beach, near Queen Mary’s childhood home.
Celebrations were also held at the Slip Inn, the Sydney pub where the royal couple first met during the 2000 Olympics. The property announced it will be hosting a “Danish Fiesta” in January featuring a special “There’s Something About Mary” cocktail.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: Ascension of Queen Mary as a “great day”.
“I think she brings tremendous support and pride to all Australians,” he told ABC’s Radio National program on Monday.
“I am so proud that Hobart-born Mary Donaldson has become Queen of Denmark,” he said.
Mr Albanese said the government had made a donation to a charity working to protect the endangered Tasmanian devil.
“Mary grew up in Tasmania, so it’s only fitting that Australia take this opportunity to make a gift to support Tasmanian devil conservation,” he said in a statement.
Jeremy Rockliffe, Premier of Queen Mary’s home state, said Tasmanians “couldn’t be more proud” of Queen Mary and said visits by the royal couple were “always an open invitation”.
The Tasmanian Government also announced that it will be giving away a table made from Tasmanian Huon pine, handmade by a local furniture maker, to be donated to a charity supporting children’s welfare. It’s a cause that Queen Mary, 51, a mother of four, actively supported during her 20 years as Crown Princess of Denmark.