With just hours to go until the beginning of 2018, the new queen drew gasps from the waiting crowd as she made her entrance.
Looking breathtakingly regal in a stunning royal red gown, adorned with jewels and topped with a two-century-old tiara, Crown Princess Mary and a bedazzled Prince Frederik had never looked more ready to take on the titles of King and Queen of Denmark.
Making her way into the annual New Year’s banquet at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, Mary looked as poised as ever. Despite the nearly 15,000km dash across the globe following the family’s Australian Christmas holiday, the Tasmanian-born beauty had been determined to enjoy one last trip to her home country before taking on her new role.
Danish publication Taet Paa states that while Frederik, who is turning 50 later this year, and Mary, 45, will not take on the official title of King and Queen in 2018, they are set to take on the power and respect that comes with the title.
However, many believe that the royal couple’s grand New Year’s Eve appearance was an unofficial coronation.
And following months of speculation, Queen Margrethe, 77, appeared to signal in her annual New Year’s Eve speech the possibility that she is set to abdicate and leave the throne to her eldest son and his Aussie wife.
‘Life goes up and down. The most important thing is that we have people who are close to us,’ she said.
‘Therefore, I send my New Year greetings here tonight to all those who have experienced hard times in the old year and to each and every one who must sit alone.’
Abdication rumours first began to swirl last March when the Danish government hosted a mystery dinner.
It has indeed been a tough year for the Danish monarch – and Queen Margrethe mentioned her husband, Prince Henrik’s sad dementia diagnosis in her address.
‘In some ways, this has not been an easy year for my family and me. Therefore, we have been deeply touched by the sympathy and understanding extended to Prince Henrik by so very many people. We are very grateful for that. It makes everyday life easier for all of us.’
And Margrethe’s ominous speech certainly seems to tie in with mounting speculation that the once stoic Queen is set to hand over her responsibilities to Fred and Mary.
As the pair continue to increase their royal duties, it’s only a matter of time before they officially become king and queen.
For the full story see this weeks issue of New Idea – out now!
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