Australian Born Queen Mary Ascends to Danish Throne

Danish King Frederik X and wife Queen Mary of Denmark after his proclamation by the Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark on Jan. 14, 2024. Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Australian-born Crown Princess Mary has ascended to Denmark’s throne alongside her husband Crown Prince Frederik after the abdication of Queen Margrethe II on Jan. 14.

Born in Hobart, Mary Elizabeth Donaldson met Prince Frederik during the 2000 Sydney Olympics when he was attending sailing events.

At the time she was studying and working in advertising and was unaware of Frederick’s royal status, and their relationship became prominent in the tabloid media which positioned the courtship as a fairytale romance between a prince and a commoner.

The couple married on May 14, 2004, at Copenhagen Cathedral, with Mary taking on the title of Her Royal Highness, the Crown Princess of Denmark.

She was granted Danish citizenship, having already held joint Australian and United Kingdom passports.

Together, they have four children: Christian, Isabella, Vincent, and Josephine.

Queen Margrethe II has reigned for the past 52 years, making her the longest-serving monarch in Danish history. The monarchy dates back over 1,000 years.

In what was considered by many in Demark as a shock move, the 83-year-old Queen announced her decision to abdicate on Danish television during her traditional New Year’s Eve speech after citing health issues, in particular a recent back surgery.

“One cannot undertake as much as one managed in the past,” said Queen Margrethe.

The surgery naturally gave rise to thinking about the future—whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation.

“In two weeks’ time I have been Queen of Denmark for 52 years. That length of time would take its time on anyone ... On 14th January 2024—52 years after I succeeded my beloved father—I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I will hand over the throne to my son Crown Prince Frederik,” she added.

The new King’s accession was publically proclaimed in front of large crowds from the balcony of Christiansborg Palace by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen—a tradition that has been in place since 1849. 

King Frederik X of Denmark and Queen Mary of Denmark make their way past crowds of wellwishers in their carriage in Copenhagen, Denmark on Jan. 14, 2024. Ida Marie Odgaard/Getty Images

King Frederik, joined by Queen Mary and their children, who include next-in-line Crown Prince Christian, gave a speech in which he spoke of his mother’s legacy and expressed his ambitions.

“On behalf of the entire population, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Her Majesty The Queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom.”

“Queen Margrethe is the epitome of Denmark and throughout the years has put words and feelings into who we are as a people and as a nation.”

The Slip Inn in Sydney’s Sussex Street, where the couple met in 2000, was transformed from a Mexican cantina to one adorned with Danish flags and serving Denmark-themed food and cocktails.

Before Sunday’s proclamation, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wished the Royals “the very best.”