King Frederik of Denmark has recounted how he was very much
second best during part of his State Visit to Australia and said he
couldn’t be happier with the outcome.
The Danish king was speaking at an event at the Royal Botanical
Garden in Melbourne which he held with Queen Mary as a thank you to
their hosts as their hugely successful State Visit to Australia
came to a close.
Frederik X took the chance to reflect on just how popular his
Australian born wife remains in her home country. This is the first
State Visit that Queen Mary has made since her husband too the
Danish throne in January 2024.
King Frederik got a biglaugh for his admission in a speech in Australia
(Kongehuset)
As he prepared to introduce Queen Mary, King Frederik told the
audience that during their stay in Sydney, he had been alongside
his wife when a little boy spotted them. And he said that the child
had asked his mum ”who is that boy next to Mary?”.
He got a big laugh and a round of applause from his guests as he
sent himself up. He then continued ”in the eyes of Australians, I
suspect I shall always be the one standing next to Mary….I take
that very much as a compliment.”
In return, his wife paid him a compliment as she began to speak,
saying to the King of Denmark that he wasn’t a boy but ”a man to
me”.
Queen Mary has been greetedby big crowds throughout Australia
(Kongehuset)
Queen Mary also had sweet words for Australia in her own speech,
noting that ”It touches me deeply that my family and I are always
welcomed with such warmth and interest and, that we continue to
have a place in Australian’s hearts and minds. To be
remembered is not something to be taken for granted.”
The sweet and rather flirty exchange came as the Danish king and
queen thanked their hosts for their State Visit which will last six
day in total and which has taken them from Uluru to Sydney,
Canberra and Melbourne.
Queen Mary has clearly relished her time in Australia and has
been a huge hit wherever she has gone. She showed off a perfect
rugby kick and has been a queen of selfies on walkabouts with the
big crowds that have turned out to see her.
Queen Mary has been the starof the Danish royal visit to Australia
(Kongehuset)
The formal side of the State Visit has also gone perfectly with
the couple being hosted by the Governor General of Australia and
meeting the country’s Prime Minister, Antony Albanese, during their
stay.
King Frederik and Queen Mary have often referred to their love
of Australia throughout the trip and called it a second home to
them and their family. The visit will have a particularly emotional
end as it will conclude in Tasmania, where Queen Mary was born.
While they are away, their eldest child, Crown Prince Christian,
has been regent of Denmark. The 20 year old is currently undergoing
military training but often steps in as regent as his parents carry
out overseas visits.