Crown Princess Mary’s Education: Subjects, Schools…

[Jasl]

I'm an Accountant with three degrees. (Real Estate/Law/Accounting) I chose the Accounting area to further my career

CD, I didn't mean to crow (I jsut found it funny), but you are lucky in that you are able to explain the reason why you're not admitted. Otherwise you and Mary are on the same boat in this respect - you both have a law degree but have not been admitted as lawyers. But the thing is having a law degree and not being admitted as a lawyer should not be a cause for criticism. I have friends who obtained graduate positions at Pricewaterhouse and KPMG because they are able to say "I am able to offer you an Economics/Law degree". This probably leaves Disctinction average Accounting graduate scratching their heads as to why they didn't get in. But the fact is that a combined degree is always stronger - and it is perhaps for this reason (and not because they want to be admitted as a lawyer) that many high school leavers in Australia are opting for a combined degree (see SMH, I think 27 Dec?, with an article on school leavers opting for combined degrees).

Anyway, Mary's CV indicates that she did concetrate on Accounting. People say she changed directions - but her CV shows that for the most part, her jobs have always been accounting jobs. She might have worked in an advertising company, a real estate company etc, but she was always in an accounting role.

And this also keeps coming up:

then choose menial jobs....

Which jobs is this referring to?? Perhaps the teaching job in France, but I think its very very unlikely that Mary wanted to do that forever. I think it was something she did for interest. Apart from that, there's NOTHING else in her CV that screams "menial job".

And I don't think it's valid to say that just because we know someone who has used the title "Accounting Director" eventhough that person's job is a menial one, then we can automatically assume that Mary too only had menial jobs. It's like saying just because some low level manager has described themselves as CEO automatically means that all CEOs do the job of a low level manager. It just doesn't hold.

IMO, it's more likely that (and keeping in mind that her old employers are able to see her CV on the internet now) that she correctly described her role and her title. Since there has been no complaints from her old employers about how she has described her roles, I think it's more likely that she did do it correctly - no exaggeration. Yet people here start off from the view that she did exaggerate . I just find this so confusing.

We have all experienced death in some form or fashion and yes it does make you question life and what it's all about.But lets not use this as an excuse for her lifestyle choices.

And what's this "lifestyle choices" that everyone seems to be harping on about? I really don't think Mary is immoral! (my gosh, if moving overseas to be with someone you like or moving in with them is immoral, then half of couples in big cities are immoral!!! anyway, who are we to judge someone else's morality?? are we so pure??) If this "lifestyle choice" is with regards to the job changes, then yes, I do think that her mum's passing away was a factor. Who are we to say "let's not use it as an excuse" when others who have lost loved ones fall into a deep depression after losing their loved ones. I don't judge them - I don't call them weak. If someone questions their life and changes jobs/career direction after losing a loved one, I don't say "stop messing around and try to be stable". Who am I to say this?? If I said this in real life, I'd probably get a slap in the face.

Anyway, sorry if this is getting too personal. But personal facts have been put up as proof/explanations and, rightly ot wrongly, I've tried to grapple with it here.

She just has to master the Danish language now and familirise herself with the Danish culture. That shouldn't be too hard.

From all indications, it is extremely hard. Hey! Hendrik can't even do it after decades in Denmark!! and his education/career beforehand can't be dismissed as menial. I think learning languages is a skill, some find it easy, some don't - like learning a musical instrument. It can't be directly equated to intelligence level (what's intelligence anyway?).

[anna]

Originally posted by Jasl@Dec 28th, 2003 - 11:55 pm
Perhaps the teaching job in France, but I think its very very unlikely that Mary wanted to do that forever. I think it was something she did for interest.

Mary worked as a teacher in business english in Paris, France - spring 2002.

You know, that period of time some of the media told that Mary was living at Amalienborg palace and other royal and/or noble houses in Denmark.

Post the 24.september 2003 publication of Mary's cv - some media have described Mary's life in Paris - but most of them go on with their old, wrong assumptions - that she lived in Denmark from she moved to Europe december 2001 - so I really don't blame posters for not getting this point - as many journalists still haven't ...

Mary moved to Denmark august 2002.

Mary started at Microsoft 5. september 2002 and left them 24.september 2003.

