Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark and his wife Mary are now wrapping up their five-day tour of Chile. Since the couple landed on Sunday, there's been no shortage of glamour as they carried out a cultural and diplomatic itinerary full of receptions, dinners – and even enjoyed a trek in the mountains.
South America is a long way from home, but the thousands of miles clocked up on the long-haul flight did nothing to dampen the charisma the royals, Mary in particular, always bring to their foreign engagements. Mary, 41, showcased her elegant style at a wreath-laying ceremony for Bernardo O'Higgins, the national hero of Chilean independence. Her wide-brimmed hat, peplum top and embroidered skirt made a mark at the first official visit.
The princess, who is a mother of four, was later in her element as she bounced a young girl on her lap during a visit to a school in Valparaiso. The youngster had initially been shy about meeting the VIP visitor, but warmed up to the maternal royal in no time. Both Frederik and Mary were granted a private audience with President Sebastian Piñera and his wife, Cecilia Morel. President Pinera's foreign minister, Alfredo Moreno, decorated Frederik with the Order of Merit of Chile, one of the highest-ranking awards in the country. The last day of their tour saw the couple attend a poetry exhibition on Isla Negra – the former home of late Chilean writer Pablo Neruda.
Mary and Frederik's successful trip to Chile was taken on behalf of Queen Margrethe, who was herself supposed to travel but cancelled due to health problems. Now, the couple's four children – Christian, 7, Isabella, 5, and two year old twins Vincent and Josephine – will be eager to welcome their parents home again.