The Danish Order of Precendence

[MissP]

.... She (<CP Mary>) has an immense curtsey though! On the pictures I wondered what she doing, and then in the video I saw it in action. I think she has bouncy shins! ....

[Terri Terri]

Originally Posted by MissP

Thanks Marika and Dazzling.

I'm not sure I liked Mary's coat but it did suit her, and pattern and style-wise did disguise her bump. She has an immense curtsey though! On the pictures I wondered what she doing, and then in the video I saw it in action. I think she has bouncy shins!

I thought Marie looked stunning. The whole outfit was gorgeous, and she shone.

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Amen! I don't know how a 5 months pregnant woman with twins can curtsey that low, but Mary did!!! It is a testament to how physically fit CP Mary is!

[Commonconsort]

I did not like Marys outfit - too many clashing colours for my liking , and her curtsey still seems very awkward.

[Emmily]

Originally Posted by Commonconsort

Thanks for the pix and video. nice to see everyone together.
I did not like Marys outfit - too many clashing colours for my liking , and her curtsey still seems very awkward.
Marie looks wonderful as always.

I think the growing belly may have had something to do with Mary's curtsy looking awkward

[Terri Terri]

I think the growing belly may have had something to do with Mary's curtsy looking awkward

Exactly! At least she was able to curtsy..and that low too - 5 months pregnant and carrying twins no less! I wonder how many women would be able to do the same - pregnant or not!

At least CP Mary's father-in-law was very appreciative of her curtsy
Se alle billederne: Folketingets åbning | www.bt.dk (PHOTO 19)
Se alle billederne: Folketingets åbning | www.bt.dk (PHOTO 20)
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And so was the Queen!
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[COUNTESS]

It is more important to ask why anyone curtseys, which is riduclous. Lord knows, pregnant with twins that was quite an effort.

[Madame Royale]

Originally Posted by COUNTESS

Mary looked great. Nothing clashing. Bold, clashing means "not going together". It is more important to ask why anyone curtseys, which is riduclous. Lord knows, pregnant with twins that was quite an effort.

Mary's curtsy's are often quite deep, by her own choice, and she seems perfectly content with that.

It really comes down to tradition. A sign of respect for the position in what is fundamentally a hierarchy. Call it archaic if you should so wish, but it's only rediculous if you don't understand why it is what it is and why it's still performed by those who are happy to do so.

That said, I quite agree. She looked lovely.

[MARG]

Originally Posted by MissP

She has an immense curtsey though! On the pictures I wondered what she doing, and then in the video I saw it in action. I think she has bouncy shins!

I have to agree, Mary's curtsey is definitely very low but then again, so is Marie's, as demonstrated in the video where we saw her curtsey to Prince Henrik. I am awed that Mary is able to accomplish such grace at five months pregnant though. I have noticed that both princesses only give such formal curtsey's at "State" occassions such as this.

[Madame Royale]

Originally Posted by MARG

I have noticed that both princesses only give such formal curtsey's at "State" occassions such as this.

Only when in public, so it would seem

[Sternchen]

I think you are right because I remember Marie curtseying to QMII when they met at the Ballet. (Marie was pregnant at that time)

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by Madame Royale

Only when in public, so it would seem

Sure it's part of the show.

No need to make a song and dance act, when there is no audience around, is there?
I think QMII is grand enough to only expect a kiss on the cheek, when they meet in private.

[Madame Royale]

Originally Posted by Muhler

Sure it's part of the show.

And I for one love it

No need to make a song and dance act, when there is no audience around, is there?

I think QMII is grand enough to only expect a kiss on the cheek, when they meet in private.

Agreed.

[Commonconsort]

Originally Posted by Madame Royale

Mary's curtsy's are often quite deep, by her own choice, and she seems perfectly content with that.

It really comes down to tradition. A sign of respect for the position in what is fundamentally a hierarchy. Call it archaic if you should so wish, but it's only rediculous if you don't understand why it is what it is and why it's still performed by those who are happy to do so.

That said, I quite agree. She looked lovely.

How do you know it is by her own choice ??

Originally Posted by Madame Royale

Only when in public, so it would seem

Again, how do you know what they do in private ?

[nwinther]

I think the courtsy is pretty well rehersed and also well "founded". If you look at who does it, it's the non-royal women. The Queens sister didn't courtsy, nor does her sons bow deeply. It's not something Mary or Marie came up with on their own accord. More likely it's something (re)instated by the Queen who has a certain fondness for tradition and rituals (many of which her own mother, Ingrid, removed).

Personally, I absolutely love it when women courtsy their "superiours" (be it small children that courtsy their grandparents on their 25 or 50th anniversary, or "civilians" meeting persons of another rank (i.e. royalty, ministers or presidents), just as I liked that Søren Espersen (mp) bowed his head visibly, whereas Mogens Lykketoft and Holger K. Nielsen merely nodded (at best). (All three are members of the parliaments official leadership - Presidiet - not sure what it is in English). Boys and girls have forgotten how to greet their elders in a polite manner. And after all, this is not the odd lady in the street, but Royalty, for goodness sake!

I'm also pretty sure that it's only as pronounced when they meet in public. I doubt that the Queen expects her Daughter-in-Law to courtesy when they pass each-other in the hallway, but I wouldn't be surprised if a minor "marked" courtsy could sneak itself in when they meet informally. But that's pure speculation.

[Muhler]

Originally Posted by Commonconsort

Again, how do you know what they do in private ?

We can't know for certain, without asking the DRF.

From what I've seen on documentaries, and other meetings photographed from a distance Mary at least only kiss QMII and Prince Henrik on the cheek, when they meet.

When they are on the job Mary and the fair Marie curtesey.
Apart from being appropriate, i.e. showing respect for the head of state I also find it charming.

[dee4855]

Originally Posted by Commonconsort

How do you know it is by her own choice ??

There has been many pictures and videos over the years that show Mary doing this. You can tell she has a deep respect and IMO love for her MIL.
I would think when she was going through her "training classes" for becoming a royal and a member of the DRF this is the way she was taught to greet her MIL in public. Why is it such a big deal now? When President Obama was there she also greeted Queen Sofia in the same way. A very deep curtsey. They deserve the respect that is shown to them.

[Madame Royale]

Originally Posted by Commonconsort

How do you know it is by her own choice ??

Because if she didn't want to curtsy so deep, she's under no obligation to do so. There is no set 'depth' by which a curtsy can be accurately measured, as logic would have it . . .

Again, how do you know what they do in private ?

Lets call it a substantiated argument that every time Mary greets her parents in-law in private it's with a kiss, not a curtsy.

The documentaries or photographic accounts I've seen over the past 7 years support the statement.

It's a wonderful thing to have an opinion formed with sources of a credible nature that are available to anyone who should care to make the most of them :)

[dee4855]

Originally Posted by Madame Royale

Because if she didn't want to curtsy so deep, she's under no obligation to do so. There is no set 'depth' by which a curtsy can be accurately measured, as logic would have it . . .

LOL MR be ready to be asked are you sure on this one. This is getting very old very fast. Great answers as always!

[Sternchen]

LOL MR, you are great

[Terri Terri]

Well done MR! Well done indeed!