Finally – Our Mary is Queen!
Hosting her first event as Queen of Denmark, Crown Princess Mary was poised to perfection as she welcomed the President of Iceland in Copenhagen last week.
While the Australian-born royal has not yet officially taken the title, Danish royal insiders believe the two-day event, which saw Mary take centre stage, was secretly a test-run for her imminent coronation.
There’s renewed speculation that ailing Queen Margrethe is preparing to abdicate after 45 years on the throne, and with all the official papers signed, it’s only a matter of time before the princess officially becomes Queen.
At the state dinner in the Christian VII Palace, Queen Margrethe welcomed Iceland’s President Gudni Johannesson and his Canadian wife Eliza Reid, toasting their health.
Prince Frederik and Mary, wearing a stunning diamond tiara, sat either side, chatting to their guests.
But the next day it was Mary who escorted 40-year-old mother-of-four Eliza to see the work of her charity foundation, meet kids at a kindergarten and visit the United Nations offices.
While Frederik looked after President Johannesson, Mary, who turns 45 next week, guided Eliza around the capital.
‘It was as if Mary was Queen as she showed the First Lady around,’ said one friend.
‘She struck up an immediate rapport with her because they both come from Commonwealth countries, speak English and have four children.
‘It was much better for Mary to be carrying out a job like this, rather than her mother-in-law who is 76.’
For the full story and all the beautiful pictures, see this week’s New Idea – out now.