[lori]

Originally posted by Alexandria+Dec 28th, 2003 - 4:37 pm--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Alexandria @ Dec 28th, 2003 - 4:37 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-lori@Dec 28th, 2003 - 4:31 pm
On one occasion, Former Washington post publisher Katerine (forgot her last name, her memoire won pulizer prize)

I think you mean the late Katharine Graham? [/b][/quote]
Yes. that's her. she had a very interesting conversation with Diana, was what she called it. My impression (strictly my opinion) of her interview is that she thought these royals (or at least just Diana) had limited vision. They don't go above or beyond duties to learn anything interesting.
Sometimes I got the impression that all those charity events for these rich and famous (including royals) are just for social reasons than personal interests. What do you think?

[CD.]

I am not a lawyer as I never practiced as one-I'm an Accountant because I have a knack for numbers.(and it pays very well) And yes a combined degree did get me further ahead. But now a days it's my past work experience that is questioned not my degrees.

I always question Job titles as I have heard many people being called various things(ie Teachers, Accountants etc etc) but they actually do nothing of the sort. What I wanted to know is did Mary anywhere(in an interview or any Journalists found out) actually elaborate what she actually did in any of her various positions or are we relying on her CV?

[Chanel]

Just because the Princess has never been a lawyer, doesn't mean that she doesn't have a law degree!

[flcty]

I was wondering what subjects did Mary take during her final years of school or what subjects did she do in high school and what language did she learn?
I know that she took economics in year 11.

[Hotdog]

From the DR documentary and Ninka interview it appears that Mary was probably studying mostly science subjects in lower high school intending to do vetinary studies.

She changed plan and focused mainly on economics and other business subjects in her final two years of high school (metriculation college).

It appears that she studied French at high school. I don't think she took this on to metriculation level though, so probably only years 8 to 10.

During this time Mary was also very much into extra-curricular activities: sports, sports and more sports. She was also the chairman of her high school student council.

[flcty]

Originally Posted by Hotdog

From the DR documentary and Ninka interview it appears that Mary was probably studying mostly science subjects in lower high school intending to do vetinary studies.

She changed plan and focused mainly on economics and other business subjects in her final two years of high school (metriculation college).

It appears that she studied French at high school. I don't think she took this on to metriculation level though, so probably only years 8 to 10.

During this time Mary was also very much into extra-curricular activities: sports, sports and more sports. She was also the chairman of her high school student council.

Thank you .

[grevinnan]

It was stated earlier in this thread that Mary is a law graduate. That is not correct. She has an undergraduate degree in commerce and law which is quite different. Although her education involved some law classes - common in many business related degrees - she is in no way a law graduate.

[Jo of Palatine]

Originally Posted by grevinnan

It was stated earlier in this thread that Mary is a law graduate. That is not correct. She has an undergraduate degree in commerce and law which is quite different. Although her education involved some law classes - common in many business related degrees - she is in no way a law graduate.

She is a law graduate. She has a Baccalaureat in law (LL.B). We had a long dicussion including knowledgeable members from different parts of the world and found that Mary, while not being a lawyer, could be one if she chose only to take an extra course and is entitled to the academic title of Bachelor in law. Just check her (and Fredericks) website.

[Polly]

Originally Posted by grevinnan

It was stated earlier in this thread that Mary is a law graduate. That is not correct. She has an undergraduate degree in commerce and law which is quite different. Although her education involved some law classes - common in many business related degrees - she is in no way a law graduate.

You are quite wrong, grevinnan. 'Some law classes' does not entitle anyone to place LL.B. after their names. Mary has a full-fledged Law degree. With a year's articles (legal apprenticeship, in a way), she'd be permitted to practise as a sollicitor and/or barrister.

It surprises me that those who have no experience of nor direct knowledge of Australia's university systems are so persistent in denying Mary's educational attainments. To those of us who hold combined degrees (BA.LL.B) it's actually wearisome and somewhat offensive.

[grevinnan]

The information regarding mixed vs straight law degrees came from an attorney who is educated both in Australia and the US and also a lawyer.

[Polly]

Originally Posted by grevinnan

The information regarding mixed vs straight law degrees came from an attorney who is educated both in Australia and the US and also a lawyer.

Then whoever he or she was, they're wrong! Further, I don't believe that anyone educated in Law in Australia, which closely follows the UK model, would make such an egregious faux pas. CP Mary is an authentic Law Graduate. I am myself.

This is not a 'Mary zone', per se. However, it's commond decency to give credit where it's due, and CP Mary's credit is higher than many others, in my opinion.

My apologies for taking so long to respond.

