King Frederik of Denmark has expressed his contentment with playing second fiddle to his wife, Queen Mary, during their recent official visit to Australia. The couple’s six-day tour, which concluded on Thursday, marked their first official engagement since becoming king and queen following Queen Margrethe’s abdication earlier this year.
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Speaking warmly at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne, King Frederik fondly reminisced about their early days together. He recounted a charming moment from a previous visit to Australia after their marriage, recalling an encounter during the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition in Sydney. “There was a young boy who asked his mother, ‘Mummy, who’s that boy next to Mary?’,” the king noted with a smile. “In the eyes of Australians, I suspect I shall always be the one standing next to Mary, and this is perfectly okay.”
His light-hearted remarks elicited laughter from the audience, as he continued, “I take that very much as a compliment.” After his speech, Queen Mary playfully responded, jokingly suggesting her husband has matured from a ‘boy’ to a ‘man’.
The couple’s trip included visits to several locations across Australia, including the capital city, Canberra, and the iconic Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Their presence attracted significant public interest, culminating in a heartfelt reception in Hobart, the queen’s hometown, on March 19.
King Frederik also took a moment to reflect on their serendipitous meeting in a Sydney bar during the 2000 Summer Olympic Games, describing it as a pivotal moment in both their lives. “For me, Australia has held a very special place in my heart ever since I slipped into that bar and lost it in a conversation that has never ended,” he remarked. He acknowledged Queen Mary’s bravery in leaving her home to build a life in Denmark, expressing his enduring gratitude.
“Australia is our second home,” he stated. “Whether we come here for a family visit or a state visit, we feel both excited and entirely at ease.” He conveyed appreciation for the efforts of those who helped facilitate their trip, suggesting the unique significance of this visit as the new king and queen.
The couple’s relationship began in an unexpected manner when they met at the Slip Inn in Sydney. During their first encounter, Queen Mary was oblivious to King Frederik’s royal status, only to learn later that he was the Crown Prince of Denmark. In previous interviews, she has shared that a tarot card reader once foretold of her future with a foreign man, an amusing twist given their eventual union.
Since their marriage in May 2004, the couple has been dedicated to each other and their four children: Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent, and Princess Josephine. Mary’s wedding bouquet even featured Australian eucalyptus, a sentimental nod to her roots.
As the Danish royals wrapped up their tour, interest in royal visits continues with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also planning to come to Australia. The Duke of Sussex is set to speak at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne this month, while the Duchess will attend a retreat focused on women’s empowerment.
With such high-profile engagements and the ongoing interest in the royal family, King Frederik and Queen Mary’s visit remains a notable highlight in Australia, showcasing the special ties between the two nations. Their affection for Mary’s homeland was palpable throughout their tour, a testament to the bond they have forged over the years.