After a packed schedule of engagements yesterday, Danish King Frederik and Queen Mary will today open a renewable energy conference, meet stem cell researchers and highlight youth mental health in Melbourne today.
The royal couple are in the city for two days as part of their state visit to Australia, which they say aims to strengthen relations between the two countries across cultural, economic and foreign policy areas — particularly in the areas of renewable energy and sustainable development.
King Frederik and Queen Mary with federal frontbencher Chris Bown (left) and businesspeople during Wednesday’s event. (AAP: Jesse Thompson)
After joining businesses in the renewable energy sector for an event at the Sofitel, King Frederik and Tasmanian-born Queen Mary heard about Danish-Australian collaborations in stem cell research at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
They waved to a small group of patients and onlookers at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Queen Mary during a brief visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital. (AAP: Asanka Ratnayake)
Their majesties are set to visit Headspace in South Melbourne this afternoon to be briefed on the organisation’s work in providing safe spaces for young people.
Then the spotlight turns to an exhibition by Danish Australian artist duo Rhoda Ting and Mikkel Bojesen in Collingwood, before the royal couple hosts a reception in Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens.
It is the Danish king and queen’s first official visit to Australia since King Frederik ascended to the Danish throne in January 2024.