How Mary survived scandal to be Queen

Danish Crown Prince Couple Visit In Paris : Day Two
Princess Mary of Denmark has weathered multiple scandals with grace. Picture: Pierre Suu/Getty Images

Tasmania’s own Mary Donaldson has been living the fairy tale dream of many young girls for more than 20 years and the princess’ “happily ever after” has now culminated her being crowned the Queen of Denmark.

Crown Princess Mary and her husband Crown Prince Frederik ascended to the throne on Sunday following the surprising abdication of his mother Queen Margrethe II, who led Denmark for 52 years.

The royal road has not always been easy for Princess Mary, with a raft of scandals over the years, but she has weathered every storm with grace and is widely respected all over the world.

Danish Crown Prince Couple Visit Vejle And Jelling
Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark met during the Sydney Olympics. Picture: Ole Jensen/Getty Images

WHEN MARY MET FRED

Frederik André Henrik Christian was born on May 26, 1968 — four years before his mother became the Queen.

He graduated from Aarhus University with a masters in political science, and also held a rank of commander in the navy and colonel in the army and air force.

Mary Elizabeth Donaldson was born in Hobart on February 5, 1972 to a mathematics professor father and an executive assistant mother.

She received a Bachelor’s degree in commerce and law from the University of Tasmania, and later worked as a real estate agent.

The royal couple famously met at a Sydney pub called the Slip Inn during the 2000 Olympics, but she did not know he was a prince.

“The first time we met, we shook hands and I didn’t know he was the Crown Prince of Denmark,” she told 60 Minutes in 2003.

“An hour or so later someone came up to me and said, ‘Do you know who these people are?’”

Their relationship became public in 2001.

In 2002, she moved to Denmark, converted to the Lutheran Church and began learning Danish.

The royal couple will become King and Queen on Sunday. Picture: Per Morten Abrahamsen
The royal couple will become King and Queen on Sunday. Picture: Per Morten Abrahamsen

THE ROYAL FAMILY GROWS

On May 14, 2004, the couple married at Copenhagen Cathedral.

They welcomed their first child, Prince Christian, on October 15, 2005.

Their second child, Princess Isabella, was born on April 21, 2007.

Twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine were born on January 8, 2011.

FRED’S ALLEGED AFFAIR

Late last year, rumours spread that Prince Frederik was having an affair with Mexican socialite Geneveva Casanova.

In October, he flew to Madrid for a private visit while Princess Mary was in New York.

Spanish tabloid Lecturas photographed him with Ms Casanova visiting a Picasso exhibition and having dinner.

The publication alleged he spent the night at her apartment, saying he was there for several hours.

“I flatly deny the statements that suggest a romantic relationship between Prince Frederik and me,” Ms Casanova told Hola.

“Any statement of this type is not only completely untrue but also distorts the facts in a malicious manner.

“This is already in the hands of my lawyers, who will take care of the pertinent steps to protect my right to honour, truth and privacy.”

The 47-year-old socialite and philanthropist was previously married to Spanish aristocrat, Cayetano Martinez de Irujo, and they had twins Luis Martinez de Irujo and Amine Martinez de Irujo.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark Celebrates 50 Years Anniversary Of Accession To The Throne
Princess Mary has not commented on her husband’s alleged affair. Picture: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

The royal couple did not comment on the allegations, but it has been suggested that Queen Margrethe’s decision to abdicate could be a move to save their marriage.

Queen Margrethe previously said she had no intention to abdicate, although she has linked her decision to her back surgery which “gave rise to thinking about the future”.

BROTHERS AT WAR OVER TITLES

In 2022, Queen Margrethe revealed the titles of “prince” and “princess” would be removed from the four children of her second son, Prince Joachim.

“It is a consideration I have had for quite a long time,” she said.

“I think it will be good for them in their future.”

The Danish Royal Court said: “Her Majesty The Queen wishes to create the framework for the four grandchildren to be able to shape their own lives to a much greater extent without being limited by the special considerations and duties that a formal affiliation with the Royal House of Denmark as an institution involves.”

But Prince Joachim and his ex-wife Countess Alexandra were unhappy with the decision.

“I can say that my children are sad,” the Prince said.

“My kids don’t know which leg to stand on. What they should believe. Why should their identity be removed? Why must they be punished in that way?”

Gala Dinner For Prince Christian Of Denmark On His 18th Birthday In Copenhagen
The war over royal titles appeared to expose a rift between Prince Frederik and his brother. Picture: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

Prince Frederik backed his mother, saying: “I myself am interested in the Danish monarchy staying slim over time, so I therefore support my mother’s decision.”

Princess Mary said she understood it was a difficult decision to make and a very difficult decision to receive.

“Change can be difficult and can really hurt. But this does not mean that the decision is not the right one,” she said.

“We will also look at our children’s titles when the time comes. Today, we do not know what the royal house will look like in Christian’s time, or when Christian’s time begins to approach.”

Queen Margrethe later said it was better that she make the call rather than leaving it to her oldest son to do one day.

“I have underestimated the extent to which much my younger son and his family feel affected. That makes a big impression, and for that I am sorry,” she said.

QUEEN’S HUSBAND ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH HIS TITLE

In 1967, Princess Margrethe married French count and diplomat Henri Marie Jean Andre, who was raised in Vietnam.

He became Prince Consort Henrik and kept that title when she ascended to the throne in 1972, although he publicly complained that he should have been given the title of King.

“My wife does not give me the respect a normal wife must give her spouse. It is her that is making a fool of me,” he said.

In 2017, he said he did not want to be buried next to his wife in Roskilde Cathedral.

When he died the following year, aged 83, he was cremated.

A royal statement indicated he had suffered from dementia.

Gala Dinner For Prince Christian Of Denmark On His 18th Birthday In Copenhagen
There was also a drama about Prince Christian’s school. Picture: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

PRINCE CHRISTIAN’S SCHOOL DRAMA

In 2022, Prince Christian was removed from his boarding school after a bullying scandal exposed in a documentary that included student allegations of assault and abuse.

The royal couple also announced at the time that Princess Isabella would not join the Herlufsholm Boarding School as planned.

Herlufsholm is a prestigious school founded for Danish nobility in 1565.

“Bullying, violence and indignities are never acceptable,” the royals said in a statement.

“We must respond to the painful and devastating incidents by insisting on changes that ensure a safe environment for all, and then we must recognise the courage of those who have shared their violent experiences.”