Denmark’s royal family unveiled official portraits of Queen Margrethe, Prince Frederik, Princess Mary and Prince Christian to celebrate the change of throne on Sunday.
TV2 Denmark’s European correspondent Jesper Steinmetz said it was as if Princess Mary of Denmark was “more royal than the royal family itself.” Mr Steinmetz’s remarks came ahead of the coronation of the Tasmanian-born princess next week. “There is no doubt that Mary is loved and highly respected by all Danes,” he told Sky News presenter Andrew Bolt. “She hasn’t put a foot wrong. She has fulfilled her role as Crown Princess perfectly from the moment she entered the country.”
Australian-born Mary is set to become Queen of Denmark alongside her husband, King Frederick, after Margrethe suddenly announced her abdication on New Year’s Eve.
“In connection with the change of throne, the official portraits of Her Majesty the Queen, Her Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince and Princess Christian, and Their Royal Highnesses Christian may be downloaded for use by the media, local governments, organizations, associations, companies, shops and other parties. The palace announced in a statement that it would like to participate in some way in sealing the change of throne.
The portraits of Mary and Frederic were taken from a photoshoot held nearly two years ago, ahead of the Crown Princess’ 50th birthday celebrations in 2022.
The official coronation portraits of Mary and Frederick were taken in 2022. Photo: Hasse Nielsen.
In the official images, ahead of Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, Mary is seen wearing the luxurious Ruby Parure Tiara, created for Queen Desiree Clary of Sweden in 1804. I am wearing it.
The tiara entered the Danish Royal Jewelry Box after its descendant, Princess Lovisa, married Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark in 1869.
Mary paired this treasured heirloom with a sparkling floor-length dress by Danish designer Lasse Spangenberg, featuring long sleeves and a cinched waist.
Meanwhile, Margrethe wore an elegant pearl Poiret tiara in a portrait made in 1825 for her ancestor, Princess Louise of Prussia.
Queen Margrethe wears the Pearl Poiret Tiara in her portrait. Photo: Per Morten Abrahamsen.
In the portrait, 18-year-old Prince Chrisitan can be seen wearing the Order of the Elephant on his belt, Denmark’s highest civilian honor, usually reserved for royalty and heads of state.
The portrait is likely to be widely used in international media in the coming days, as much of the actual inheritance ceremony, scheduled for Sunday afternoon Copenhagen time, will take place behind the palace doors.
Crown Prince Christian wore the Order of the Elephant. Photo: Dennis Stenild.
Denmark’s low-key coronation ceremony represents a dramatic change from King Charles’ lavish coronation in May 2023, which cost British taxpayers at least $125 million.
While Charles’ coronation also included an extensive list of world leaders and dignitaries, Denmark’s coronation will be attended only by the country’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen.
Denmark’s prime minister will accompany the new king onto the balcony to formally proclaim his majesty’s accession to the throne, while Frederick will briefly address his new subjects.