Polly

[Little_star]

Originally Posted by Polly

Then whoever he or she was, they're wrong! Further, I don't believe that anyone educated in Law in Australia, which closely follows the UK model, would make such an egregious faux pas. CP Mary is an authentic Law Graduate. I am myself.

This is not a 'Mary zone', per se. However, it's commond decency to give credit where it's due, and CP Mary's credit is higher than many others, in my opinion.

My apologies for taking so long to respond.

Polly

I cannot comment on Australia, but here in the UK joint honours degrees like Mary's can pose a problem for law students.

It's important to check whether the degree itself contains enough "law" to constitute a qualifying law degree. Its only if you posess a qualifying law degree that you can then go on to undertake the LPC/BVC. If it does not contain the core legal elements then you must do a conversion course before you continue with your degree.

I'm not sure if the Aussie system is identical but there's a strong chance that here in the UK a joint honours degree, like Mary's, would not be enough to continue with a legal career.

[Lozza]

Not from what I know. The combined courses are actully two seperate degrees that you complete at the same time. I didn't do law myself but a number of people I went to school with (in 2000) are all now practising law. If you go to uni and do a combined degree you HAVE a law degree and that's that.

Anyone who told you that an Australian who does a Commerce/Law degree cannot become a lawyer is a flat out liar. They have to do their articles (or Bar) Until they do that, they are considered a law graduate, which is what Mary is.

[BurberryBrit]

Originally Posted by Little_star

It's important to check whether the degree itself contains enough "law" to constitute a qualifying law degree. Its only if you posess a qualifying law degree that you can then go on to undertake the LPC/BVC. If it does not contain the core legal elements then you must do a conversion course before you continue with your degree.

That doesn't make any sense. To obtain a degree, you have to complete a certain amount of courses and do a certain number of credits (or whatever the equivalent is in Australia). Your quote is implying that taking a few law classes is sufficient enought to give one a law degree. That is obviously not the case. I'm assuming that any law degree program is structured in such a way that the core classes are included. So if Mary was granted a law degree then she took the full course load.

[Sister Morphine]

I might be wrong, but you can only get a JD (juris doctor, or law degree) in Law School. I went to Georgia State and they have an excellent law school and if you want to be a lawyer, that's where you go to get your degree.

Unless Mary went to law school, she didn't get a law degree.

[BurberryBrit]

Originally Posted by Sister Morphine

I might be wrong, but you can only get a JD (juris doctor, or law degree) in Law School. I went to Georgia State and they have an excellent law school and if you want to be a lawyer, that's where you go to get your degree.

Unless Mary went to law school, she didn't get a law degree.

From wikipedia:

"While universities in nations with legal systems based on the common law generally still award the LL.B. degree as the first professional law degree, some law schools in Canada, Hong Kong, and Australia have renamed or changed LL.B. to J.D., or simply offer both J.D. and LL.B.

A number of universities such as Australia's University of Melbourne, Hong Kong's Chinese University of Hong Kong offer both first-entry and second-entry first professional degrees in law: the LL.B. is offered as a four year program for secondary school graduates, while the Juris Doctor is offered as a two to three year (6-trimester) program for "mature graduates with a good degree in a discipline other than law and significant employment experience, and for lawyers who have a civil law degree"

I think it's safe to say Mary received a law degree (wiki says the LLB is regarded as a professional law degree) but didn't practice law. Even with the change from LLB to JD, the JD would be for those who already have the LLB degree or are already professionals in another field.

[Little_star]

Originally Posted by Lozza

Not from what I know. The combined courses are actully two seperate degrees that you complete at the same time. I didn't do law myself but a number of people I went to school with (in 2000) are all now practising law. If you go to uni and do a combined degree you HAVE a law degree and that's that.

Anyone who told you that an Australian who does a Commerce/Law degree cannot become a lawyer is a flat out liar. They have to do their articles (or Bar) Until they do that, they are considered a law graduate, which is what Mary is.

I was referring to the UK when I made my comment, I said that in the first sentence of my post, if you re-read it.. UK law degrees have to have 7 core topics studied and often combined degrees don't fulfil that requirement.

That's why Mary's degree has surprised me because I didn't think you could do a combined law degree without doing a conversion afterwards.

[Lizy]

Excuse me if I'm being ignorant but has Mary every actually said or referred to herself as a lawyer? I don't understand all the debate re whether Mary could have become a lawyer if she wanted as it seems from her career path that she had no intention of ever becoming a practicing lawyer. It seems to me that magazines etc have seen that she did a degree which included law in the title and have jumped on it.