What was confusing me was that it seemed like the exact same schedule from day two, but in a different city. Thank you, I suppose that that is what is happening.
That's basically what it is.
The primary reasons for this visit is to strengthen the bonds between Australia and Denmark on an official level
and to increase commerce between our two countries.
The secondary reason (still important though) is to show off M&F (Mary in particular) and their family in order to create positive pr for Denmark.
It's really all very pragmatic.
Mary is fulfilling an ancient role for people marrying into royal families. I.e. being a living "bridge" between two countries and as such establish and maintain good relations between two countries. - So far she is doing that very, very well.
If there is something we Danes are good at historically speaking, it's trade. The DRF is a tool in that respect. - We are in many ways used-horse traders.
Foreigners have married into our royal family since forever so using Mary to maintain good relations with Australia in her case, is a natural thing to do. And this is important; once she was accepted by the tribe she can get away with singing the Australian anthem until her voice cracks and she could get away with spending Christmas in Australia several times as well because she is one of ours. - To an extent of course. Turn your back on your tribe, who has welcomed you and you are out...
If you'll permit me to analyze the national character of the Australians. I view the Australians as a tribe as well, with a very fierce and distinct sense of belonging. One of your members, Mary, married into a different and far away tribe and now she is back visiting and you are looking at her. Has she forgotten the old tribe? Abandoned us for good? And you are nodding in appreciation when she shows traits of the old ways. She hasn't turned her back on us. - And Frederik is wise in staying in the background and showing respect.
Well, I'll leave it to the resident Aussies to judge whether I'm completely off the mark.
Thanks Lady Rosie & Madame Royale.
As you know I notice all sorts of weird details, so expect more like that....