And that could happen sooner than expected. While Queen Margrethe has long stood firm that she would never abdicate the throne, she’s recently admitted to Swedish newspaper Kvällsposten that stepping down, making way for Fred to become king – and Mary queen – isn’t entirely out of the question.
Though her mission is reportedly “to be in it for life”, the Queen said she “opens a door” to the possibility of abdication, particularly in the event of “hopeless illness”.
Margrethe – who will turn 80next year – has been on the throne for 47 years. But with Crown Prince Frederik taking on some of the ‘heavier’ jobs of late, speculation has risen that he might be preparing to take over the role.
For her part, Princess Mary is clearly more than ready to step up to the new role when her husband takes the throne. The mother of four is an old hand at royal duties these days, which she also proved yet again as she joined Frederik, Margrethe and Princess Benedikte at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen on October 1 for the official opening of the Danish parliament.
Dressed in a dusty rose coat by Danish-Dutch designer Claes Iversen, complete with a matching pillbox hat and burgundy heels, the princess showed off an effortlessly stylish look that was reminiscent of 1960s style icon Jackie Kennedy.
She also opened a bridge named after her in Frederikssund, Denmark, on September 30. Crown Princess Mary’s Bridge connects West and North Zealand over the Roskilde Fjord.
Despite the blustery conditions on the day, Mary maintained her regal poise – a move befitting a queen indeed!
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