In the enchanting world of European royalty, Crown Princess Mary, now the new queen of Denmark, stands as a symbol of grace and resilience.
From her humble beginnings in Tasmania to her role as queen consort, Mary’s life is a tale of romance, duty and a commitment to making a positive impact on society.
The previous queen of Denmark, Queen Margrethe II, surprised the world when she decided to abdicate after a recent surgery. She wanted the royal family to continue in strength and vigour, leaving the throne to her son, Prince Frederik, on January 14, 2024.
Queen Mary, formerly Mary Donaldson is the local hero, having been born and raised in little old Tasmania, and who now sits on the Danish throne, raising the next generation of the royal family.
Early life and education
Born Mary Elizabeth Donaldson on February 5, 1972, in Hobart, Tasmania, Mary grew up in a close-knit family with Scottish heritage. Her parents, John and Henrietta Donaldson, provided a supportive and nurturing environment for Mary and her siblings, Jane, John and Patricia.
Mary’s early education included attending primary and high schools in Hobart before pursuing higher education. She eventually earned a Bachelor’s degree in commerce and law from the University of Tasmania. This was followed by an international business and marketing qualification from the Advertising Federation of Australia.
The Danish royal website highlights her extensive career:
“After completion of her university degree, the Crown Princess moved to Melbourne to take a graduate position with the worldwide advertising agency DDB Needham. After completion of the graduate programme, Her Royal Highness held the position of account executive for client management. The Crown Princess’s career path continued with a position as account manager with MOJO Partners, also in Melbourne. In 1998, The Crown Princess travelled around America and also travelled extensively in Europe and the United Kingdom, particularly in her father’s homeland, Scotland, where Her Royal Highness accepted a three-month contract as account manager with Rapp Collins Worldwide of Edinburgh.”
Mary was an independent woman travelling the world and enjoying her career. Little did she know that everything was about to take a turn that would lead her to become a prominent figure in Danish royalty.
A royal romance
Mary found herself caught up in a whirlwind romance when Crown Prince Frederik visited Australia for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, where they met at a chance encounter at Slip Inn.
At that time, Mary was unaware of Frederik’s royal status and their initial connection was based on shared interests and a genuine connection. They hit it off right away and the couple continued their long-distance relationship until Mary moved to Denmark in 2001.
The couple married in 2004 at the Copenhagen Cathedral. Mary Donaldson became Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and the royal couple has been a favourite for Australians and Danes alike.
Family life and motherhood
The following year in 2005, Princess Mary gave birth to their first child, Prince Christian, first-in-line to the throne after his father. Princess Isabella was born in 2007 and in 2011, the unexpected twins, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, came along.
The royal couple is known for their dedication to providing a normal and loving upbringing for their children, despite the royal spotlight. The family are regularly involved in official outings together and appear to be generally less strict and regulated than the British royal family.
Children’s thoughts on their mum
For her 50th birthday, back when she was still known as Crown Princess Mary, her children shared their honest, raw and funny remarks about their mum. This was shared as part of Danish channel TV 2’s televised celebration show dedicated to the crown princess. Here’s what they had to say.
Prince Christian on Crown Princess Mary
“I can feel that my mother is very passionate about her work because I sense she’s really enthusiastic. If she’s been on a trip somewhere then she comes home and tells about what she has been experiencing what she has been doing and where she has been. And it gives the four of us a perspective, on how privileged we are here in Denmark.”
“I admire my mother most for what she does for others and for us.”
“My mother is much aware of everybody around her. She makes sure everyone are feeling well. That also includes the four-legged friends.”
Prince Vincent
“Sometimes when she has been in places like Africa, she tells about the schools and about how the children lives.”
“You can tell her secrets you have.”
“If I say something about myself, she always says, ‘It doesn’t matter. Don’t think about it. You are lovely as you are.'”
“She likes horses very much and she wants more horses.”
Princess Isabella
“She’s good at talking about things. If you have difficulties with something or if it has been a hard day in school, she’s always good to talk things through with us.”
“The best about my mother I would say is her company when we’re together. She has always something to talk about.”
“Nature and of cause animals mean a lot to her.”
Princess Josephine
“She gives us a lot of love. Sometimes when we are mad at each other, she comes and help up us sort things out.”
Queen Mary’s secret talents
“She’s especially good with the air guitar when she listens to rock music.” (Prince Christian)
“She’s also quite good at singing actually. She’s good at singing those songs from old times. At parties she’s the dance type with all the young people.” (Princess Josephine)
“She’s good at playing drums. Every time she sees a drum, she always has to give it a few slaps to the rhythm of the music.” (Princess Isabella)
“She has an Australian accent and there are some words she pronounces a little funny. And then the whole family tease her because she can’t pronounce [the word].” (Princess Isabella)
“She says she’s old. She’s not.” (Prince Vincent)
The relatable and fun Queen Mary
With Prince Frederik the new king of Denmark and Mary the new Queen, their eldest son is now the crown prince of Denmark and first in line to the throne.
Mary has the role of raising the future king of Denmark. Who would have thought that a young Aussie girl from a little island down under would be queen and lead an entire European country?
Her royal highness has lots of official titles and duties, and she lives up to them well. However, she also knows how to be a fun and supportive mum and enjoy life with her children and husband.
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