As the gifts she and her new husband received for their May nuptials go on display in Copenhagen, Princess Mary of Denmark has undertaken her first solo official public appearance in her new role as a princess.
Looking slim and relaxed following her African honeymoon, the Tasmania-born former marketing executive attended the National Pony Championships in Jutland, where she received a rapturous welcome.
There was no doubting the affection in which the newcomer to the royal family is already held, just a month after her wedding to Prince Frederik. She was greeted by a host of fluttering Danish flags, while youngsters participating in the event treated their new princess to enthusiastic applause. As she gracefully accepted a welcoming posy of flowers, presented the inaugural speech and handed out rosettes to the winners, the 32-year-old seemed very much to the manner born.
Frederik and Mary's popularity was also reflected in the generosity of their wedding gifts. "This is an overwhelmingly large amount of presents," said head of the royal household Lord Chamberlain Ove Ullerup, referring to items going on display this week at Christiansborg Palace. They included six bicycles, a lawn-mower bearing the royal monogram, three sets of garden furniture and a rowing boat.
Despite the number of gifts, the head of the crown prince's court assured that none would be given away. "The couple will do its best to find use for every item," said Lord Chamberlain Per Thornit, adding: "You don't give presents away."
The gifts will remain on display for a month. Absent from the exhibition are some items already being put to use by the couple, among them five cars and a stand of trees from Tasmania, presented by the Australian government.
On Friday Frederik and Mary will accompany Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik, on an official visit to Greenland on board the royal yacht Dannebrog. The Arctic territory celebrates 25 years of home rule this year and the royal family are marking the occasion with a two-week tour.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
