Crown Prince Frederik and Mary Donaldson, Current Events 1: September 2002 - May 2004 - Page 14

hrhcp · #**261** 10-01-2003, 09:23 PM

One thing I notice about Mary, is that she has a normal look about her. In fact, I go as far to say that her future sister-in-law has more (of an exotic) beauty about her.

Mary - to me - just doesn't have that photogenic beauty, that screams for attention, that we have come to almost expect from the other CP's.

I wonder how much of this unassuming look has charmed Prince Fred? Not being overwhelmingly upstaged (aswas Prince Charles' misfortune), must have some appeal.

Alexandria · #**262** 10-01-2003, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by King Christian@Oct 1st, 2003 - 9:23 pm
One thing I notice about Mary, is that she has a normal look about her. In fact, I go as far to say that her future sister-in-law has more (of an exotic) beauty about her.

Mary - to me - just doesn't have that photogenic beauty, that screams for attention, that we have come to almost expect from the other CP's.

Julia and I had a conversation about this and while I can't speak on her behalf, the conclusion I've come to about why I'm not ga-ga for Mary is that she seems cold and elusive, the typical 'ice princess.' (Marie Chantal of Greece brings to mind the same connotations -- but that's another subject altogether.)

For me, it's not about whether Mary is beautiful or not or as beautiful as her future sister-in-law Alexandra. Mary to me is quite plain, but so is Mette-Marit and I like her. Mary just doesn't appear to be warm and friendly the way many of the women in the Danish royal family are, like Ingrid, Margrethe, Alexandra, Benedikte and Anne-Marie (now of Greece).

As for the other CP's, Mathilde was most certainly warm and friendly; Maxima had an undeniable spirit, energy and enthusiasm about her; and Mette-Marit because she was so wildly and sincerely in love with Haakon.

hrhcp · #**263** 10-01-2003, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Alexandria 
Posted: Oct 1st, 2003 - 9:53 pm

Julia and I had a conversation about this and while I can't speak on her behalf, the conclusion I've come to about why I'm not ga-ga for Mary is that she seems cold and elusive, the typical 'ice princess.' (Marie Chantal of Greece brings to mind the same connotations -- but that's another subject altogether.)

For me, it's not about whether Mary is beautiful or not or as beautiful as her future sister-in-law Alexandra. Mary to me is quite plain, but so is Mette-Marit and I like her. Mary just doesn't appear to be warm and friendly the way many of the women in the Danish royal family are, like Ingrid, Margrethe, Alexandra, Benedikte and Anne-Marie (now of Greece).

As for the other CP's, Mathilde was most certainly warm and friendly; Maxima had an undeniable spirit, energy and enthusiasm about her; and Mette-Marit because she was so wildly and sincerely in love with Haakon.

Plain .. wow ... what a putdown !!!

As plain as Mette-Marit, that is debateable. MM as her off days and her on days, I have noticed. Now, she certainly has the pregnant glow.

I think its worth more discussion .....
if we were to say that its a 'charisma' thing, where in this department does Mary appear to fall short?

Or .... what all does charisma mean????

Alexandria · #**264** 10-01-2003, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by King Christian@Oct 1st, 2003 - 10:04 pm
Plain .. wow ... what a putdown !!!

As plain as Mette-Marit, that is debateable. MM as her off days and her on days, I have noticed. Now, she certainly has the pregnant glow.

I think its worth more discussion .....
if we were to say that its a 'charisma' thing, where in this department does Mary appear to fall short?

Or .... what all does charisma mean????

King Christian, you are a most worthy discussion/debate partner!

I wouldn't consider plain a put down. Many people whom I would consider plain are still quite attractive. It just means that their beauty doesn't hit you immediately, that it takes a second or third look to see how attractive they really are - which is not wholly a bad thing. I myself don't care for the 'hit-you-in-the-face' with their beauty people - to me it makes me think that they must spend half their time primping in the mirror. Natural, wholesome beauty is much more appealing.

For me, charisma is a combination of things. Not evey person whom I might describe as charismatic will possess the same identical list of qualities.

I resort to the Crown Princesses ...

Maxima is charismatic in that she seems to have boundless energy and spirit, an infectious enthusiasm and the ability to focus in on people and make them feel important when she speaks to them.

Mathilde is charismatic in a more simple and quiet manner, warm, open and friendly, caring and compassionate and sympathetic; the kind of person whom if you were friends with her would give you her jacket if you were cold or food if you were hungry.

Mette-Marit is charismatic in a whole different manner in that she lived a life that has been 'challenging' - of her own doing, of course. But she seems to have gained a great amount of empathy from her previous life experience for others and I get from Mette-Marit that she is the kind of person who cares a lot about people and for whom things are very much 'all or nothing' - and when it's her all, it is quite impressive.

Other things that can be charismatic: intelligence, wit - not just a sense of humour, but intelligent humour, being complimentary in a sincere manner, confidence and respect for yourself and others.

Julia · #**265** 10-01-2003, 10:25 PM

King Christian is a very worthy debate partner!

