Princess Mary of Denmark is a vision as she arrives on the arm of her husband Crown Prince Frederik to attend Queen Margrethe's annual New Year's soiree.
As in previous years, the couple were amongst the guests of honour at the annual New Year's Court for members of the Order of the Elephant - the country's highest order - in Copenhagen. All members of the Danish royal family attend, but it is usually Mary who leaves crowds breathless as she glides into the ancient halls of Christian VII's Palace in full royal regalia. This year was no exception, and the brunette was radiant in an orange gown accessorised with a ruby parure tiara and the badges of her Danish order, which adorned the bodice of her dress.
Mary's sister-in-law Princess Marie, above, was also dressed up to the nines, and looked stunning in a pink satin gown and the same diamond tiara she wore at her wedding in 2008. Owned by the evening's host, Queen Margrethe, the headgear was a present from her parents, King Frederik and Queen Ingrid. It originally belonged to Princess Dagmar, Frederik VIII's (1843-1912) youngest daughter. Meanwhile, matriarch Margrethe perfectly complemented her daughters-in-laws' colourful sartorial choices in a royal blue satin gown, complete with gathered waist and full skirt.
Her sons, Princes Frederik and Joachim both looked dashing in their traditional Danish military uniforms as they escorted their wives to the banquet. January is an eventful month for the Danish court – and particularly for Mary and Frederik. After the traditional New Year's banquet, the couple will be preparing to celebrate the birthday of their young twins, Vincent and Josephine, who turn two on January 8.