Well, I know what Alexandria means and I think perhaps I can explain. Mary lacks an inner glow that the other Danish royals have. This is not about beauty (Mary's very girl-next-door). To me many people that we would call "normal" looking are wonderfully attractive people because they have warmth and a certain charisma. It's the spirit of the person.

You can see so much spirit, enthusiasim, warmth and appetite for life in Queen Margrethe.

Princess Alexandra exudes a quiet charisma.

Queen Anne-Marie has an unassuming beauty and grace.

Queen Ingrid was so very dignified and therefore handsome because of this dignity.

Mary smiles a great deal for the camera but is lacking in something. To me it's spirit and warmth. I don't doubt she's a bright woman. I don't believe that Frederik would marry an unintelligent woman but she's not very warm. At least not in the photos we've seen so far. She seems self-involved and very aware of the camera and how she looks. Yes, this is important for a woman who will be the future queen of Denmark but I prefer the image of someone like Mette-Marit or Maxima smiling out of joy instead of out of vanity. I know many people will disagree with me but, oh well, it's my opinion. :)

hrhcp · #**266** 10-01-2003, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Alexandria 
Posted: Oct 1st, 2003 - 9:53 pm

... doesn't appear to be warm and friendly the way many of the women in the Danish royal family are, like Ingrid, Margrethe, Alexandra, Benedikte and Anne-Marie (now of Greece).

I take exception with your view on the other lady Danes: Margrethe to me looks like she is uncomfortable in her own skin ... so the warmth is forced. The few pics I have seen of Ann-Marie is a bit of haughty. Benedikte looks the most natural of the 3 sisters. Ingrid I have no knowledge about. Alexandra just brings that exotic appeal with her, plus the fact that she knows she has Joachim's love.

Julia · #**267** 10-01-2003, 10:28 PM

Perhaps that is something that Mary is not certain of? That she has Frederik's love? Perhaps he is in that "well, she's here I might as well marry her if I have to get married anyway..." mode. Just a thought.

Alexandria · #**268** 10-01-2003, 10:34 PM

Julia ... joy, grace, dignity, appetite for life ... other great elements of charisma.

And I forgot to add passion. I once had to fill out a questionnaire at journalism school on what word was my most favourite word and also what word I found most sexy. (Yes, for us (geeky) journalists, words can be sexy&#33

For both, I put 'passion,' because someone who possesses it is so attractive and appealing because they care so intensely about someone or some subject.

Julia · #**269** 10-01-2003, 10:37 PM

Absolutely. I forgot passion and the other great elements of charisma. Without lust for life a person appears to be quite cold. It is this passion that makes what some would call "normal" looking people so incredibly attractive.

Alexandria · #**270** 10-01-2003, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by King Christian@Oct 1st, 2003 - 10:25 pm
I take exception with your view on the other lady Danes: Margrethe to me looks like she is uncomfortable in her own skin ... so the warmth is forced. The few pics I have seen of Ann-Marie is a bit of haughty. Benedikte looks the most natural of the 3 sisters. Ingrid I have no knowledge about. Alexandra just brings that exotic appeal with her, plus the fact that she knows she has Joachim's love.

Even though I'm just exhausted after a long day at work today and my bed is calling me, I could not resist and had to reply to King Christian's comments!

Anne-Marie is the furthest from being 'haughty' in my opinion. Whenever I see pictures of her she has an ever-present smile with a laugh tugging at the corners of her mouth and twinkling eyes. She seems to radiate happiness and joy with whomever she is in the presence of or whatever occasion she is attending, from glamorous royal galas to a walk in the park with her daughter and granddaughters.

And I don't think Margrethe is uncomfortable in her own skin at all. Maybe you are mistaking her uncomfortableness for her regalness and her grandeur. Of all the reigning Queens, I think Margrethe is the most regal. From what I understand, while Margrethe most certainly has expectations about how the Danish court should be conducted and what the proper protocols for things should be, she also has a sense of the whimsical and fun to her. Witness her numerous artistic endeavours, from her art exhibits, book illustrating to ballet costume designing.

hrhcp · #**271** 10-01-2003, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Josefine 
Posted: Oct 1st, 2003 - 2:16 am

I wonder ... just looking at the picture of Mary .... there might be something to what Julia says.

Could it be said that there is some apprehension here (anxiety/fear of the unknown) ? ... certainly justified in a way.

Be interesting to see what time brings about ....

Josefine · #**272** 10-02-2003, 05:09 AM

www.billed-bladet.dk

Ni dages romantisk forlovelses-ferie sluttede i det sydlige Italien, hvor Mary og Frederik smilende kom BILLED-BLADET i møde.

–Vi har haft en dejlig ferie – og nu glæder vi os til at komme hjem til forlovelsen.
Kronprinsen og hans udkårne, Mary Donaldson, strålede som to små italienske sole, da de mødte BILLED-BLADET i Brindisi, havnebyen helt nede mod syd på Italiens hæl. Byen er mest kendt for sin massive tilstrømning af bådflygtninge fra Balkan, men i tirsdags fik lillebyen pludseligt og uventet kongeligt besøg. Her sluttede kronprinseparret deres diskrete ferie før forlovelsen.
Mary og Frederik vender hjem fra ni romantiske dage, solbrændte og sprængfyldt med energi.

the newest picture

visitor · #**273** 10-02-2003, 05:54 PM

Quote:

One thing I notice about Mary, is that she has a normal look about her. In fact, I go as far to say that her future sister-in-law has more (of an exotic) beauty about her.

Mary - to me - just doesn't have that photogenic beauty, that screams for attention, that we have come to almost expect from the other CP's.

Alexandra is attractive, but there is something else about her that's very appealing. She looks warm, happy and friendly.

I agree with your assessment of Mary. She is average looking and doesn't have that charisma that catches attention. There is just nothing special about her, she's average. Maybe that's why so many posters don't like the idea of her as a crown princess.

anna · #**274** 10-04-2003, 05:50 PM

Crown Prince Frederik and Mary Donaldson attended a wedding saturday 4.october.

First photo of them holding hands !

Alexandria · #**275** 10-04-2003, 10:50 PM

Thank you Anna for the link, here is the picture ... Can't see her ring though :(

DET ER SÅ YNDIGT...: Mary holdt godt fast på sin kommende forlovede, da de i går var til bryllup i Tikøb i Nordsjælland. Og de var blandt venner: Brudgommen Jørgen Skeel er Frederiks ven gennem mange år, og det var på hans gods i Nordjylland, at Mary oplevede sin første danske nytåraften. Foto: Jørgen Jessen

Alexandria · #**276** 10-04-2003, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Julia@Oct 1st, 2003 - 10:28 pm
Perhaps that is something that Mary is not certain of? That she has Frederik's love? Perhaps he is in that "well, she's here I might as well marry her if I have to get married anyway..." mode. Just a thought.

Julia, I hope you are wrong about this, that Frederik isn't just marrying Mary because she's "there." I hope that he has chosen to marry for love because regardless of whatever obstacles Mary may be facing in the coming weeks and months, if she has Frederik's love (and is certain of it) then she will be able to make it through okay.

(Yes, I am one of those hopeless romantics who believes that love wil get you through anything.

)

thissal · #**277** 10-05-2003, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Alexandria@Oct 4th, 2003 - 8:36 pm
Julia, I hope you are wrong about this, that Frederik isn't just marrying Mary because she's "there." I hope that he has chosen to marry for love because regardless of whatever obstacles Mary may be facing in the coming weeks and months, if she has Frederik's love (and is certain of it) then she will be able to make it through okay.

Who knows for certain, but it kinda seems like Julia might be right. Frederik doesn't have that look of love. See that picture with his hands in his pockets a few posts above. What's he hiding? B)

The look of love is unmistakable from the husbands of the other 3 crown princesses M. Maybe if Mary would dye her hair blond, she might have more fun and appear to have more pizzazz and dazzle, uh oh, I mean charisma. Also a big toothy white sparkling smile does wonders for charisma. That could be taken care of by some aggressive orthodontic work, and there you'd have it -- a vibrant crown princess. :P

But, here's something else to consider. What does a princess do who can't win the heart of her crown prince? She woos the public maybe? The Danish people might be in for a real treat afterall.

anna · #**278** 10-05-2003, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Alexandria@Oct 5th, 2003 - 4:50 am
Can't see her ring though  :(

They are not engaged yet.

I believe it has been their decision - not flaunt their emotions towards one another - in public - until now - when it is official that - their engagement will happen in a few days.

That's why (imo) - we have not seen photos of this couple beeing cosy in any way -_- until this wedding :flower:

BUT for those writing Crown Prince Frederik not showing signs of a man in love

- imo you are so wrong - his general expression as well as his visible attitude in life - have changed so much from his pre-Mary days.

In some photos post-24.september - he actually looks ridiculously happy. :stuart:

paulette · #**279** 10-05-2003, 10:34 AM

Crown Prince Frederik and Mary Donaldson attend wedding at Tikoeb Church in northern Sealand, where Joergen Skeel, a good friend of Frederik, and Marie Louise Toft were married.

:)

Tikoeb Church, Denmark - Crownprince Frederik and Mary Donaldson attended the wedding of Joergen Skeel, a good friend of Frederik, and Marie Louise Toft at Tikoeb Church in northern Sealand.

Tikoeb Church, Denmark - Crownprince Frederik and Mary Donaldson attended the wedding of Joergen Skeel, a good friend of Frederik, and Marie Louise Toft at Tikoeb Church in northern Sealand.

Tikoeb Church, Denmark - Crownprince Frederik and Mary Donaldson attended the wedding of Joergen Skeel, a good friend of Frederik, and Marie Louise Toft at Tikoeb Church in northern Sealand.

sunlesstanning · #**280** 10-05-2003, 01:10 PM

NIce pictures above. Fred is starting to smile more when he's next to her once the engagment has been out. He looks very happy.

Note: I like Mary's outfit and how she does her hair. Most of you might not. It's young and trendy. But I'm not sure if this is appropriate for the future crown princess to wear.